Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 65682 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 328(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 219(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65682 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 328(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 219(@300wpm)
“He’s an asshole,” I agree, “but right now, the concern is keeping the law off our collective asses.”
“That’s the thing.” She practically shouts as she turns to remove the eggs from the heat, skillfully sliding two on each plate before she turns back to me, arms folded. “How is this okay? He is literally putting the family business at risk with his behavior because he’s too concerned with my love life.”
I don’t understand it either but she’s already riled up, and I don’t want to add to her anger. “People get crazy when it comes to protecting their loved ones.”
“Bullshit,” she spits scornfully. “This isn’t about me. He’s upset because he thinks we’re together, and he doesn’t like it. And the crazy part? This isn’t even about you and me. He’s pissed off that a woman killed Alejandro.”
I bark out a laugh. “That’s some immature shit right there, babe. But right now, it is what it is, and we need to get back.”
“I know. But we should eat first.” She hands me a plate with two eggs and two slices of toast. “We deserve it after the night we’ve had.”
“It’s still night,” I remind her with a smile.
“Another reason to hate my brother,” she grins and takes a bite of her breakfast. “I had plans for you after this refueling.”
My gaze meets hers, and I smile. “No shit. I planned to make you come all over this cabin.”
She shivers. “Fucking Emiliano,” she growls again but it ends with a laugh. “At least we got a few hours together.” Her heart is in her eyes, and I know she feels the same connection I do.
It’s just too damn bad we’re both powerless to do anything about it.
“Don’t walk away from me again, Valentina.” I don’t even care that I’m begging.
“I won’t. It nearly killed me the last time.”
“Ah, fuck, babe.” I close the distance between us, putting both of our plates in the sink and pulling her into my arms, kissing her because I’m desperate for another taste of her. After this latest stunt, who knows when I’ll get to see her next. I pick her up by the waist and set her on the countertop, stepping between her legs.
We need no words as Valentina wraps her legs around my waist and shoves my boxers down until my cock is free. Then she reaches between us, stroking me a few times before guiding me into her pussy.
Right there in the kitchen we come together, hard, fast and explosive. It’s perfect, and it’s hot, and it’s un-fucking-forgettable. “You are so fucking perfect,” I growl against her ear, smiling at how she shivers in my arms.
“It’s not nearly enough,” she whispers back. “It’ll never be enough.”
No woman has ever had the power to unravel me the way she does. Even in Costa Rica, she could disarm me with a smile. One laugh can make me scale mountains just to hear the next one. “You’re my sweet Valentine.”
“I like it when you call me that,” she answers and looks me deep in my eyes like she wants to say more.
But we don’t have the time for that now. We shower together and dress quickly. “Put this on,” I tell her and toss my hoodie in her direction.
“I’m keeping it,” she says and slips it over her head with a smile.
“You can wear it the next time I see you.”
We take a few minutes to tidy the cabin before I lock the door behind us. Maybe next time we’ll have more time together.
We snap on our helmets, and the engine roars to life beneath us. Seconds later, the bike is speeding along the path around the lake, through the small town, and onto the road. I hop on and off the freeway just in case her idiot brother has the police on our tail. There’s no way he knows about this place—no one does—but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.
With her arms tight around me and the wind whipping against me, I can almost pretend we’re just out for a ride instead of heading home to an uncertain future together.
We arrive at Angel Harbor just as the morning traffic picks up, and I pull into the parking garage beneath the hotel, right up to the elevator.
I kill the engine and remove my helmet, the gravity of our situation sinking in. Valentina's eyes brim with tears, and she reaches up to touch my face, her thumb gently caressing my cheek. “Promise me we’ll figure this out, Dix.”
“I will,” I tell her. “I promise.” I wait until the elevator doors close to take her to her suite when I realize what a big fucking lie that is.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Valentina
As the elevator climbs, my anger rises with it. By the time the doors slide open on the family floor, I'm ready for battle. I storm straight to Papa’s suite, where I’m sure all I’ll find the men waiting with my father. My heart pounds as I shove the doors open, letting them smack against the walls. I don’t even wince, my gaze locked on my infuriating little brother.