Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23710 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23710 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Is this my future?
“Are you okay?” Felipe whispers from beside me. I shake my head no because I’m so far from okay right now. Panic starts to rise in my chest, and although I haven’t had a panic attack in years, it feels like one is starting to bubble up.
“Everything will be okay, Amelia,” he tries to reassure me, then grabs my hand under the table to give it a squeeze. I don’t know how or why, but the pressure starts to ease with his touch, and I let out a breath. “It’s going to be okay. I promise you,” he says again.
“But it won’t,” I whisper back. “I don’t think that I can—”
“Don’t,” he snaps, cutting me off, and everyone else stops talking to glance our way.
I force a smile onto my face so that no one notices what’s happening.
“Everything okay?” my father asks.
“How could it not be? Amelia has agreed to be my wife. Everything will always be okay,” Felipe says as he gives my hand another squeeze.
“Has he always been such a charmer?” Mom asks, shaking her head with a smile.
I pull my hand out from Felipe’s and hear him sigh.
“Always,” Cora laughs.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to point out that everyone knows that Felipe is more than a charmer and has been for years. It’s been in every gossip column since he was old enough to go out. Okay, not every column, but still.
Thankfully, the rest of the lunch goes off without any more problems. Unless you count the small brushes of Felipe’s arm or his thigh rubbing against mine. Anytime he had a chance to touch me, he took it. It was maddening.
“I want to see you again tomorrow,” Felipe says as we walk toward the front door. Both our parents linger behind, trying to give us some space. What’s the point? It's not as though we’re courting. The deal has been made, so it’s decided.
“I’m busy.” It’s not a lie because there’s still much to be done. I either need to get this wedding pulled together or find an escape plan.
“Then get un-busy.”
“Are you always this bossy?”
“Yes.” He reaches out and tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear. “You pull it out of me more than most.”
“I don’t want to hear about who you’re pulling things out of,” I say tartly, and his eyes narrow on me.
“That mouth of yours is going to get you into trouble.” His eyes drop to my lips, and I can’t help but lick them. “Don’t tease me, Amelia.”
“I’m not trying to.” I take a step back, but he snags my hand and pulls me closer to him.
“Don’t fight this. You already belong to me. Even your body knows it.” He traces my bottom lip with his thumb.
“You’re so damn cocky, but remember, just like your body hasn’t always belonged to me, mine hasn't always belonged to you.” I hiss the last part.
No way does he get to think he’s been living it up while I’ve been locked away like a nun. His eyes widen, and there’s no missing the anger simmering there.
“Amelia.” His tone is filled with warning, and I raise on my tiptoes until I’m but a breath away from his lips. I hear my father call my name, but I ignore it.
“You reap what you sow, future husband of mine.”
“That better be true, not only for your sake but for anyone else that might have ever touched you.”
His words confuse me, but Felipe takes a step back right as our parents get to us. “Thank you for having us,” he says to my parents with a beaming smile.
We all say our goodbyes, and as soon as the door is closed, my mother turns to me.
“What was that?”
“I don’t understand that man,” I huff.
“You sound like your mother when she met me.” Dad snags her around the waist, tucking her into his side.
“And my advice to you is to get to know him on your own. Don’t listen to what others might have to say. Learn for yourself who he is.”
“But what does it matter? I still have to marry him.” I don’t know if I want to laugh or cry.
“Honey.” Mom’s face softens.
“I’m going to go to my room now,” I say before I make my escape to my bedroom, more confused than before.
Chapter Eight
Felipe
“How did it go?” my little brother River asks when we get home.
My parents went in opposite directions, and I went to the kitchen to find him sitting in there with his tutor having a snack.
“As well as could be expected,” I sigh, grabbing a cookie off his plate. “Where’s Glenda?”
He rolls his eyes. “She’s still in her room.”
“Hmm.” I should check on her later.
“So tell me about this girl you’re marrying. Is she pretty?” River is still young enough to think that’s all that matters, but he’s sweet about it.