Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“You mentioned loss earlier. What’s the story behind that?”
“Excuse me,” she says, looking at me in confusion.
“Your words referenced ice cream, but I could tell there was more to it.”
“Oh,” she says as realization lights her eyes. “That’s a long story.”
I look at my watch. “I have nothing but time.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t,” she says, looking at my watch. “Oh my God, I have to go.”
“What? Wait.” She turns, lifts her skirts and begins to take off. I grab her arm to stop her. “Wait, what’s the rush?”
“I have to go. My ride. I had a great time, but I need to leave,” she says in a rush and pulls from my grasp.
A clock chimes loudly somewhere in the castle. I take off after her. With all I’ve learned about her, I still don’t know her name. We can’t end the night like this.
CHAPTER 5
Mix-Up
Cinder
I rush as fast as the gravel path and my heels will allow. It was so foolish of me to lose track of time. I truly got caught up in the magic of the night.
When Princeton stood before me on the dance floor, something inside me shifted. I felt beautiful and powerful. Everyone’s eyes were on me, but his stare did something to me.
It was in that moment that I made the decision to be someone else this evening. I wanted to forget Cinder. Forget the responsibilities that have dropped into my lap in the last year. For once, I didn’t want to feel like I was trying to stay afloat.
“Wait, damn it. You’re going to hurt yourself in those shoes.”
He calls from behind me. I don’t stop. I push my way into the ballroom and dart through the crowd.
“Shit,” I mutter, half out of breath.
I have to retrieve my phone. Megan, my assistant, took it when I arrived and gave me a ticket. She pushed me to join the party, promising she had it all under control.
I change directions and rush to the check-in area. I pull out the ticket and thrust it out with a shaky hand. If I miss my ride, I don’t know how I’ll get off this island.
Every car had to be approved. I called ahead to get the two Ubers’ clearances for my staff. The same drivers agreed to return for them since they already had clearance. I look around for Megan. She’s in charge of security and clearance.
I groan, knowing she has gone home. Bianca refused to pay her the overtime. I’m sure to spite me when she thought I’d be running the event this evening.
Honestly, everyone who was meant to get off and on this island had approval weeks ago. She had no need to stick around after eleven thirty p.m. Security has their list. I would have been here to oversee the rest of the event.
I’ll have to walk the bridge in these shoes if I miss my ride. The attendant hands over my phone in the custom bags the Whitmans wanted all of their guests to leave with. I clench it to my chest and turn for the doors.
“Wait,” Princeton calls from behind me as he pushes through the crowd, patting his pockets.
I don’t stop. Rushing out of the castle, I find the Wraith parked out front. I breathe a sigh of relief and pull the door open to slip inside. I fall back against the front seat and put my head back, only to jump when an unexpected voice greets my ears from the back seat.
“Well, hello, dear. Are we giving you a ride home?”
I turn to find Mrs. Blake sitting in the back of the car. I look toward the driver and realize it’s not mine from earlier. I groan and cover my face with my hands.
“I’m so sorry. I thought this was my car.”
“No worries, my dear. I’m sure Princeton wouldn’t mind giving you a ride home.”
“No, I have a ride. I think,” I murmur.
“You mean the Wraith with the worried-looking driver that just left?”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously. I have a splitting headache. I’ve been out here for some time. I figured Princeton would show up when he was ready. The no-phone policy has turned into a pain,” she says.
“I do apologize. I’ll find a ride.”
I turn to open the door and step out. Princeton appears with a smile on his lips. I bite my lip, feeling my cheeks heat.
“So, you run away from me to jump in my car?” he says and lifts a brow.
“I thought it was my car in my rush,” I reply.
He has removed his mask, revealing his handsome face. Those eyes are even more piercing without it. He places his hand on my waist.
“Where’s your car? I’ll walk you to it.”
“Your mother says it left.” I do my best not to pout.
“Princeton, dear, help the girl into the car. I have a headache. You can drop me at the apartment in the city and then see that she gets to her home,” his mother says from inside the car.