Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
“What is it?”
He came forward and withdrew a piece of paper from his pocket. It was badly wrinkled, like it’d been smashed inside a closed fist and abandoned at the bottom of a wastepaper basket. “The maids were cleaning Camille’s room and came across this. Wasn’t sure if it would be of interest to you.”
I studied the folded paper before I took it and began to read.
When did this happen?
I climbed his wall and talked shit to his butler out of survival. I snuck on to his yacht and pulled a gun on him because I didn’t have a choice. But now…I forget the reason I came here in the first place.
Now I’m here because I want to be.
I’m used to doing all the work. Studying my clients, discovering their fantasies without interrogation, being exactly what they want without having to ask. But his fantasy is to take me, to fuck me, to make me watch him as he makes me come. I mean…I’ve never had a man like that.
I don’t want to leave.
Even if he killed Grave, I still wouldn’t want to leave.
How did I get here…?
I finished reading her flowy handwriting then folded it back the way it was.
“I thought it’d catch your interest.”
I gave a slight nod. “Bring me all the notes you find.”
“Yes, Mr. Beaufort.” He took the paper and returned it to his pocket before he gave a slight bow. “I’ll prepare breakfast.”
I watched him walk away before I returned to my workout.
Hugo brought breakfast to my study. He placed it on the desk beside my computer, another Americano on the tray. He assembled everything for me as I continued to work on my laptop. “Can I get you anything else, Mr. Beaufort?”
“No.”
He dismissed himself from the room.
A moment later, Camille walked inside, wearing a single-strap dress and a fedora. She approached the desk as her heeled wedges clapped against the hard floor. They were muffled by the rug when she drew near.
I lifted my gaze and met hers.
Hurt was in her eyes.
I knew the source.
We stared at each other, back and forth, the silence continuing.
Finally, she spoke. “How long did you stay?”
“Until you fell asleep.”
She seemed a little taken aback by my honesty, showing a slight wince. “Why didn’t you stay?”
“You know why.”
There was an armchair sitting there, so she lowered herself and crossed her ankles. “Yes, you told me you prefer to sleep alone—”
“It’s not a preference. I don’t sleep with people.”
“I understand. But why is that?”
I had shit to do and my breakfast grew cold, but I didn’t snap the way I would if she were someone else. “That’s my business—”
“I think we’re past that, Cauldron.” Her eyes drilled into mine with confidence, like she wouldn’t stop until this battle was won.
“You have your secrets. I have mine—”
“I have no secrets. You know everything about me.”
My hand reached for my laptop and closed it. “I don’t let my guard down. It’s nothing personal.”
Her eyes narrowed as if wounded. “I’m your woman, so it is personal.”
My woman. First time I’d heard that.
“You think I’d ever hurt you?” she asked, her voice breaking in offense.
“No.”
“Then why—”
“You have as much of me as I can give. Why do you need more?” Now I did lose my patience, did lose the calmness to my voice.
“Because…” She shook her head, trying to find the words. “Because I want all of you.” Her eyes avoided mine as she said it. Embarrassment flooded into her cheeks as a rouge.
I stared at her face as I waited for her to meet my look. It took a long time for her to find the strength. When our eyes were locked together once more, I continued. “As I already said, it’s nothing personal. Nothing you say will change my mind.”
Her stare was so subtle, but it conveyed everything she didn’t say. It showed her anger. Her deep disappointment. “Then tell me why. Tell me why you’re afraid—”
“I’m not afraid of anything. I just don’t let my guard down for anyone. Period.”
She released a frustrated breath then looked at her hands in her lap. A couple strands of hair fell forward from behind her ear.
“I have a lot of work to do.”
She continued to stare at her hands. “I feel like I know you…but then I realize I don’t know anything about you.”
“You know everything that matters.”
She raised her chin and looked at me once more. The unease in her eyes told me she didn’t agree whatsoever, but she didn’t press an argument. She rose from the chair and departed. “I’m going shopping.”
“In the village?”
“Yes.” She turned back to look at me like she anticipated a protest.
No way in hell would I let her out without me. “Not today.”
“Excuse me?”
“I said not today.”
“But why? You’re busy, and I need some things—”
“Because I said so.”