Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 93267 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93267 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
“I know we talked about going to see Wicked together for a date, but the touring company isn’t coming to town for another four months.” Salem paused, reached inside his jacket, and pulled out a pair of tickets. “I’ve got us covered for that performance. However, you did state West Side Story was one of your favorite musicals, and it just happens to be in town right now. So, I got us tickets to tonight’s performance.”
Gregori dropped his gaze back down to the playbill he was very carefully holding in both of his hands as his brain tried to remember how to make words. His mate had not only gotten him tickets to one of his favorite musicals, but he’d also managed to acquire a signed playbill for him. Salem added something to his hoard! And he’d gotten additional tickets to a musical four months away.
It was almost like he was planning to stay with Gregori here in Brazil.
He was already starting to plan their life together.
“Unless you’re not in the mood to see a play tonight,” Salem said a little slowly, uneasiness creeping into his tone. “It’s okay if you’re not. I was also thinking we could—”
“No!” Gregori’s head shot up. He’d been silent too long and Salem had started to panic. This needed to be fixed. He had to stop his dragon from hopping around in his chest and squealing like a six-year-old. “A play sounds amazing. Perfect.” He shifted the playbill to his left hand and glanced at his watch. “But if we’re going to make the curtain, we’ll need to leave now.”
Salem’s grin returned and he signaled for the check while Gregori carefully placed the playbill back into the protective envelope. Salem paid the bill and summoned the driver over to pick them up. From the tiny restaurant, they were whisked across the city to Teatro Riachuelo Rio, where Gregori got to share his first love with his true love. It was the perfect night. Most of the performance was spent holding Salem’s hand as they lost themselves in the music, colorful costumes, and performance.
Gregori had traveled around the world, watched plays and musical performances on some of the grandest stages of all, but nothing compared to spending this moment with his mate. To knowing Salem had planned all of this with him in mind.
When the curtain fell for the final time and the house lights came up, Gregori wanted to remain in these plush seats, not wanting the experience to end. But Salem pulled him up with a devilish grin.
They escaped the crowd leaving the theater and slipped into the black town car once again.
“Sir? Where to?” the driver inquired as they pulled away from the curb.
“Um…” Salem glanced at his phone for a second. “Can you just drive around for a few minutes while we decide?”
“Of course, sir.”
Gregori arched one brow at Salem. “You have more things planned?”
Salem’s wicked grin returned. “A few actually. It depends on what you’re in the mood for. If you’re up for it, Ilya told me about a late-night samba performance we can still make.”
“Hmmm. I think I’m done with big crowds for now.”
“Okay. Then Ha Na mentioned this little dessert shop that offers sweets from around the world. We could go grab something sweet. Or if you’re more in the mood for a nightcap, there’s this quaint bar I discovered that has this retro feel and specializes in whiskey drinks and live music.”
Gregori turned in his seat so he was facing Salem and brushed a lock of hair back from his forehead. “Smaller crowds than that.”
“Got it. Then, Luka told me about this little stretch of beach where we can take a late-night stroll. At this time of year, we should be able to see the bioluminescence.”
A low chuckle escaped Gregori as he leaned in and captured Salem’s lips in a sweet but brief kiss. “Take it easy. You’re trying so damn hard to make this date perfect. You don’t have to try to impress me. Just be you.”
Salem took a deep breath, his eyes full of questions for a moment, and then he released it, slumping a little in his seat. “I…I’ve never tried so hard to get a date perfect. Of course, I’ve never tried to win someone over after I’d fucked up so badly. I need to show you I’m worth all the trouble you’ve gone to. That I can be just as thoughtful and amazing as you. I—”
Gregori stopped him with another kiss. This one lasted longer as he slowly licked his way into Salem’s mouth, soaking in the tenderness. “Stop. You’ve got nothing to prove to me. I already know how thoughtful and amazing you are.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Why don’t we go back to the compound and spend some very private time together? We can do a stroll on the beach tomorrow night.”