Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
“So, I see, maybe for you. You do seem to prefer a different type.” He nods to me again before he walks off with a huff.
“Your wife’s brother?” I ask him, confused.
“Yes.” He pauses. “It’s no longer her I want. I’ve fallen in love with Lottie.” His hand grips me harder, and I almost believe the absolute lies spewing from his mouth. Whiskey is after all a smooth talker, and I feel like he could tell you the sky is pink instead of blue and somehow you would believe him. His eyes pinch when they look at me.
“Why did you end it?” I ask just above a whisper.
“Because of you. Now, let’s move on, shall we?” He turns, stepping back into my space, touching my back.
“Did you love her?” I ask.
Whiskey looks at me. “Maybe a little,” is all he gives me before someone else walks over to shake his hand, and his drops his from my back. I pay no attention, thinking whatever it is he wants from me must be important if he’s left a woman who he could have loved, for what he seems to think he can get from me.
Whiskey goes to touch my back again, and I pull away. “Lottie,” he chastises me.
“What?” I bite back. “How many people know?”
“Barry. No one else.”
I smile, but it is fake.
The party must go on.
CHAPTER 12
WHISKEY
Lottie’s good, I’ll give her that much. She hides her anger and unleashes it when it’s just us. My hand stays on the small of her back as we make our way around, even though I know she doesn’t want it there. I don’t have many people here I know personally. I like to keep my circle small, mainly so I don’t get fucked over. It’s usually the ones with the most money that stab you in the back the fastest.
Let’s hope my Bunny isn’t the same.
“We should sit.”
She nods. The food is coming around, we’ve been mingling with the guests now for a good thirty minutes while everyone arrives, and apart from her questions earlier it’s been ok.
“How much longer?” she asks. I pull her seat out, she smiles, and I realize she’s been trained this way. Lottie has been trained to be the perfect lady at events. Turning to look at her father, I see him watching her closely. Does he instruct how she’s meant to act out in public as well? Her father sees me staring and nods his head before he turns to his wife sitting next to him.
“At least another hour, then they will be gone.”
She crinkles her nose, not liking that answer as the food is placed in front of us.
“A toast,” Barry yells, sitting next to me.
Lottie’s eyes flick to him in worry, but I place a reassuring hand on her leg, which she stops bouncing then pushes me off.
“I’ve never seen Corton so in love. I’m glad someone as beautiful as Lottie has managed to tie him down.” Barry winks at Lottie, her cheeks reddening, and it makes me remember that night where I made them blush bright red. When I fucked her and told her all the dirty things I wanted to do to her.
“To you both. I wish you nothing but the best.”
I raise my glass, and so does Lottie.
Everyone cheers before we look out and see her father standing.
“Lottie, I love you. You are one of my greatest achievements.” I turn to look to her and notice she’s smiling, but it’s forced. You can only tell if you look closely enough, and I’ve gotten to see this reaction often. “I’m happy you found a man who’s brave enough to tame you and handle you, because you need it, maybe the age difference will help.” He chuckles, making everyone else but myself and Lottie do the same. He goes quiet, raising his glass while staring at me. “Treat her well, Whiskey. She’s yours now. Welcome to the family.” He sits back down, and I turn to Lottie. Her hand touches the glass of champagne in front of her, but she doesn’t lift it. It’s as if her hand is frozen.
Leaning in close, I say, “You can drink it, you know.”
Lottie’s eyes, which are full of fire, turn to me. “And let you take advantage of me again? No, thank you, very much.” Her hand reaches for the water as everyone starts eating. She doesn’t touch her food.
“Do you plan to make this difficult?” I ask, leaning in close so no one else can hear.
She turns into me, her mouth coming close to my ear so no one can see or hear what she’s about to say. “I hate you. Hate you. This isn’t my thing. This is just one more thing a man is making me do. Fuck you!” When she pulls away Lottie smiles elegantly. She waves to the waiter to take her food and reaches for the dessert plate instead. I watch as she eats a slice of Bavarian Black Forest gâteau, then she proceeds to take mine too.