Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72973 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72973 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Looking at the man who’s stolen my heart, I suppress the urge to argue. I know I can be stubborn, but I can’t just think about myself anymore.
“It’s going to be difficult,” I admit. “I’m not used to taking things from people.”
“I’m not people.” He tilts his head. “I’m your boyfriend.”
“What if I make all these changes, and you break up with me?” I ask the question that worries me most.
Dario surprises the hell out of me when he says, “If it’s security you need, I’ll marry you tomorrow.”
“Huh?”
I blink at the man as if he’s lost his mind. When the words sink in, I start to laugh, shaking my head.
“It’s way too soon.”
“Not for me.”
Realizing he’s serious, I gape at him. “Jesus, Dario. We’ve only dated for a few weeks. Marriage is a serious commitment.”
“So?”
“Two weeks!” I give him an incredulous look.
With a dead serious expression, he mutters, “It doesn’t matter whether we’re dating or married because I’m never letting you go.”
“We can talk about marriage at a much later stage,” I say. Wiping a hand over my forehead, I mumble, “Now I’ve forgotten what we were talking about.”
“You said you’re scared of making changes and talked shit about us breaking up, then I brought up marriage, and you freaked out,” he reminds me.
“Right.” I let out a sigh, and feeling tired from the intense conversation, I lie down.
Dario crawls over me and bracing his hands on either side of my head, he locks eyes with me.
“You need security, and I want to give it to you. Let me transfer an amount into your bank account, so if the impossible happens and we break up, you’ll have money while you figure out what to do.”
“I can’t just take your money,” I mutter.
“I’ll make you a deal,” he says. “When you’re better, you’ll dance for me every night. Take the money as payment.”
You need to meet him in the middle.
But damn, it’s difficult.
Giving in, I nod. “Okay.”
The corners of his mouth lift, and he presses a soft kiss to my mouth, then mutters, “Christ, you’re a tough negotiator.”
Bella wakes up from where she’s snoozing, and worms her way in between Dario and me, sniffing all over my face.
Dario climbs off me, and a second later, says, “Give me your banking details.”
I ramble the details to him while playing with Bella.
Dario lets out a chuckle as he opens his laptop again. “Just remember you agreed to the deal.”
“Yeah-yeah.” I sit up again. “I’ve slept enough. Can we watch some TV?”
“Give me a second while I wait for the transfer to go through.”
“It could’ve waited.” I climb off the bed and pick up my cell phone. Noticing I have messages I scroll through them.
There are two from Sylvia threatening me to get my ass to work, but they were sent before I called her.
There’s one from Sherrie asking if I’m okay.
I open the text and send her a reply.
Thanks for checking up on me. I’ll swing by the diner when I’m better.
Opening the last message, I let out a gasp.
Quincy: I don’t know if you’ll ever see this. I’m okay. I hope you’re okay too. No one’s telling me shit.
Jesus, how could I forget about him?
Pressing dial on his number, I don’t have to wait long for him to answer.
“Eden! Are you okay? Where are you?”
Hearing the worry in his voice makes me feel a little emotional.
“I’m fine. I’m at home. Are you still in the hospital?”
“Nah, I got out this morning. I’m at home with Anita making a fuss over me.”
I let out a relieved sigh. “I’m so happy to hear that.” Brushing a hand through my hair, I mutter, “I’m sorry you got shot because of me.”
He clears his throat. “What happened to you after they shot me?”
“Nothing worth retelling,” I say so I won’t cause him any worry. My chin starts to tremble, and I swallow hard on the emotion. “I’m glad you’re home.”
Dario comes to stand next to me, rubbing his hand up and down my back.
“I have to go, but it was nice talking to you,” I tell Quincy. “Enjoy all the attention you’re getting from Anita.”
“I will. Take care of yourself.”
We end the call, and I let out another breath of relief.
“Quincy?” Dario asks.
“Yeah.” I glance up at him. “How did you know?”
“You mentioned hospital and Anita, which is his wife’s name.”
“Right.”
“Come on. You can watch TV with Tyrone while I go out.”
I pick up Bella, and walking out of the bedroom, I ask, “Where are you going?”
“To get a couple of things. I won’t be too long.”
When I get to the living room, I make myself comfortable on the couch and let Bella snuggle in my lap.
When Tyrone comes to sit with me, he says, “I’ve been told to guard you while your man goes out.”