Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 54283 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 271(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54283 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 271(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
I nod reluctantly, fumbling to pull the phone from my pocket. As soon as I see Niall's name flashing across the screen, dread washes through me. My last class isn't even over yet. He shouldn't be calling me for another hour. Whatever he wants probably isn't good.
"It's my brother," I whisper, my heart sinking.
Naz nods, his jaw tight. Understanding flickers in his eyes even as his lips compress into a thin line. He gently slips his fingers from my body, setting me on my feet.
I take a breath, already missing his heat, and then swipe to answer the call, my hand trembling as I put the phone to my ear. "Niall? Why are you calling me in the middle of class? What's wrong?"
I watch as Naz tucks his still hard cock back into his pants, his eyes locked on my face.
"Where on campus are you?" Niall's voice is tense, strained. Something is wrong. "I'm on my way to get you."
"What? Why? I have another class."
"Sorry, baby sis. Not today, you don't. 'Da wants you home."
"But…"
"Where are you, Brynna?"
"Dodd Hall," I whisper, meeting Naz's gaze. "What's going on, Niall?"
"There's been a development with Naz," he says. "You don't need to worry about it. 'Da just wants you home until it blows over."
"Blows over?" I narrow my eyes, my heart pounding. "What are you talking about? What happened?"
"See you in ten," he says, hanging up on me.
I huff a breath, squeezing my eyes closed as frustration and confusion swirl through me, alongside a healthy dose of fear.
God, what did they do?
"What's wrong, mi alma?" Naz asks, reaching out to stroke my cheek.
"I…" I shake my head, my tongue cloven to the roof of my mouth. How am I supposed to answer him? What am I even supposed to say? Sorry, but I think my family just screwed you over again while you had your fingers buried inside me? But please, let's do it again soon?
Hopelessness surges through me as the reality of the situation sinks in. This is an impossible situation of my own making. No matter what I do, I'm betraying someone who matters to me.
I'm betraying my family by being here with Naz, by giving in to the magnetic pull between us. By letting him touch me, shatter me in ways no one else ever has. And I'm betraying Naz by walking away now, by leaving him in the dark about whatever Niall and my father have done this time.
I'm caught between two worlds, two loyalties, and I don't know what to do. How can I possibly choose? How can I turn my back on either one of them?
"Brynna," Naz murmurs, tipping my face up to his with his fingers beneath my chin. "Talk to me, princesa. Let me fix it."
"You can't," I choke, shaking my head miserably as tears well in my eyes. "I'm sorry, Naz. I have to go."
His gaze drifts over my face, seeking some explanation, some answer. But I don't have one. I'm stuck, unable to tell him the truth, but equally incapable of lying to him. If hell exists, I think this is it.
I'm walking a tightrope, caught between duty to my family and desire for this complicated man. And I can't help but wonder if I'm strong enough to keep my balance…or if I'm destined to fall. If we're all destined to fall.
Naz's expression softens as he steps closer, leaning down to brush his lips across my forehead. "Go, cariño, do what you must. But this thing between us doesn't end here, not even close."
I'm not sure if he'll still mean that tomorrow, but I allow myself to lean into him for a moment, breathing him in.
"Be safe," I whisper. It's the only warning I can give him. I don't know if it's enough, but it has to be.
Please, let it be enough.
"Sweet, sweet Brynna," he whispers, his lips brushing my forehead again.
I wrench myself from his arms, my bottom lip quivering. And then I turn and hurry out before I lose the will to do it all.
Chapter Seven
Naz
"Príncipe." Nicolas meets me at the elevator as soon as I step off, his expression grim. "We need to talk."
"Can it wait?" I growl, already striding toward my office. "I've got something to take care of this morning."
All I've been able to think about since Brynna ran off yesterday was the guilty, ashamed look on her face. It's driving me up the goddamn wall. I need to see her again, if only to reassure myself that the feeling of dread clawing through my fucking veins is my own imagination.
I don't know what her brother said to her, but it took every ounce of control I possess not to hunt the bastard down and put my fist through his face last night. She was right there with me, in my arms, her walls crumbling.