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)
“Please don’t take it back. Marry me before we go home. I promise it will all work out,” he breathes against my lips.
I close my eyes and nod. I wait for the feeling of this being wrong to settle in, but it never comes. Truly, this is the happiest and most sure I’ve ever been about anything in my life.
“I’m not taking it back. I’m just thinking of the consequences.”
“I’ve got you, no matter what. We’re in this together, Shawn. When you breathe, I breathe. When you’re happy, I’m happy. When you hurt, I hurt. I never want to see you hurt, so I’m going to make sure this doesn’t hurt you. I love you.”
I break into a face-splitting smile. “I love you too.”
“Come on, we have dinner reservations.”
Kelex
I work my jaw as I listen to Jeff on the other end of my phone. I’m supposed to be at dinner with my fiancée, but instead, I’m listening to how my father was the one behind that deal, and apparently, he’s been fucking with Jeff’s money as well.
“There’s nothing I can do about that, Jeff,” I seethe into the phone.
“What do you mean? You’re just going to turn your back on him trying to fuck us over? How does he even have the power to do any of this?”
“I don’t know and I don’t care,” I bite out.
“Right, your deal was saved, so it’s fuck the rest of us.”
“Are you fucking kidding me, bro? I worked my ass off to save that deal. I put in the hours, I lost the sleep, I missed the time with my family. If anyone should be pissed, it should be me.
“I’m telling you. I can’t do anything about it. What you want me to do is off the table. I’m out. It’s over, that’s it,” I roar.
“You’re out?”
“I’m out.”
“You mean you’re engaged? You’re getting married?”
I sigh and work my jaw. “Yeah, this is it. Hopefully he’ll free me before we leave.”
“But… it’s only an engagement. Your grandfather’s no dummy. You could break the engagement as soon as you’re free. It’s not over yet.”
“Yeah, I think it is. Listen, when I get back, we’ll talk. I’ll look at your portfolio with you and see where we can get you some cash flow.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve been looking at those luxury grooming shops and salons. I might bite the bullet on that. It was one of my better ideas.”
I narrow my eyes as if he’s standing in front of me. That wasn’t his fucking idea. It was something Kid shared with us while at Fuck Off. She asked Pit about it, hoping he’d put out feelers and maybe invest in her.
“Josh?”
“What?” I snarl.
“I love you, bro. Congrats. I thought that accident was going to take everything from you. I should have known. Nothing can keep Joshua fucking Kylix down.”
“Not even the fires of hell, bro. Thanks. I love you too. I’ve got your back. My dad doesn’t get to win. We’ll get you right.”
“I haven’t been right since… Never mind. Call me when you’re back on this side. We’ll celebrate.”
I shake my thoughts off. Maybe he did come up with something like Kid’s idea on his own. I know for sure he never sticks to one thing. If it’s hard work, he’s on to the next.
One of the reasons I’ve never allowed him in on one of my ventures. Friends and business don’t mix. Achilles is the exception. That’s not just any friend.
Chapter 57
Pappoús’ Blessing
Shawna
“We’re married,” I say against Josh’s lips as he holds me tight and looks down at me.
We’re dancing at our little wedding reception. Basil outdid himself with this intimate affair. It’s like a fairy-tale wedding you’d find in a snow globe or something.
“We are, Mrs. Nikolaou.”
“You flew my parents in. This day has been almost perfect.”
I wasn’t expecting my mom to knock on the door while I was getting ready for my wedding, but the relief I felt when I opened the door and found her standing there took so much pressure off my chest.
I was happy to see Zoe too. My heart ached knowing Ven and Lex weren’t with me, but every time I thought of Josh waiting for me, I told myself it was for the best.
“Why isn’t it perfect?” he whispers in my ear as we dance and get lost in the music.
“You know why. If Mommy and Daddy know, how am I supposed to hide this when we get back?”
“I got the feeling you wanted them here. I gave Blake and Zoe a call to ask a favor. Your mom and dad agreed to keep our secret until we’re ready. We don’t need to know the details.”
He kisses my forehead, then plants a kiss against the spot he just kissed. I go to ask him why I don’t need to know the details, but his words halt mine.