Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27907 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27907 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
I have made it my mission to destroy everyone and everything that has ever caused her pain. Now, it's time to erase the last reminders of the past that haunts her nightmares.
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
CHAPTER ONE
Quinton
If there’s one thing I’ll never grow tired of, it’s the look of joy my wife wears when I surprise her with something I know she’ll love. After everything she’s been through, she deserves no less than the best of everything, and I happen to be in a position to give it to her. She never expects or demands any of it, so the surprise is that much sweeter.
Her joy and wonder never get old. Like the twinkle in her eyes as we approach the lodge where I’ve booked us a stay over the Christmas holiday. As much as I enjoy spending time with extended family the way we normally do, I want it to be us this year. No distractions and no interruptions. We can always see them over New Year’s, anyway.
“I can’t believe it!” I’ve lost track of the number of times Aspen has whispered those words since we set out from the Swiss airport to our lodge in Gstaad. I’m not so jaded that I can’t see the beauty around us—the view of snowcapped peaks from a charming little town bustling with people who came to Switzerland for a luxurious holiday to shop and dine. Night fell before we landed, meaning a star-spangled, moonlight sky set off those snowy peaks, and warm, inviting lights from countless windows shined on the snowy streets. It’s beyond pristine, inspiring awe even in someone as world-weary as me.
She turns to me, her mouth hanging open and her green eyes sparkling. “It’s like something out of a fairy tale! Like a perfect little village in the snow.”
“Don’t fool yourself,” I warn her with a grin. “This isn’t some quaint little village. Someone could go bankrupt in some of the stores around here. But it is beautiful. You like it?”
“I love it!” Still, her brows draw together in concern. “So long as you don’t expect me to ski. I don’t think a broken leg would be a great Christmas present.”
“Point taken. Anyway, I figured you’d be more interested in sitting by the fire with a book.”
“Are you kidding? I can already imagine myself with a book in my lap and hot chocolate sitting next to me.”
“So long as that’s not all you want to do in front of the fire.” I run a hand up her thigh, and she giggles before playfully swatting it away, nodding toward the front seat where our driver navigates the darkened road up to the lodge.
I lean in, my lips brushing her ear. “You know it only turns me on when you tell me I can’t do something.” She rolls her eyes, but it’s all for show. When push comes to shove, she’s just as eager and ready to tear each other’s clothes off as I am.
There isn’t much I would rather do during this trip, even with all the other options at our fingertips. It doesn’t matter where we are. All I ever want is Aspen. To be inside her, beside her. It doesn’t matter to me.
We pull up at the sprawling lodge entrance, and staff members immediately descend upon us, taking our bags from the car and carrying them into the lobby. I take Aspen’s hand and follow them, smiling at how she looks around in obvious wonder. “I hope you don’t mind,” I explain as we step into the cavernous space, “but I went with a suite instead of renting one of the private cabins. This way, you don’t even have to step outside if you’re hungry. There are restaurants right here in the lodge, and the staff is ready to make sure you have everything you need. Room service is available as well.” I wink, knowing that will come in handy one or two or maybe even all the mornings.
She slides her arms around my waist and squeezes, beaming up at me. “It’s perfect.”
She’s perfect, but hearing that would only make her roll her eyes. I settle for kissing the top of her head before meeting the concierge, who takes us to our suite while explaining some of the hotel’s amenities. “Guests rave about our outdoor hot tubs,” he assures us, pointing through a window to where the covered tubs are currently being enjoyed by a pair of families. “Your suite includes one of its own if you’d rather not venture outdoors.”
I catch Aspen’s eye, and there can’t be any doubt about what I’m thinking. She flashes a secret little smile, telling me she’s on the same page.
I slip the concierge and porter a tip to get rid of them quicker so we can be alone. Aspen admires the fireplace, the hot tub in the bathroom, and the view from the windows overlooking the village. The warm and welcoming suite has a huge four-poster bed I’ve made plans to use ever since first seeing a picture of it on the resort’s website.