Total pages in book: 160
Estimated words: 151097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 504(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 755(@200wpm)___ 604(@250wpm)___ 504(@300wpm)
As if it were an extension of my princess palace, the interior of the library was highly ornamental—baroque, airy, pink, and white. Directly across from the door, across the short expanse of marble floor, was a paneled window reaching at least twenty feet high, if not more. I could see the sound below and the sun kissing the gently lapping waves. In front of the window was a weeping cherry tree about eight to ten feet tall. I assumed it was fake until I faintly touched one of the pink petals and discovered it was real. The soil was set inside a stone enclosure for watering. There were arched alcoves along both walls that housed empty bookshelves, and more on the upper levels, which had curved Juliet balconies like the one in my bedroom.
The seating area in the center of the room looked cozy, and I was pleased to find the stylish sofas as comfy as they looked.
Spotting the winding stairs tucked discreetly away, I squealed again and eagerly ran up them, ignoring Ocean’s warning to be careful. The mezzanine level connected both sides of the room, and even though there weren’t any books yet to marvel over, I couldn’t help holding out my hand as I passed, imagining my fingers brushing across all kinds of spines.
Moving over to stand at one of the Juliet balconies, I was unaware of the huge grin on my face until I noticed Ocean with his phone raised, snapping a picture.
“Wait, I wasn’t ready!” I screamed. I was never good at being photographed by others. Hunter was the only one I trusted because I knew she’d never let me take a bad photo. A candid of me just sounded horrifying, especially when someone who looked like him with eyes that could see.
Ocean studied the picture and then tapped a few buttons before tucking his phone inside his pocket. “It’s perfect. Now, come down here and thank me for your gift, wife.”
He didn’t have to tell me twice.
I skipped down the stairs, which only seemed to piss him off if the glower was anything to go by. As I approached, I smiled, and that seemed to soften him a little, so by the time I was standing in front of him, most of his scowl was gone.
His irritation didn’t stop him from lifting me off my feet, and it didn’t stop me from wrapping my legs around his waist. “You’re testing me, Coby.”
“You like it.”
Ocean made a noncommittal sound before using his hold on my butt to lift me higher and knock me off balance. The move jostled me forward, and somehow my lips found his.
Okay, fine. I kissed him.
And Ocean kissed me back—like he owned me, like I was the only thing he’s ever wanted and now he had me. He kissed me in my dream library right under the skylight he had installed so that I could see the stars while I walked through worlds. I didn’t want to fall for this crazy-ass man, but it was starting to feel like I wouldn’t be able to help it.
“Thank you,” I said once he stopped kissing me and set me back on my feet.
“Ain’t shit.”
“It is to me. I never knew how sweet you are,” I said as I caressed his cheek. “And generous.”
Ocean laughed at that while nuzzling my palm. “Other people would disagree.”
“Mmh…that’s okay. Call me selfish, but I want this side of you only for me.”
“Then that’s the way it will be. Come on.”
“Where are we going?” I asked as he tugged me toward the door.
“We’re going the rest of the tour.”
I took one last look at the library before following Ocean out. I could see it and enjoy it whenever I wanted, and that felt… amazing. “I feel like I’m taking over your home,” I whispered a little guiltily.
Ocean stared down at me unflinchingly as we traveled the hall towards the stairs. “It’s your home now too, mo aingeal.” When he reached out to brush his fingers down my arm, I couldn’t help falling into him. “Take as much as you want. I can think of no better person to give everything I have.”
“You mean that?”
“Of course.”
I eyed him skeptically. “You barely know me.”
“I know enough,” he returned.
It was a good thing his focus was ahead of him, not on me, because I didn’t want him to know how easily he made me melt.
It took almost an hour to do the full tour. The penthouse was huge—so big that calling it an apartment didn’t feel right. I’ve certainly never known an apartment to have its own ballroom. Ocean showed it to me, along with the gym, the pool, and the rooftop terrace. The rest of the apartment was a blur of extravagance until he finally showed me his room.
“It’s nice,” I said as I walked around. The room’s dark interior screamed masculinity, and the massive bed beckoned me as I ran a finger over the heavily starched bedding. “Not as pretty as mine,” I teased, “but it suits you and it…smells like you.”