Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 95196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Trembling, I lifted the note that rested on top.
Elle,
During our clan reception, I didn’t treat you with the respect and affection you deserve. I’d like another chance. Join me for a re-do at 7:00 this evening?
Yours,
C
Oh sweet goodness. I could puzzle out a solution for our problems tomorrow. A break could do wonders for my state of mind. It wasn’t as if Isobel and Tavish were blowing up my texts with threats anymore. They’d both gone radio silent, probably waiting to see what I’d do next. Also, the promise of gold coins might have stopped Isobel’s countdown clock.
Yeah, I had time for a break. Falling into some kind of dreamy, romantic haze, I sailed into the bathroom and showered. As I readied the blow drier, a knock sounded at the bedroom door.
I pulled on a robe and peeked from the bathroom entrance, calling, “Enter.” Had Callen returned early?
Gavina glided inside the room and smiled. “Mr. Bruce asked me to help you prepare.”
How incredibly thoughtful of him. He’d even noticed my preferred footwear, gifting me with the world’s most perfect shoes. Comfortable and gorgeous. Happier than I’d been in years. I rushed to throw my arms around her for a hug. “Thank you for being kind to me. You are a treasure of a friend.”
Her cheeks pinkened, but she beamed. “I think you’re pretty wonderful, too. Now come on. We’d best get you ready.”
She helped dry and style my hair, then applied my makeup and strapped me into the fairytale gown. Only minutes after she made her exit, another knock sounded at the door. Had she forgotten something?
“Enter,” I repeated.
Callen strode inside, and my pulse points leaped at the sight of him. He wore a tux, and oh, wow, he looked glorious.
His irises glittered as he perused me. Pride stamped his expression, and my insides spun with pleasure. He offered me his hand. “Shall we?”
I didn’t hesitate. “We shall.”
I was a bundle of nerves as Callen ushered me inside the same hotel he’d brought me to the morning I’d woken up in Isobel’s body. He even aimed for the same ballroom. This time, however, I didn’t solicit help from the concierge or door guards.
We sailed through the chamber but stopped just past the doors. Men and women decked out in formal attire flitted about. Wait staff carted silver platters filled with mimosas and snacks. The moment we were noticed, all eyes swung our way, and all conversations ceased.
I inched deeper into Callen’s side and softly asked from the corner of my mouth, “Am I supposed to do something?”
He turned his face to mine and bent his head, placing his mouth directly above my ear. A truly intimate pose that raised several brows. “You are my wife and queen. You do whatever you wish.”
I lifted my gaze, meeting his, determined to…do something. Anything. We were close. Very close. Nearly smashed together. Awareness arced between us, and the rest of the world faded. Vulnerability crashed through me, a terrible, wonderful tide.
My hand migrated to his chest, drawn as if he were metal and I was a magnet. His heartbeat raced beneath my palms, and mine picked up speed to keep pace. I loved how I affected him. If only—No. None of that. Not tonight.
“Unless you want to be carried off,” he rasped, his attention dropping to my mouth, “you shouldna look at me like you’re doin’, lass.”
I didn’t have to ask how I was looking at him. As if he were the last chocolate chip cookie on Earth, fresh and warm from the oven.
Whispers erupted around us, and I somehow rallied the strength to straighten and confront our audience. Oh my. The stares. The shock. The incredulity.
“Meet my wife,” Callen proclaimed, as if they’d never encountered me. A hush fell over the crowd. “Mrs. Elle Bruce.”
The males bowed their heads, and the females curtseyed. Many called out, “Uisge ciùin.”
“Uisge ciùin,” I squeaked with a little wave. “Nice to meet you again.”
I received many too-bright smiles and return waves, as if their lives depended on my reaction. But I also noted genuine admiration, too.
Callen dipped his head again to graze the tip of his nose against mine. “Have I told you how lovely you are?”
I won’t pour myself on him. I won’t. “Are you trying to seduce me, Mr. Bruce?”
“Yes.” A mock growl slipped from his lips as he crowded me. “Is it working?”
Red alert, red alert! Dangerous territory. But I didn’t care. “Yes,” I echoed.
He sucked air between his teeth. “Let’s go home. We can do a re-do of the re-do tomorrow. Tonight I want–”
“All hail the queen,” Prince Jamie slurred from somewhere nearby.
I straightened with a snap, reminded of our audience. How long had I been standing there, whispering sweet everythings back and forth with Callen?
“Uisge ciùin,” he muttered, tossing the prince a scowl. “Your timin’ needs improvement.”