Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83236 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83236 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“Let me go, Torin. I’m not staying here tonight. I’m not one of your many girls. I won’t allow you to think I am.”
“I don’t think that, Skylar. Hell, I couldn’t think that even if I wanted to. Haven’t you been listening to me at all? You’re all I want. You’re all I’ve wanted for three years.”
“How do you expect me to react to that?” I snort, shaking my head at him.
“Like you believe me would be a good start.”
“I’m not sure I do. You’ve done a pretty thorough job of proving to me you didn’t want me at all over the years, Torin.”
“I know I don’t have a right to ask, but if you let go of the past, I promise you, Peaches, that I’ll never let you regret it.”
“I don’t know if I can trust that …”
“Tonight, let me show you exactly how I feel about you, Skylar.”
“You have a fucking hook on the wall for your women, Torin. And the term women is used loosely here, because I know that whore was the main one. The whore you chose over me. I’m not staying in this bed. My door is fixed. I’m going back to my room.”
“While you’re condemning me, at least try to keep in mind how young you were and what a fucking shock it was for me to learn not only who you were, but your age—all while dealing with having a taste of you and knowing I couldn’t have it again.”
“If that’s how you felt, then why fight for more now?”
“Because I was wrong. I don’t give a fuck that I’m too old, or that you could do a fuck of a lot better. I’m your man. I’m going to keep fighting until you finally give in and let me show you what we could be together.”
“Torin …” I let out a sigh because I’m not sure what I’m feeling right now.
“I can’t do this all by myself, Peaches. You need to take a chance.”
“I’m not sure I’m brave enough,” I admit, feeling weak. Yet more than that, I just feel tired. I feel like I’ve been fighting for Torin’s attention for most of my life and the end result has always been pain. I’d be stupid to ignore that.
His hand snakes under my hair as it curls against the side of my neck. “That’s bullshit. You’re the strongest woman I’ve ever known in my life. Let me prove that you’re safe with me.”
“I’m really not putting my ass back in that bed, Torin.”
I look up at him, stumbling as I half-heartedly resist when he pulls me against him. “Then we’ll go to your room tonight.”
I moisten my lips with the tip of my tongue because I know what I’m about to do and where it will probably lead. I’m not sure I’m ready, but I can’t worry about it right now. The simple truth is, I want Torin close to me, even if I’m not a hundred percent positive about his motives—or his actions, for that matter.
“Fine,” I mutter. “You better not make me regret this, asshole,” I mutter. Torin’s laughter rings out immediately and I do my best to hide my smile. I really do love hearing him laugh.
Damn it, I’m in so much trouble. I have been since the first night we met and it’s becoming clear to me I’m never going to make my heart stop wanting this man. Maybe I’m wrong for giving in, but I don’t want to fight it. I’m tired of fighting. I want Torin and I’m going to reach out and take him. If it doesn’t last and my heart gets crushed? I’ve survived that kind of pain before. I can do it again.
God, I really hope I can, because this time I have a feeling that losing Torin could completely destroy me.
Chapter 24
Joker
The night I had planned has suddenly changed. I can’t be myself with Skylar tonight. She’s not ready for it. I’ll need to keep a large part of myself hidden for a little longer. It’s not who I am to do that. Right now, however, I don’t have a choice. She’s scared to let go with me. It’s my fault, I own that. I don’t think I realized the damage I was inflicting on Skylar. It hurt her deeply. Shit, I think I made her doubt her self-worth and now I need to figure out how to fix that. Back in my room, she was panicking. She looked so terrified that I actually felt sorry for her—while also hating myself. I knew I couldn’t push her anymore. My woman needs a gentle touch. That might not be who I am—at least to someone who doesn’t understand the way I live. Eventually, she will learn everything I am and that she’s safe with me. Fuck, she’s more secure with me than anywhere. Until I can make her believe that, I’m going to be who I think she needs me to be.