Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 154379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 772(@200wpm)___ 618(@250wpm)___ 515(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 154379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 772(@200wpm)___ 618(@250wpm)___ 515(@300wpm)
When he stepped back, everyone else moved for her, giving her hugs and congratulations while I hung back.
Or maybe I was just being sucked into Theo’s orbit.
Drawn into the oblivion that he was. My pulse erratic and my breaths shallow as I felt him emerge from behind, his words so low as he murmured near my ear, “What are you doing here?”
It was a fusion of concern, confusion, and greed.
Chills skated down my spine in their wake, and I gathered myself enough so that I could turn toward him, trying to steady myself as he fully came into sight.
All that cruel beauty was amplified in the shadows of the club. The harsh, cut angles illuminated like blades beneath the bare, flashing light.
“I was invited, why else would I be here?”
Amusement plucked along his plush lips, though he was still watching me like I was a riddle to figure out. “I can see that, but the question is how?”
I knew this would be coming, and I shivered at the thought of giving him the truth. I didn’t know why it felt like laying a piece of myself bare. Like it would give him insight into who I was.
“I got a job at Ivy Threads.” It wheezed out of me like a confession.
His dark brow furrowed, and I could see the questions spin through his mind. “You got a job?”
“Yes.”
“When you’re only supposed to be staying for a couple more weeks?” Incredulity worked deeper into his tone.
I ran my hands up my arms like it might be able to calm my frayed nerves. “There might have been a change of plans.”
“What kind of change?”
“It’s not any of your concern.”
He all but rolled his eyes, a knowing smile curving at the edge of his mouth. “Think we can get beyond you telling me that, yeah? Because I think it’s clear enough that where you’re involved, I am concerned.”
Energy hummed around us.
Keening and tugging and prickling across my flesh.
The voices that surrounded us became muted as I was drawn toward him.
Gravity.
The man a reprieve.
A black hole.
I didn’t know.
“Why?” It was barely a whisper. Some kind of plea for him to release me while there was a very stupid part of myself that wanted him to hold me in the safety of his arms.
“Because I know there’s something going on with you that you’re not letting on.”
Trepidation burned through my being.
Get back.
Step away.
My head barely shook. “You don’t know anything about me.”
He suddenly reached out and stroked the pad of his thumb over my cheek, those eyes pinned on mine. Voice so low as he murmured, “Don’t I, Little Liar?”
My chest squeezed, and I was gasping in surprise when a hand suddenly landed on my upper arm. I whirled that way to find Emery smiling her sweet smile, though I could see the curiosity pass through her features as she realized how close Theo was standing to me.
“This is the best surprise ever. I can’t believe you’re here,” she finally said.
I cleared the roughness from my throat. “I would be a terrible employee if I didn’t show up for your grand opening party.”
“Terrible employee? You saved my life today. It would have been a complete shitshow had you not been there.”
She looped an arm around my waist, and she tugged me close as if we were the oldest friends. “You should have seen her, Theo. This one was a straight-up rockstar. It was a madhouse the entire day, and she figured out the register in like five seconds and was working wonders ringing people up so I was able to help customers while they shopped and browsed.”
Theo’s dark eyes raked over me, peeling me apart without any effort. “Yeah, she’s pretty amazing, isn’t she?”
My nerves rattled, but somehow, I managed a shrug. “The register is the easy part.”
“And here I was thinking my duties were the easy part. I guess that just means we’re a really great team.”
“Yeah. I guess we are.”
“I will not be letting this one go.” She gave me a gentle shake. “I’m keeping her forever.”
I tried to bite back the panic that wanted to rise to the surface.
Raven’s voice broke over the din. “Everyone gather around. It’s time for a toast!”
Emery pulled away. “I better get back over there. I just wanted to tell you how happy I am that you’re here.” She gave me a quick squeeze before she turned to Theo with a grin and swatted his stomach. “And you, too.”
His smile turned easy. “Like I’d be anywhere else. Happy for you, Emery.”
Thick emotion rolled from her. “Thank you, Theo.”
“Emery, get that cute butt over here,” Raven shouted.
Emery giggled as she turned, “I’m coming!”
I followed, slowly moving toward the group that had gathered around Kane, Emery, and Raven.
Kane waved a bottle of champagne in the air before he popped the cap.