Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 72308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
I was stunned into silence because that was the last thing I expected from him.
“I’m sorry that it took the threat of losing you to force it out of me.”
I still didn’t know what to say.
“Please forgive me.”
I looked away.
“Give me another chance.”
“I’m scared…” My eyes remained focused on a painting on the wall.
“And you have every right to be.”
“I can’t just go back to our relationship like nothing happened.”
“I’m not asking you to. I’m asking for another chance. That’s all.”
“You say it like it’s so simple…” When I looked at him again, I felt the tears in my eyes, felt their weight as they shifted to my eyelids and bulged into drops. “You say it like this relationship hasn’t been an uphill battle from day one. In my armor, I fought for you every single day, and you never did a damn thing. You never even wanted me in the first place—”
“But I want you now. More than anything. More than anyone.” His voice turned desperate, fighting for me with everything he had. “I know this is an asshole thing to say, but you’re never going to love anyone the way you love me. I’m not going to love another woman ever. You didn’t sleep with Bartholomew because you’re as committed to me as you ever were.”
My eyes moved to him.
“He told me.”
Bastard.
“I’m sorry, but I see your hand. I see your cards. Making this work with me is the only hand you have to play.”
“No, it’s not—”
“Not if you want to be happy.”
I looked away again, tears dripping down my cheeks.
He kept his distance. “Be happy with me.”
“Be happy until you change your mind? Be happy until you throw me out of the house? Be happy until—”
“I’ll do the husband thing. I’ll do the father thing. I’ll walk away from the business. I’ll do anything to bring you home.”
With my body planted in the opposite direction, I imagined the life he’d just described. A small ceremony with just us and his father and brother. Small diamonds woven into my white gown. All my things in his bedroom. Going to sleep with him beside me. Waking up and enjoying breakfast together on the terrace. Then one little person…and then another little person. A family of four. A family of my own. “Do you want those things?”
“No. But I do with you.”
“Don’t tell me things I want to hear just to—”
“I’m not. Come live with me, and that’s the life we can have. Not tomorrow. But someday.”
My arms were locked so tight they actually hurt my ribs. It was tempting to go back, especially when the reward was a dream come true. “Why did all these terrible things have to happen for you to give me what I wanted?”
“Because I’m an idiot.”
“I still don’t think you understand how much you hurt me. I don’t think you ever will.”
“Not true.”
I turned around to look at him through watery eyes.
“If you don’t give me another chance…I’ll understand exactly.”
28
ELISE
Can we talk?
I’d been waiting on pins and needles for Grave to reach out. You’re okay?
I’m fine, sweetheart.
I was worried.
I’m always fine, so never worry.
I can come to you.
See you then.
I’d kept my nanny around because I knew I would need her at the drop of a hat. I changed my clothes and drove to Grave’s apartment. After a long ride in the elevator, I finally entered the warmth of his apartment. It was almost ten in the evening, so I wasn’t greeted with a spread and champagne from Raymond.
Grave came down the hallway, looking sexy as hell in just his sweatpants. Muscular and strong, with a sharp jawline that cast a shadow down his neck, he looked like he belonged on a calendar instead of in the streets. He walked over to me, slid his big hands around my waist then down to my ass as he pulled me in for a kiss.
Like a piece of chocolate in your mouth, I melted. I always melted for this man.
When he tried to pull away, I latched on to him, not wanting the embrace to end.
His arms returned to their former tightness, and he rested his chin on my forehead. His scent was a mixture of masculinity and pine, like he’d just chopped wood in the snow.
“Is Camille alright?”
Once her name was mentioned, there was a long beat, like he didn’t want to talk about her. “We got her back. She’s fine.”
“Good.”
He pulled away, moving far enough back that he could see my face. “She’s staying with Cauldron. I imagine this will bring them back together.”
“Yeah…hopefully.”
A long stretch of silence ensued, the two of us looking at each other, thinking the same thing but not acknowledging it.
Grave spoke first. “When Cauldron left Camille’s apartment, they thought it was me.”
Here we go. “But they were watching her apartment because they knew what she meant to you.”