Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49388 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49388 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
The tension radiating from her is palpable, but I don’t make a move to touch her, and she doesn’t move closer to me. With the truth so newly out there between us, I’m feeling nervous and I’m guessing she is too. We’ve been a part of each other’s lives for so long now, and I can’t pinpoint when things changed between us, but they did. And now, we’re going to take a step into the unknown.
For years, I’ve kept myself distracted with random girls whose families weren’t part of the Sovereign in Tynewood. I didn’t want to mess with the chain of command, and I didn’t need to bring trouble to my door, so I also steered clear of one-night-stands who wanted to learn more about the society.
The existence of the Gilded Sovereign is common knowledge in our small town. Everyone is aware of who the members are, but they don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. Our families have always made sure to keep our secrets well hidden.
With Grecia, it’s different because she is the daughter and stepdaughter of Elders. She knows all about the violence and destruction that come with being a Crown, and she understands what it’s like to have to keep things from the people around you. It’s the main reason we don’t make friends with anyone outside our circle.
As soon as the town car pulls to a stop outside Thane’s house, my chest tightens. Having exited the vehicle, I offer Grecia my hand and lead her up to the front door. It’s opened by the housekeeper who allows us in.
In the living room, I let go of Grecia’s hand and make my way to the liquor cabinet to pour us both a drink. We’ll need it if we’re going to talk about feelings. More so for me than for her.
I settle on the sofa, my gaze locked on hers. I watch as she sips the whiskey I’ve given her and note the wince on her pretty face at the burn of the alcohol.
“What are we doing?” she asks, and in that moment, I want nothing more than for her to reassure me and tell me this is going to work.
I haven’t told the guys I’m lonely. I hate that I am. I’ve been aware of feeling isolated for a long while now, but I don’t allow it to affect me. Instead, I keep pushing it to the back of my mind.
“Drinking,” I reply as I raise my glass.
She doesn’t move. I want her to come to me, to kiss me, to do something. But I don’t ask, and she doesn’t take the lead. All the confidence I had earlier is ebbing away because I know it’s no longer possible for me to walk away, and the moment we take the next step, I’m not going to want her to be with anyone else ever again.
Grecia settles in the armchair opposite me with her gaze locked on mine. Her eyes shimmer like gemstones, holding riches beyond my imagination.
“Are you going to admit you want me?” I ask, pushing off the sofa and stalking toward her.
A slight tremble travels through her body at my proximity, and I smile.
“Why would I do something stupid like that?”
“Because you’ve wanted me to fuck you since the moment we were old enough to know what that meant,” I tell her.
She may not remember those days, but I certainly do. It’s taken the fear of losing her, though, for me to finally admit to Grecia that I want her too.
“You’re still the asshole you’ve always been,” she bites out.
Tilting my head to the side, I regard her for a few seconds before I lean even closer until I can feel her hot breath on my cheek.
That’s when I whisper along the shell of her ear, “Why change a habit of a lifetime, sweetheart?”
Even though Grecia’s as turned on as I am, I’ve learned from past experience she’s not going to be a pushover. But I love a challenge.
Grecia’s hands land on my shoulders, and I expect her to push me away, but she shocks the shit out of me by leaping into my arms. She wraps her legs around my waist and laughs when I grab hold of her pert ass and give it a squeeze. Soon every inch of her is going to be licked by my tongue.
“Time to give you my special attention.”
She leans back so she can meet my gaze.
“Your special attention. Now that sounds like something I can definitely get on board with,” she quips playfully, and I nod as I walk us out the room and up the stairs toward the bedroom I’m using.
CHAPTER 16
TARIAN
In the dimly lit room, I gently lower Grecia to her feet, and when she’s standing, I step aside. She moves through the space as if she owns it. She most certainly owns me now.