Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 28059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
“I had a mask on. No one knew it was me. I can’t go dancing with random men. I’ll end up with a reputation like yours,” I tease, knowing that one will hit the mark. Then maybe he’ll leave me alone about my mystery man. We both need to forget about him because he’s clearly forgotten about me.
“Don’t be a brat,” he grumbles, annoyed by my remark.
Felipe had a reputation of being a playboy because he was often seen out at clubs and bars all over the city at night. It was bullshit because that’s not who my brother is. He actually owned all those clubs at the time, but the story of Prince Felipe being a playboy was far juicier. He hadn’t cared about the label until he found out the woman he loved believed those rumors to be true. He had to convince her otherwise. Clearly it worked because she walked down the aisle and said, “I do.”
“I won’t be a brat if you go and enjoy yourself. Have fun on your honeymoon,” I encourage him. Felipe has worked hard his whole life for what he has. It’s time he enjoyed himself.
“I plan to.” He drops another kiss on my cheek before whispering into my ear so only I can hear him. “Father has been talking with a lot of suitors tonight.” I stiffen, and my heart drops. “You don’t agree to anything until I’m back.”
“I didn’t know I had a choice.” I try to keep the emotion out of my voice because this isn’t the time or place to get into this.
“Until I get back,” he repeats, and I nod. “Be good,” he says before he’s off to find his bride so they can make their escape. Knowing that they’re leaving, I see no reason why I can’t do the same. Besides, I don’t think Cillian is here either. He must have snuck off a while ago. There really is no point staying now.
I slip off to the side to try to make a discreet exit. My slippers and Kindle are calling my name. Just when I think I’ve made it without being noticed, a hand wraps around my wrist and stops me from getting away.
Chapter Two
Cillian
“If you go through that door, an alarm will sound.”
When Glenda looks back at me, I immediately drop her hand and take a step back. She probably can’t stand the thought of me touching her. She’s just so perfect I couldn’t help myself.
“Oh, well then I guess that wouldn’t have been useful for a quiet getaway.”
“Why are you leaving?” God, I should walk away now, but everything about her calls to me. Just like the night at the monarch benefit.
“Felipe said he and Amelia are leaving, so I didn’t see the point in staying any longer.” She shrugs her shoulders and then looks back toward the reception. “I don’t think this party has a chance of slowing down anytime soon.”
“How are you getting home?” I’m surprised I said the words out loud, but when it comes to Glenda, my control is always close to snapping.
“I think there’s a car service thing out front. Or I could walk.” She does that little shoulder shrug again, and all it does is make me wonder how soft they are under her dress.
Glenda is never one to show skin. In fact, she makes a point to always cover her body. I’ve only ever seen her bare arms once, and just that little amount drove me to the edge of insanity. I think I jacked off for a week just envisioning the inside of her wrists.
“I’m leaving too.” I nod toward the dance floor. “This isn’t really my scene.” I hesitate and then decide I’ve gone this far, what’s a little further? “Can I walk you home?”
“You want to walk me home?” She sounds confused, and it’s like a dagger to my heart.
“Never mind, I’m sure you’ve got someone that—”
“Yes, please.” She cuts me off and then nibbles on her bottom lip nervously. “I mean, if you’re leaving anyway.”
I nod, and then we walk through the ballroom together and out the front door. Thankfully, the guests are taking advantage of the open bar, so they don’t notice the two of us leaving. Especially Glenda’s father. He’s an asshole of the highest degree, but somehow his children turned out to be good people in spite of him.
“Your family's home is close to us, isn’t it?” Glenda asks, breaking into my thoughts.
“Yes, their estate is just two properties over.”
“Do you live there with them? I know Amelia did until the wedding.”
“I’m there a good bit for work, and I have a room still in their home, but I generally stay at my home that’s on our family's land in the country.”
“Oh really?” She turns to me and smiles widely. “I never get out of the city. When I was little, I dreamed of moving to a house in the country so I could raise baby goats and read by a lake.” She laughs and shakes her head. “That actually still sounds nice.”