Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27242 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27242 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
It’s the weight of his pain that has me lying. “I’m between places and thought I might crash with you.”
He grunts and glances away, fixing his gaze on something behind my head. He paid attention to me that night. He looked at me like I was fascinating. “You can’t stay here.”
“Not even for a night?” It’s a tactic I’ve learned from watching my father work. When someone says no, make a counteroffer.
The universe must be on my side because thunder rolls and lightning flashes. It lights up the house because there are glass windows everywhere. It’s almost like he built this place because he couldn’t stand the idea of not being in nature.
Of all the things I don’t know about Ryker, I know he won’t send me out into the storm. He might be gruff and growly. But he’ll look out for me and let me take shelter here.
“For the night,” he finally concedes. “I’ll introduce you to Luna.”
He disappears back outside while my stomach clenches. He’s not single anymore. He has a woman. Luna. I bet she’s beautiful. She’s probably close to his age, some sophisticated woman that knows exactly how to please a big, burly man like Ryker.
No wonder he doesn’t want me around. I can’t believe I did this. I put both of us in an awkward position. Did I think that I would tell Ryker what was going on and he’d sweep in like some shining knight? I’m too old for fairytales.
The front door opens, and I brace myself from the spot in the kitchen where I’m rooted. Should I smile? Will that come across as too fake? What am I even supposed to say to this woman that I envy?
“Come on, girl, meet our guest,” Ryker’s voice rumbles just as the prettiest dog I’ve ever seen bounds into the room. She stops before she can bump into me, sitting on the floor. I catch a glimpse of her tag. Luna.
Relief fills me, so strong and powerful that it threatens to overwhelm me. “This is Luna?” I can’t help the laugh that bubbles up. This is Luna.
“The love of my life,” he answers with a wry chuckle that sounds weird. Almost as if he’s forgotten how to laugh.
I drop to my knees and resist the urge to hug her. I don’t know why it is I feel such a strong connection to her. But looking into Luna’s eyes, I know she’s a long-lost family member. Someone I’ve been waiting my whole life to meet. That’s how I felt as soon as I met Ryker.
I hold out my hand for her to sniff. When she doesn’t back away, I scratch gently under her chin. She lolls her head to the side to give me access. “You’re such a beautiful girl.”
He clears his throat. “Let me show you to the bedroom.”
I wish I knew what to say to stop the awkwardness between us. I wish I knew how to reach out to the Ryker from the past. This version of him is just as hot. But he’s so reserved, so stoic.
“Have you been here for a long time?” I follow him with my bag slung over my shoulder. This house is amazing. It’s the type of thing that I would expect to see featured on the travel channel. Everywhere I turn, there are windows with stunning views. From the green grass and the swaying trees to the red bird feeder tucked neatly on the side of the house, there’s so much beauty to admire.
He grunts, not giving me an answer. Well, that’s alright. I’ll just spend the night in the bedroom and avoid him. Maybe that will make him happy. Then I’ll leave at first light in the morning. Where will I go next?
I push away the scary thought. I’ll figure out what to do next. There has to be somewhere I can hide from my stepbrothers.
He opens the door then steps back and gestures for me to go in. Like the kitchen, the furniture is rustic with light wood and clean lines. There’s no sign of warmth anywhere in the room, not even a rug. It’s almost as if he’s intentionally left everything as bare and basic as possible.
“You can take the bed but fair warning, Luna is a blanket hog.”
I search his expression for some mirth, for some friendliness. There’s nothing. Only a chilly reception that I didn’t expect. “I can’t take your bed.”
He crosses his arms over his chest and frowns. It’s such a stern look, and it shouldn’t send a bolt of lust through me, but it does. Everything about Ryker does. “Then how about you tell me what the hell is going on?”
3
RYKER
She’s even more beautiful than I remember. Even more beautiful than she was in all of those dreams I had of her in my cell. The moment I saw her standing in my kitchen, all I wanted to do was crush her against my chest. I wanted to hold her and never let go.