Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
“Your ride is here.” He leads me to the door, and Geoff gives him a chin lift and me a little wave.
“Liam, heard the scene was a hit,” he says. “Well done.”
“Thank you.” The guys chat briefly, before Liam takes me outside.
It means something that the members of Verge respect him. Maybe it’s only me he’s a jerk around.
And is he even a jerk? Or am I just hardened toward him?
But when he opens the door to the car and instructs Manuel to take me home, I have my answer. He’s already looking away with a bored expression.
“Good night,” he says. “See you tomorrow. Don’t be late for your ride.”
He shuts the door and he’s gone.
I’ve imagined any tenderness. This is a business transaction for him, no more, no less.
And that’s what I need.
I don’t need feelings to complicate my life. This is exactly what I need.
A business transition with clear cut terms.
No strings attached.
I tell myself this over and over. Too many times.
It’s nice to get a ride home. The interior of his car is warm, and I like how it makes me feel safe. I’ll enjoy the perks of this proposition as long as I can.
The ride is too short, and soon I’m home. I thank Manuel, and before I leave, he says, “I’ll be here in the morning to pick you up at 8:45 a.m. Mr. Alexander’s orders.”
God. I’m so not used to this type of treatment.
“Alright,” I tell him. “If he insists.”
“That he does.”
Of course.
I go upstairs and check on Bailey and Ben, then take a few minutes to tidy up the apartment. I place a few drinking glasses in the dishwasher and wipe down the counters, then get myself ready for bed. And as I do, I replay the scene in the club. I need to remind myself that there’s more than money I’ll enjoy during this time with him. I can get a good taste of the club scene, and maybe I’ll see if it’s really for me. And hell, if I didn’t enjoy a little of what he has to offer me.
My mind is at war with so many questions, and if I’m honest, fears. What exactly is it that I fear? My mind instantly goes back to rule number six.
No falling in love.
I roll my eyes again, even though no one sees me but my ceiling. As if.
Yeah, that’s not gonna happen. No how, no way.
What is it that I fear, then? I’m really not sure, and I don’t want to think about that anymore.
I think about paying my back rent and next month’s rent. I think about buying Bailey the clothes that she needs and Ben a new pair of sneakers. I think about going to the grocery store and actually buying some decent food, rather than the cheapest things that will fill our bellies.
I smile to myself. It would be nice to get some real makeup for once. Something that will make me look pretty. And I really should get some clothes if I’m going to be going to Club Verge more often. The day after tomorrow, I have a brief shift at the bookstore, and now I’m looking forward to it. I need Marla and Chandra’s advice so damn bad.
I shift on the bed and twist and turn, trying to settle down. I’m both energized and exhausted, and for a brief moment I wish I had my phone so I could text Liam. For some reason, the idea of texting him before bed feels like it would bring a little closure to the night.
I normally fall into bed so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open. And I need rest. But as I lay there, I play over the night.
The sensation of the flogger on my body.
What would it feel like on naked skin?
Liam’s mouth between my legs, his skillful tongue making my bones turn to jelly, as he brought me to climax so hard.
What will it feel like to have him inside me?
I’m no virgin, but I’ve never made love to a man who commands a situation like he does.
The feel of his thumb against my cheek, my jaw cupped in his hand. The smell of leather and grace, the essence of confidence and power. The sound of his breaths mingled with mine, my erratic heartbeat and soft mews.
As my eyes grow heavy with sleep, I make a vow to myself. I’ll take what he gives me, the surface level intimacy we’ll share for a time. But I will only give him the bare minimum. What I’ve promised on paper. No more, no less.
I finally fall into a fitful sleep.
“Cora?” Bailey stands in the doorway, dressed for the day, and I hear Ben in the bathroom.
“Morning, honey,” I tell her, yawning. The clock tells me it’s nearly seven, so I toss off the covers and stretch.