Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80503 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80503 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
The party drags on. I get increasingly anxious. Malcolm’s nowhere in sight and people begin to leave around midnight. I want to beg them to stay, but a hardcore contingent’s posted up at the bar, still drinking and laughing loudly. My leg’s bouncing as I sit perched on the stool, ignoring the drunk guy on my left as he slurs something about how nice I look in my dress and gets a glare from Gavino that makes him stand up and walk hurriedly away.
I’m about to admit defeat when there’s a stir over near the door. I crane my neck and spot a small entourage of people enter looking like they’d just been at a club. They’re in less formal clothing and the stink of sweat and vodka is strong as they join the group, mingling like they’d only just left. Finally, Benedict sweeps into the room followed by Malcolm. Both of them survey the landscape, and Benedict’s gaze lands on me. His scowl is deep and intense and I remember the knife pressed against my cheek, the wound now just a ghost of the bloody cut he left, but I touch it anyway. The gesture makes him smile.
“Here we go,” Gavino says as puts a hand right above my ass. I get to my feet and that hand moves down to firmly grip a cheek. “It’s not hard to pretend like I want you right now, you know.”
“We’re not about to fuck in that bathroom for real, so down, boy.”
“Mmm, but maybe we should. It’d be a better use of our time.”
“Easy there. Here he comes.” I plaster a smile on my face as Malcolm comes over, grinning big and looking drunk.
“Gavino! You showed up! And you brought the lovely Jeanie. I know you told my assistant you’d make an appearance but I didn’t believe it, and look at you now. God, it’s a miracle of miracles.” He leans closer, grinning. “I wish you would’ve come to the pre-party. Now that was more your scene.”
Gavino laughs and claps him on the shoulder. “I’ve been dodging your shitty little society parties for a long time and I figured I might as well show my face. Besides, free drinks.”
Malcolm grins in return, eyes bright with excitement. “Make yourself at home. I’d better mingle.” He disappears into the thickening crowd as more people filter in, the party suddenly revived.
“All right then,” Gavino says, coming close to me. His lips brush mine and he whispers in my ear. “Is Benedict staring?”
I don’t have to look over. I can feel the bastard’s eyes and I know what he’s thinking. “Ever since he came in.”
“That guy hates you.”
“He wants to finish what he started.”
Gavino grunts and his grip on my ass tightens. “I won’t let him.”
“I know you won’t,” I say softly, feeling heat rush into my neck and face, and he pulls back to kiss me. The kiss feels real, so incredibly real, and we hold it there for longer than we need to. His palms roam my body and soon he breaks away, but he doesn’t release me. I take his hand and he tugs me from the room, away from the main group. Benedict’s watching, but he doesn’t follow as we go into the hall.
And toward heaven or hell.
Chapter 25
Jeanie
We leave the living room and head back into the entry hall. Gavino pulls me to the main staircase, but a staff member tries to direct us from the steps with hurried motions. Gavino stares him down.
“There’s a big bathroom up there, down the hall and to the left. I intend on using it.” Gavino tilts his head, eyes narrowed. “Want to tell Malcolm you kept me from availing myself of his wonderful home?”
The young guy’s jaw works and he quickly backs down. His face is pale and I can only imagine what it must be like to work directly for a man like Malcolm.
“Good,” Gavino says. “Make sure nobody follows us. She’s not quiet.” He winks, grinning.
“Gavino,” I say, not having to fake my outrage, and slap his arm. He laughs and I hurry after him up the steps, giggling stupidly like we’re really about to have sex, until we reach the top and turn down the hall.
I pinch his arm. He sucks in a breath and grimaces.
“Don’t say shit like that.” I shove him away, shaking slightly with adrenaline. “Now what?”
“Last door on the right,” he says. “Hurry. I’ll wait outside the bathroom door and pretend like I just finished fucking you senseless and left you alone to put yourself back together.”
“Right, okay.” I’m too nervous to call him a prick.
He grabs my wrist before I can leave. “Don’t be stupid,” he says quietly. “No risks. Understand? In and out.”
“In and out.”
He releases me reluctantly and I walk fast, staring all around me at the paintings on the walls, the sleek wood and glass and tile, until I reach the final door. The knob turns with a click, and I’m in.