Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 142764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 142764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 714(@200wpm)___ 571(@250wpm)___ 476(@300wpm)
A man with piercing eyes approaches, and Seb steps closer to me. Like the rest of the men here, he’s in a tuxedo with his dark hair slicked back. He smiles at Sebastian first and extends his hand. “Mr. Arturo? I’m Henry Salem. I knew your grandfather, but I don’t think we’ve ever met.”
Sebastian shakes his hand, his gaze suspicious and heavy. “Mr. Salem.”
The man’s eyes shift to me, and he leans over to grasp my hand and kiss my knuckles. “And who is this beautiful young woman?”
Sebastian, still suspicious, says, “My sister, Maybel Jacobs.”
We hadn’t discussed yet if I would use his last name, but it didn’t feel right to give up this tiny part of Mom I have left to me.
The man nods once, smiles, and smooths his jacket. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Perhaps I’ll be seeing more of you.”
The fact that he spoke to Sebastian the entire time isn’t lost on me, so I cut in. “You will. I plan to help my brother in every aspect of the business. I do have a family name to uphold.”
He nods again and tips an imaginary hat, then walks away.
“Are you okay to sit for a bit by yourself? I have some business to attend to,” Sebastian whispers into my ear, his eyes still on the stranger’s back as he retreats.
I nod. “Yeah. I was just going to walk around a little bit. I’m feeling restless.”
“Okay, don’t go too far,” he warns and then buttons his jacket, stalking off toward the bar.
I walk in the opposite direction, surveying the room. It’s beautiful. Silk curtains frame small balconies, and double doors lead to a garden that rests at the bottom of the stairs, going all the way to the driveway out front. It’s a shame such a horrible man gets to look at something so beautiful every day.
I look away from the garden, my eyes catching on the sparkling chandeliers and the glittering gowns. My anxiety ramps up, reminding me of that night my entire world changed. Turning on my heels, I choose to make a beeline for the bar, but I don’t even take one step before I feel his presence beside mine.
"Avoiding me, Wallflower, or just trying to live up to your name?"
I turn, scanning his devilish face, thankful that he seems calmer now. I look down at his knuckles. They’re busted and bruised again. I’m both sad and angry at the reality.
I didn’t need him to stand up for me, even if it was nice. Now he’s hurt himself again, and for what? I don’t want to draw attention to him, and I don’t want to look weak for Sebastian. There’s a fine line we must walk here.
"Why is it when I’m trying to avoid you so that we don’t draw attention, you choose to do the opposite?”
He gives me a lopsided grin. "Guess I’m just a rule breaker.”
I roll my eyes but can’t help but smile. “What do you want?”
“Oh, Flower. You have no idea how much of a loaded question that is. Did you really expect me to sit across the room and watch that dickhead smile and flirt with you?”
“He wasn’t flirting with me. We were conversing. There’s a difference.”
“As long as he doesn’t touch you or get any ideas about fucking with you, then we’re fine.”
“First, there is no we. Second, I'm a big girl, Drew. I don’t need you to be my protector.”
He grabs me by the waist and tugs me into his chest. The air wheezes from my lungs, and I feel his hot breath against my lips. “There has and always will be a we. If you don’t believe me, I will lift you by the ass, set you on that giant-ass oak table, and make certain everyone watches as I devour you from the inside out.”
I shiver at the territorial tone of his voice and the image of what he described.
“You wouldn’t dare!” I hiss, not even believing my own words.
His green eyes twinkle with mischief. “Oh I would, Flower, and you know it, so don’t tempt me.”
“Fine, but that’s not the real reason you came over here, right? It wasn’t to act like a caveman and show ownership, right? Because you should’ve just pissed in a circle around me.”
“I’ll be sure to do that next time.” He leans forward, and his lips brush the corner of my mouth. We shouldn’t be this close, and he definitely shouldn’t be kissing me. Not because it’s wrong, but because it's drawing attention.
I can already feel other’s eyes on us, and I hate it. It’s like being under a microscope.
“I’ll be sure to do that next time, but right now, I need you to come with me for a few minutes.”
I take a step back and he lets me, releasing his hold on my waist. "Where to?"