Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33235 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33235 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
I wipe at my eyes. Now that it’s over, I feel like even more of an idiot for going up there tonight to his office and trying to act so much older and more experienced than I actually am. Some of the guys from the bar earlier call out to me, but I’m ignoring them, trying my hardest not to cry as I push through the doors that lead from the main space of Castle Capital into the smaller reception area by the elevators.
I fire off a quick text to Bill letting him know I’m taking a taxi home, even if I’m sure he’s too drunk by now to see it or care. I jam the button for the elevator and squeeze my eyes shut, feeling that horrible sinking feeling creep through me. I think about the man that felt so right earlier, and knowing that I’ve messed that up and that he’ll probably never even talk to me again has the tears about to finally break free.
There’s a hand on my arm, and even as I gasp in shock, my body knows who it is before I even turn.
Damien.
His touch is just pure electricity — a jolting, electrifying spark that instantly has me wanting to throw myself into his arms and kiss him until my lips are bruised and sore.
“I’m—” I shake my head, biting my lip. “I’m so sorry, I just—”
“Do not for one second think I’m done with you, angel,” he growls, his eyes flashing heat and fire at me. I shiver, swallowing thickly as he turns and pulls me towards a private elevator.
“But first, I’d like some answers. And I’d like them now.”
7
Lyra
We step back into his private office — the scene of the crime from earlier — and Damien slams the door shut behind us. I shiver, feeling the raw heat and desire that comes from me being near this man. But now, it’s also mixed with something a little more scary — like I’m feeling his true power now as well.
“Now then,” he growls, spinning me around and letting his gaze burn into me. I shiver. He’s so damn sexy, even when he’s clearly mad like this. God, if anything, he’s even more beautiful with that dark flash of anger on his face.
“Tell me how old you are right fucking now.”
I swallow. “Eighteen.”
He holds my gaze, unblinking.
“I’m eigh—”
“I want to see your driver's license.”
My brow arches. “You’re kidding me.”
I gasp as he snatches me up into his arms, and I swear he’s about to kiss me but his lips stop just before they crush to mine — like he’s holding back, but barely.
“Okay, okay,” I swallow, shrugging my bag off my shoulder and digging inside for my wallet. I pull out the New York driver's license and give it to him, shivering as his fingers brush mine when he takes it.
He studies it, his brow furrowing as his eyes read the lettering, before slowly, I watch him exhale.
“You’re eighteen.”
“Told you.”
My sass gets me another hard look, but again, it ignites more than scares this time.
“You’re Bill Goddard’s fucking daughter.”
“Stepdaughter.”
“It’s very convenient,” he growls, his eyes narrowing. “You being in here tonight, dressed like that, with this deal hanging on a thread.”
My jaw drops.
“Excuse me?” I hiss.
“Is that why you snuck in?” Damien growls. “To sweeten the fucking deal?”
I ignore how big and dominating and powerful this man standing in front of me is as I jab a finger in his face, mine scrunching up in a frown.
“No,” I spit. “God, what do you think I am?!”
“You tell me!” He roars back.
The room falls silent, the both of us eye-to-eye and glaring at one another. But suddenly, my tough attitude cracks, and the whole thing comes crashing down. My shoulders slump, my head drops, and I’m starting to turn to hide the tears from him when suddenly, his whole demeanor changes too.
I gasp as his muscled arms go around me, pulling me close to him and wrapping me against his body. He leans in, his face in my hair as he holds me tight.
“Fuck, I’m so sorry, baby girl,” he murmurs, kissing the top of my head, and then my cheek. He tilts my head up with a finger on my chin, and then slowly kisses my lips.
And I melt.
I sink into him, feeling that warmth and power and raw desire from before hook me all over again.
“I’m sorry, angel,” he whispers in my ear.
He kisses me again, fiercer this time, and when his tongue pushes through my lips, I moan as I open them for him. Arms circle me, and powerful hands hold me tenderly and protectively, like he’ll never let anything hurt me. He turns us, and I whimper into his lips as his hands lift me into him. My feet don’t touch the floor as he strides across the room, placing me down onto the top of his desk. He moves between my legs, hands circling me and sliding up to cup my face.