Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 69836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 349(@200wpm)___ 279(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 349(@200wpm)___ 279(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
And then I hear something else. I don’t wait for Cesar to assist me and limp out to a barrier beyond which I hear the waterfall the resort was surely named after.
“Cesar! Come look at this!” I yell in excitement as the cool breeze hits my face and I inhale the fresh scent.
Which reminds me I should be wearing my mask, but there’s no one here. Nobody to see me in the shadows as I marvel at the grand cascade of water illuminated with a golden-hued illumination. We’re on the edge of a cliff overlooking the falls and the languid trail of the river, and while it’s dark, so I can only see so much, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything more grand.
The sense of awe spreads through me, and I don’t even flinch when Cesar puts the cloth mask on my face, hooking the straps behind my ears. “I’ve been here before,” he tells me. “On a job, but this place is famous for their masked Christmas parties. We won’t stand out too much.”
I look back at him because right now, he’s more awe worthy than the waterfall. “You thought of everything. I love you so much.” I turn to him for a tight hug, amazed that I thought I’d ruined my life when I killed Sullivan, but instead it led me to Cesar, and he’s rebuilding it brick by brick, into the most grandiose castle in existence.
He makes a small sound at the back of his throat, but after a moment’s pause, his warm arms tighten around me until he’s almost lifting me off the ground. I never knew safety could have a scent, but it’s herbal, and dark, and I’m surrounded by it.
“I just want to make you happy. Do you… want to bring some of the branches from the cabin with us?” he asks, gesturing at the car.
“No, I think they’ll fare better in the car, and it will smell nice when we come back.” I grab his hand. I know it will make us stand out more, but who is going to think the Festive Fugitive has gotten himself a boyfriend in two weeks?
The building’s dark wooden exterior is outlined with warm white string lights that trace the rooflines and gables, glowing against the night sky. The windows glow like golden panels, inviting us in, and I can’t wait to find out what feast awaits us—
“Are you sure we can afford this?” I glance at Cesar as we approach the glass door. I can already see the towering Christmas tree by the reception area, topped by a golden star and decorated in classic colors of red and green.
This place is fancy, like a hotel for the rich in one of those feel-good Christmas movies, and as we approach the door, I imagine we are the main characters of a rom-com, and this is when my man will reveal that he can surround me with mind-blowing luxury, and that I will never have to worry about money again.
“Quite sure,” he says, grinning at me, but his gaze drifts off when the automatic doors open and a tall man in a burgundy suit and wooden mask depicting a stylized reindeer muzzle steps out, ranting on his phone. I’ve never owned clothing that fine. Maybe, I could get something of that quality for my wedding, but that’s about it.
“Is this my Pretty Woman moment? Next thing I know, you’ll be buying me a suit like that guy’s,” I laugh and lead the way in, though Cesar is instantly alarmed and puts his arm around me to secure my wobbly walk. He got me a simple brace and pain meds, so I’m not even hurting, but that doesn’t mean he takes care of me any less than before. I’m quite certain that if he didn’t want to be more discreet, he would be carrying me all the way to my room.
The foyer’s an upscale version of a lodge, with a floor of smooth stone, and the faint scent of winter berries hanging in the air as the guests socialize, have drinks by tables set up all over the area, or read.
Not everyone is masked, but Cesar and I are the worst-dressed people in the lobby. I fear everyone might be judging us, but my man approaches the reception as if he truly belongs here.
As he sorts out the details of our stay, I look around this festive heaven. It’s a mix of luxury and rustic elements. Elegant armchairs upholstered with plaid fabric stand in front of a fireplace, and a deer trophy overlooks the men having drinks there. I can’t wait to see our room, but I hope it will have a few Christmas decorations too.
I can almost forget that I’m a wanted criminal.
Tonight it’s just me and my boyfriend who seems to have a bottomless bank account.