Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56885 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56885 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
“That’s a mistake,” Elliot murmurs. “These are dangerous guys.”
“So what the fuck are you doing working with them?”
“I’m sorry, okay? Jesus, man, I really am. But you’re going to have to do what he says.”
“Over my dead body.”
“Please,” Elliot says.
“Explain how you know him. Why are you working with him? Just explain, Elliot.”
“I can’t,” he whispers. “I just need you to do what he says.”
“Never.”
“Those weren’t empty threats. They might jump you, Logan.”
“Let them try,” I snarl. My words weren’t empty, either. If they come for me, I’ll fight. Maybe they’ll win. Maybe they won’t. But I will not lie down and take this.”
Elliot sighs, turns, and marches across the lobby.
CHAPTER 8
PIPER
I’m in bed reading a lighthearted romantic comedy before bedtime. I’ve always loved reading, stealing a few minutes – or hours – to disappear into another world. Romantic comedies have been my go-to palate cleansers between more intense books, like thrillers or literary works.
Lately, though, I can’t focus on them. Whenever I read about people falling in love and overcoming obstacles, I realize I’m relating it to my life. It’s like a mind virus. I read about two people dramatically kissing in the rain, and then, suddenly, it’s like me and Logan are doing just that.
Rain drenches our bodies. His clothes are sticking to his sculpted chest, the wet material outlining his athletic build. His lips are on mine, and heck, it’s hard. If this was just my imagination, I could deal with it.
But I’ve tasted his lips. I remember how his hands felt on my body, the way he greedily sank his touch into my curves like I was the sexiest woman alive. I wouldn’t say I have low self-esteem, but it’s not soaring either.
That day, he made it fly. He made me feel so sensitive to his touch. My sex tingled, my thighs felt ultra-sensitive, and my nipples rubbed against my bra like every inch of me was suddenly electrified.
Sighing, I toss the book onto the bed. Elliot’s not home, and Ruby isn’t responding to my texts. About thirty minutes ago, Logan texted me, but I’ve been purposefully ignoring it. That’s another reason I haven’t been able to focus on my reading.
I finally pick up my phone.
Logan: Have you noticed Elliot hanging around with anybody you don’t recognize recently?
At least this isn’t flirty. Am I disappointed?
No, no. I’m not. That’s my story. I can have thoughts that betray me. That’s one thing, but it doesn’t mean I have to let them out, feed them, or let them consume me.
Just like his touch consumed me, just like his lips—
Piper: No, why?
Logan: We had a strange meeting earlier. Elliot seemed on edge. Piper, I want you to call me if you notice anything strange.
Piper: Strange, how? What are you talking about?
Logan: This guy earlier seemed shady. I don’t think it’s anything to worry about, but I’ll keep my phone on loud, day or night. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call me. I’ll be right there.
Piper: This sounds like I should be scared.
Logan: You don’t need to be afraid of anything. Your building has security, and, anyway, I’d be there in an instant if I thought anything was wrong.
Piper: I don’t even know what we’re talking about, Logan.
Logan: Like I said, the guy was shady. I can’t give you more information until I know more.
Piper: Elliot came home with a bloody nose recently. Could that have anything to do with it?
Logan: Yes, it might. I don’t want to scare you, Piper. Trust me, that’s the last thing I’d ever want to do.
I could tell him he’s been scaring me long before these mysterious texts. Long before these confusing messages, he scared me because of what he made me feel. He scared me when he pressed his lips against mine, when our bodies crushed closely together, and a myriad of ignored aching sensations burst out of me.
Even now, just thinking about it, it happens. He makes me so tingly, so aware of my sexuality. He makes me think of what it’d be like to strip for him, his intense eyes gazing at me, nothing else on his mind.
Just me. Just us.
Piper: What did this guy want?
Logan: He was essentially trying to shake me down, but there’s no way I’d let that happen. This company means too much to too many people. I just hope Elliot isn’t in trouble.
Piper: I’ll keep an eye on him. He’s looked out for me for so long. It’s only fair that I return the favor.
Here’s yet another reminder why we can’t give into these desires—desires he might not even be experiencing. I wonder if this constant aching tension will fade into the background when enough time has passed. Maybe I’ll be at work one morning and realize I don’t want him anymore. I’m not constantly fighting the desire to fantasize about him.