Total pages in book: 130
Estimated words: 129323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 647(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129323 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 647(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
“Guess you never can tell a person’s true colors.”
His eyes narrow as though he finds double meaning in the words. In this particular moment, there are none. I’m truly floored to hear my radar was so far off.
“Would you like another drink? One more before we hit the road?”
“Sure,” I say, offering a small smile before he walks off, heading toward the bar, leaving me standing at a high-top table alone.
I glance around the room, taking in all the smartly dressed men and over-the-top dresses the few women wear. It’s practically a runway show full of models and actresses. They glide across the floor, backs straight, and heads held high.
I stuff down the insecurities rising to the surface. Aiden could’ve asked anyone to do this job. Why me?
Because you keep his secrets and don’t judge.
Women like this wouldn’t be all right with his quirks. They’d sell his story to the first person offering a sizable amount of money.
“Has Aiden told you your ass looks fabulous in that dress?” A smooth male voice caresses the back of my neck, but it’s not good chills that spread across my body. My hackles rise at the sound of Billy’s voice. I look over my shoulder.
“Aiden wouldn’t be so crass.”
He purses his lips and makes a face. “Aiden is a moron. Although…maybe he’s not,” he says, tapping his chin. “He has you to take care of his every need. Are you a girlfriend or a glorified ho?”
“Don’t you dare say another word,” I bite through my teeth. “You had the audacity to comment on my ass, which was mistake number one. But you and I both know if I were to tell Aiden everything that’s been said here tonight, your ass would be laid out across the floor before you even had a chance to offer an explanation.”
He chuckles, low and threatening. “You overestimate Aiden’s level of care for you. You’re dispensable.” He glances around the room. “These women would take him away in a heartbeat if he gave them one chance.” Hate blazes in his eyes. “Aiden isn’t the god he thinks he is.”
“Let me tell you something right now, dickhead. I don’t need Aiden to fight my battles. You touch me…you come near me…you say one fucking word I don’t like, and I’ll end your career so fast.” I hold his stare. “You understand.”
“You’re just easy pussy. One that he’ll tire of.”
I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. Everything Billy has said plays on my insecurities masterfully, and he doesn’t even realize it. Except I’m not that fragile little girl who Aiden left in that run-down trailer.
I’m strong.
I’m fierce.
I take a step toward him, getting as close as I can without causing a scene.
“You will apologize in a manner that I deem worthy, or tomorrow, you won’t have a fucking job. I’ll have your name plastered all over the papers. Sexual harassment. Misogyny. You name it, and I’ll ensure every newspaper and media outlet in this fucking city smears your name so gloriously, you’ll never work again.”
Billy’s face turns a shade of red I can’t name.
“Everything all right, Cassidy?” Aiden says, swooping in and handing me another glass, but this time, it’s a martini.
I’m typically not a martini girl, but tonight, I need it.
I look back at Billy and offer a menacing smile. “Yes. Everything is good. Billy was just telling me how sorry he was for bumping into me. Weren’t you, Billy?”
He clears his throat, looking at Aiden. “Yeah.”
“Let’s get out of here.” I place my glass down and then walk away with Aiden right behind me. All the while, I think of what was said and how close to home he actually was.
I head out to the curb to look for his car. Since I didn’t come with him, I’m not sure where he parked.
If I were smart, I’d slow down and wait for him to catch up to me, but the truth is I need air and space after my run-in with Billy.
My adrenaline courses through my body. It feels like my heart might explode from my chest.
Despite my labored breathing, I walk faster, not watching or thinking where I’m going, just needing to get far away from the party. I take a step, and before I know what's happening, I'm falling forward.
My hands reach out to brace myself as I start to crash face-first into the sidewalk.
“Cass,” Aiden's voice breaks through my haze as I see him running toward me.
Getting my bearings, I find that I’m lying on the concrete. But I’m okay. Luckily, my hands stopped my fall from being worse.
“Are you okay?” he asks as he moves to crouch so our gazes can meet.
“I think so.” I feel like a huge idiot, but as I take stock of myself, I’m pretty sure I didn’t do any real damage.