Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 156392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 782(@200wpm)___ 626(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 782(@200wpm)___ 626(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
I’m well aware Bonneville is doing this because she’s hoping I’ll fuck her, but unfortunately for her and all other women, I’m only interested in my wife’s cunt. Doesn’t mean I won’t use her, though.
“Gem. You coming?” Ava stops in the middle of the stairs, and even though she called to her friend, her eyes throw daggers at me.
I suppose that smiling episode was a one-off.
Bonneville flashes me a grin before she reluctantly releases me and heads to my wife. She casts one last look at me and Ava’s glare turns so wild, I’m surprised no lasers come out.
“What’s wrong with her now?” I ask no one in particular after they disappear up the stairs.
“I must say, for someone so smart, you can be quite obtuse,” Sam says.
She was supposed to have stayed inside crocheting away, but she’s now standing by the door and shaking her head.
“Indeed,” Henderson agrees with a grim look.
I stare between them. “What’s this about?”
Sam sighs, turns around, and leaves.
“With all due respect, one simply does not invite a snake to their house and expect it not to bite them, sir.”
“Is this about Bonneville? She’s as harmless as a fly.”
His poker face remains in place, but I can sense the judgment licking my skin like acid. “At any rate, we’re ready to go.”
We walk together to the entrance and I roll my wedding ring. “Have you found out what Landon knows?”
“Not quite, but he does know something.”
“Which is?”
“I’m not positive yet, but I suspect he’s been kept in the loop about some happenings in this house.”
“Your and Sam’s necks are under the guillotine, so you wouldn’t be suicidal. Previous staff?”
“I’m afraid it’s more complicated than that.”
“Ariella?”
“I’d rather not throw around accusations without proof.”
I unbutton my jacket. “Leave Landon to me. I’ll take care of his silence.”
No one will know the extent I had to go to for Ava to be this way right now. Even if it’s not permanent and is bound to be shredded to pieces, I’m happy to prolong this phase as long as possible before she forgets me.
Again.
Maybe this time, it’ll be for good.
14
AVA
“Ishould probably bow out now before it’s too late.”
I pace the length of the boxy changing room for the hundredth time, the round hem of my French tulle dress dragging on the floor behind me.
Ari fingers old framed photos of the artists who’ve passed through this venue throughout two centuries. Artists whose vicinity I have no business existing in when I’m such a failure. “You’ve done this before. You can do it again, Ava.”
“If by ‘done this before’ you mean I made an epic fool out of myself, then sure, I’ve totally done that before.”
She trudges toward me in her killer black leather skirt and white top, then grabs my shoulders. “You’re different from two years ago. You might feel like only a few weeks have passed since that last competition, but it’s been years. People forget.”
“Well, I don’t.”
“This is your chance to. Maybe try to remember those competitions you won as a teen?”
“Those seem like a lifetime ago.”
“Maybe. But you looked like a goddess, sis. You still do whenever you touch the cello. I’ve never seen you shine so bright as when you play.”
A shaky breath escapes me as I nod. “Okay. I’ll try.”
“Yes!”
“Mama and Papa don’t know about this, right?”
“Nope. You said you didn’t want the pressure.”
“Yeah. At least if I screw up, you’ll be the only one to witness it.”
“You won’t screw up anything. Trust me.”
“Thanks, little Ari. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. And FYI, I’m not little anymore. I will soon get married to Remi and pop out beautiful children before you and Eli get around it.”
“Be my guest.” I plaster an automatic smile that hurts.
The last thing I need in my current jumbled state is to be reminded of my dear husband, who’s not only been away from the house for an entire week, but also shoved Gemma my way as if we’re tight buddies.
I told her the date of the event was tomorrow in an attempt to create some distance. She’s not a welcome guest today. Besides, I haven’t missed the heart eyes she automatically shows whenever she brings up Eli, and Sam also caught her snooping near his bedroom.
The nerve.
Even I have never snooped in his bedroom, but then again, there’s no love lost between me and the husband I’m stuck with.
Gemma, however, would be delighted to warm his bed and act as his mistress if given the chance.
Maybe I should present her with the option so I can regain my freedom and stop obsessively thinking about the man’s presence—or the lack thereof.
The only hint of him I’ve seen has been in the form of either Leo or Sam. The latter accompanied me today and is sitting at one of the tables up front so she can report my failure in HD detail to her boss.