Total pages in book: 157
Estimated words: 150968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 503(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 150968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 503(@300wpm)
I finally step out from the shadows, making my presence known.
Time to cause some chaos.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
Riley — 22 years old
My father’s furious gaze slices through me, and panic slithers through my body.
But I refuse to let fear control me anymore.
I knew rebelling against my father would cost me a lot; there will clearly be a price to pay. But I’ll worry about that later. I want to enjoy my moment of rebellion, even if it’s just for a minute.
My mother looks absolutely horrified, as if I’ve, somehow, caused her unimaginable humiliation. I don’t understand why they are being so dramatic. The dress isn’t even that scandalous. I’ve seen celebrities wear much worse on the red carpet.
Sure, the slit is a little too high and the neckline too low. Maybe showing too much of my back is considered improper, but the dress is stunning.
I’m not going to let my parents, and all those judgmental stares I’m getting, ruin this moment for me. I’ve come here tonight with one purpose only.
To let my father know that I won’t be dancing to his tune anymore.
No, I don’t want to meet the list of suitors he has for me. No, I will not be wearing what he wants me to wear. No, I will not laugh or smile when he expects me to do so.
I’ve allowed him control over my life for too long, but this ends now.
I am Riley Johnson.
Smart. Brave. Strong. Worthy.
And they will hear me roar.
My father stalks toward me, but then he comes to halt when everyone’s attention shifts from me to someone else. The ballroom falls eerily quiet.
My lips part in a silent gasp, shock coursing through my veins at the sight of Colton walking toward me. There’s mischief in his eyes, and utter confidence in the way he saunters over to me. He’s the perfect image of self-assurance, especially in the way he carries himself. His back is straight, his wide shoulders and tall frame relaxed, messy brown hair, sharp jaw and a wicked grin on his full lips.
God, he’s devastatingly beautiful in the most roguish way.
Colton is dressed in all black. Leather jacket, dark jeans and leather boots. He looks completely out of place, surrounded with people who are wearing expensive suits and gowns. But Colton doesn’t seem to care. He lives his life by his own damn rules.
His choice of outfit is a contrast to my flowy white dress.
We are the perfect yin and yang.
His gaze sweeps over my body, drinking me in from head to toe, and I can see him appreciating my looks by the dirty smirk on his lips. Our eyes lock together, and he stares at me with a savage intensity that leaves me completely breathless.
I rarely ever feel beautiful in my own skin, but right now—with Colton devouring me with his dark gaze, I feel like the most gorgeous woman in this whole ballroom.
When he finally makes it to me, his arm curls around my waist and roughly tugs me into his body. We’re standing in the middle of the ballroom, and I’m in his embrace, for everyone to see. He’s making a public statement.
My breath hitches in my throat.
Colton holds a finger under my chin, tilting my head up. He lowers his face, letting his lips linger over mine. Not really touching. “Run away with me, Sunshine,” he rasps against my mouth. “Let me steal you away from here.”
Sunshine…
He called me Sunshine.
My pulse races like a freight train, and my heart palpitates. There’s a wild flutter in my lower belly. Crazy, obsessive, and intense.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
I take a peek over his shoulder, taking a quick glance at my fuming father. He’s about to lose it any minute now, and will probably throw Colton out. Oh God, this could possibly end in complete disaster. Chaos follows Colton everywhere he goes.
And now I’m in the middle of it with him.
Strangely, I like it.
His chaotic self, his rebellion, his confidence, his harshness.
“Okay,” I breathe into his mouth.
His grin widens and then he’s pressing a tender kiss to the corner of my lips. “I’ll be outside. Hurry, don’t make me wait too long.”
I nod in response. Colton releases my waist, only for him to grasp onto my hand, our fingers intertwining. He takes me by complete surprise when he spins me around twice before letting go. Colton winks and then he’s striding away.
My eyes slide over to my father. The tension of the ballroom is palpable; I can taste the bitterness of it all on my tongue.
My father finally moves, like a statue coming alive. He takes a threatening step toward me. An invisible fist squeezes my lungs, but I raise my chin and straighten my back, giving him my best assertive stare. I slowly shake my head, the small gesture barely noticeable, but he sees it anyway. His steps falter.