Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 359(@200wpm)___ 287(@250wpm)___ 239(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71701 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 359(@200wpm)___ 287(@250wpm)___ 239(@300wpm)
Judge’s polished shoes come to a dead halt as he enters behind me, taking in the scene. I glance over my shoulder and offer him another fake smile. The same one I reserve for everyone else. Today, when Judge made his position clear, I decided it’s time to let go of my ridiculous notions. This game between us has very real stakes, and it’s been easy to forget in the thick of it. But the battle lines have been drawn, and in the end, I’m the one who will have to face the consequences.
When I leave this house and his care, Judge will go back to the life he knows. He will spend his days at work, serving his purpose for The Society, and his nights will be spent in the comfort of a warm body that isn’t mine.
In my time here, I’ve grasped at every justification for my jealousy and the unwarranted possession I feel toward him. He was my first, but I’m not his, and I certainly won’t be his last. He wants a life free from complications, and I can’t forget that, even in the face of his temporary control. This flame of passing desire will inevitably burn out for him, and we will part ways.
I know there’s no guarantee I’ll go unscathed. Truthfully, I know I won’t. I’ve already given him more of me than I’ve ever given anyone else. I’ve made the mistake of letting him in and letting my guard down. But if I’m to survive this, I have to separate the two. I have to learn how to give him my body without giving him my heart.
“We need to talk about your little performance at the party,” he says.
I toss my thong to the floor and leave my heels on, turning to face him. His eyes burn a slow path down my naked body, the vein in his neck pulsing with the betrayal of his need. I move toward him slowly, and he eyes me with suspicion as I unbutton his suit jacket and slide my palms inside over his chest.
“Haven’t you heard?” I tip my chin up to peer into his eyes. “I’m in want of a husband.”
He stiffens, but I don’t acknowledge it as I push his coat back over his broad shoulders and divest him of it entirely.
“I figure there really shouldn’t be any wasted opportunities,” I add, my fingers moving over the buttons of his vest, slipping them through the holes. “I’m not getting any younger, and the longer this ruse goes on, the more people will start to question it.”
“You mean the way they question it when you willingly tell them it’s official.” He arches a dark brow at me.
“That was just to goad Vivien.” I shrug. “She can’t stand the idea of it.”
“Yes, and she likes to gossip.” He studies me sharply as I help him from his vest and move onto his button-down shirt.
“Don’t worry.” I stare straight at his chest, proud of how empty my voice is as I give him my assurances. “It’s always the woman’s reputation that falls into question. Yours will go unscathed, as a Sovereign Son.”
“Mercedes.” His voice is quieted as he tries to still my hand, but I shove his away and keep working to undress him.
“In all honesty, though, I really don’t think it will matter too much. As you saw tonight, Clifton Phillips had no issue with my reputation as he took me for a spin around the dance floor. I think he could be husband material. He’s a little arrogant, but I suppose everyone has their faults.”
“Are we back to this again?” Judge sighs, but it quickly turns to frustration when I look up at him deadpan.
“I’m not joking,” I tell him. “I know the whole purpose of me coming here to stay with you was to reform me, but let’s not kid ourselves. I am who I am. They may have broken the mold with me when it came to creating a perfect Society wife, but it doesn’t negate the fact I still need to wed. I have a legacy to carry on. A duty to the De La Rosa name.”
Irritation pinches his features, and I almost wish I could believe it means something. But I’m not falling into that honey pot again.
“Let’s not make this complicated.” I toss his shirt aside and reach for the zipper of his trousers. “It’s time for me to grow the fuck up, right? And don’t get me wrong, I enjoy this. I really, really enjoy this. But at some point, preferably soon, I’ll find someone else to take over the responsibility of my care and free you from the burden you’ve shouldered for far too long already.”
He reaches for my wrist, squeezing it in his palm before I can yank down his briefs. “What the hell is wrong with you?”