Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
And pound I did. We’ve just spent the last four hours making sure her neighbors know my name. Now I’m lying here staring at the ceiling, trying to figure out how to tell her about my grandfather’s request without revealing who I am.
I’m going to need to be engaged soon and I have to tell her why. At least, as close to the truth as I can get because I’m sure he’ll want to meet her. Things are going so good.
However, I know if I don’t say something, it will come out and I don’t think that will go over well. Sometimes, I get the feeling that Shawna still doesn’t think this is real. As if… how could I not want her?
My phone rings on the nightstand. I roll my eyes. I’m not in the mood to talk to anyone. I let it go to voice mail, but a text comes through not too long after.
Jeff: What’s going on with you?
Jeff: You handle that request yet?
Jeff: If the black chick didn’t work out. I might know someone.
Jeff: Or you could rule the world. We all benefit if you do.
I snort and toss the phone back on the nightstand. I’m not in the mood to have this conversation. My friend has spent his whole life with this fantasy of becoming something I have no desire to become.
He’s been fed the dream of me rising up and him rising with me. If I don’t take the promotion, he can’t have his. I don’t owe anyone my life, so I’m not going to make decisions based on a false sense of loyalty.
“It’s time to let that shit go,” I mutter to myself.
“Um?” Shawna replies in her sleep.
“Nothing, baby. Go back to sleep.”
She takes a deep breath and snuggles deeper into me. Kissing her forehead, I close my eyes to get some rest.
Chapter 53
Vancouver
Kelex
Three months later…
With a lot of effort on my part, Shawna has fit into my life seamlessly. Although, I do feel guilty for not telling Skittles we’re involved. My life has just been so busy and it’s a conversation I want to sit down and have with her.
There’s also the fact that I haven’t officially been given my out. Keeping Shawna hidden has been hard enough. I’m not fool enough to think my enemies will go away because I want them to.
Since I can’t go on a killing spree to keep my girl and her cousin out of harm’s way, it’s best we keep things to ourselves. Which is why I try to make it up to her with these trips.
“I’m so excited,” Shawna says beside me as we ride from the airport to our rental for the week. “The Cap Bridge was on my list, specifically during the holiday season.”
I lean to peck her lips. “I know. As soon as Achilles mentioned me taking this meeting, I thought of you.”
Seeing this on her list was the first thing to come to mind. I try to fit as many of her destinations in as I can. Business has been booming, so it has been a challenge.
Work and dating are one of the reasons I’ve been missing out on more and more Asshole trips and get-togethers. I’m always on the go.
“We’re only staying a week though. The lights aren’t scheduled to start until the day after we leave,” she says and her shoulders slump as she reads the information on her phone.
I place a hand on the back of her neck and massage it. She turns her gaze to me. I take her lips for a searing kiss, then lean into her ear while cupping her throat.
“You know I’d bend the world for you. You’re going to see it. All you have to do is ask and I’ll make anything happen for you. This is already done. Thank me later.”
I pull away and her eyes are glazed over with lust. I smile and run my thumb over her now-swollen lip. She darts her tongue out, following the trail I make.
I lean in for another kiss. I can’t wait to get her alone. Just the thought of watching her ride me has me hard. I’ll never get enough of worshiping her body.
Shawna
He remained true to his word. I hold my camera up and snap another photo of the Canyon Lights. The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is breathtaking. It’s like a majestic winter wonderland. I don’t know where to settle my camera.
I’ve taken so many photos already. However, as I go to see where Josh is, I freeze. As gorgeous as this park is, I think I find my money shot the moment I settle my gaze on him.
Standing among all these lights with a ball of light right above his head, he steals the moment. He’s on his phone, gazing out into the distance, and he looks like he’s posing without trying.