Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67070 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 224(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67070 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 224(@300wpm)
She flinched at the question, like that was the last thing she expected me to say. “Why do you ask?”
“It’s an important aspect of your life. I want to know everything about you.”
“Well, I already told you we were in the same foster home. Then we were adopted together later on.”
It was obvious she didn’t want to talk about this. Her tone was short and clipped. She was pushing me away, closing me off. I didn’t appreciate it. “You can tell me anything. I hope you know that, Rome.”
“I know, Calloway. But there’s nothing to tell. That part of my life is over.”
Was anything ever really over? I hid my offense that she continued to keep her secret from me. If she thought I wouldn’t figure it out eventually, she wasn’t very bright. The truth always found its way to the surface—every time. I struggled to keep my anger at bay at the cold brush-off. I’d made a lot of sacrifices for this relationship, but that still wasn’t good enough for her.
I didn’t say another word for the rest of the evening.
9
Rome
Calloway walked inside my office on Friday after five. He did his usual routine by standing in silence near the doorway and letting his brooding exterior do all the talking. He’d been in a sour mood all week. Every time I asked him about it, he claimed he was just tired.
I grabbed my things and met him at the door. “Thank god it’s Friday, huh?”
He stared down at my face, his eyes narrowed on my lips. He leaned in and kissed me, the kind that was longer and harder than it should be for the office. Then he abruptly pulled away without responding to my comment. “We need to pick up a dress for you.” He walked into the hallway and slowed his pace so I could keep up with him.
“A dress?”
“We have charity gala tomorrow night.”
I’d completely forgotten about it. “Oh yeah…”
We entered the elevator and rode it to the lobby. “There’s a few boutiques down the street. I’m sure we’ll find something for you.”
“I can go on my own, Calloway. No reason to bore you.”
“Watching my woman try on beautiful gowns isn’t boring for me.” We left the building then walked up the street together, merging with the rest of the pedestrians as they left work to enjoy their weekend.
“What a diplomatic answer.”
He circled his arm around my waist, his large hand heavy against my hip. “I’ve never been much of a diplomat.”
We walked into one of the high-end shops in Manhattan. I could tell just by looking at the mannequins that I couldn’t even afford a scarf. Designer logos were on the wall, the kind of quality that celebrities wore on the red carpet. “Calloway, I—”
“My treat. Don’t worry about it.” He read my mind like he was sitting inside my brain at that very moment.
“It’s a charity event. Don’t you think it’s insensitive to wear a designer gown?”
“Not at all. It’s being held at the Plaza, remember?” He walked up to the front counter and immediately got the attention of the woman standing behind it. “My girlfriend needs a gown for tomorrow evening. She’s a size two.”
I raised an eyebrow. “How do you know what size I am?”
He pressed his lips to my ear. “I fuck you every night, don’t I?”
“Of course, sir.” The saleswoman came around the counter in a pencil skirt and black-framed glasses. It wasn’t the kind of service I was used to getting at the local mall. “What’s the occasion?”
“Charity gala,” Calloway said. “Price isn’t an object. I want something elegant but a little revealing.” He winked before he pressed a kiss to my shoulder. “I’ll be in the waiting area. Let me know when you’re ready.” He walked away, looking like he owned the store the second he walked inside it. His shoulders seemed more powerful every single time I looked at them.
I turned back to the woman who was in charge of dressing me up. The sizzle of attraction was in her eyes, not immune to Calloway’s charms like she should be. When she caught my look, she quickly pretended like her eyes weren’t just glued to his tight ass. “This way. I already have something in mind…”
I never looked at the price tag because I would throw up if I did. I felt guilty for letting him buy me something I didn’t even need. But it seemed important to him that I look my best. And deep down inside, I was excited to own something so glamorous. I’d always been a bargain shopper because I was satisfied knowing I wouldn’t have the nicer things in my life. But the moment I got to get my hands on something truly beautiful, I felt the flutter in my chest.
Calloway handed over his credit card without blinking then carried the gown out of the store. “You’re gonna look perfect in this tomorrow tonight.” He stopped at the edge of the sidewalk then pulled out his phone. He typed a quick message, probably to Tom, before he shoved it back inside his pocket.