Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106600 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 533(@200wpm)___ 426(@250wpm)___ 355(@300wpm)
“Oh boy,” I mutter.
This is why I’ve been avoiding this. I should have known he would show up on the one day I decide to come through. I haven’t spoken to him since that scene at my place.
“Looking good in there, Billy,” Carson says and nods.
“Thanks,” I murmur.
Ardan moves to my side and wraps an arm around my waist. Because my body doesn’t know any better, it sags into Ardan of its own accord. He leans down to kiss the top of my head.
“Why do you have to taunt him?” I say through our mind link.
“I’m doing no such thing. I have told you before. I will not deny what’s mine for another’s comfort. He will do well to see you as a sister and not the object of his affection.”
I sigh and shake my head. “Will you let me talk to him?”
“No.”
“Really?”
“You will do it anyway. Just know if I don’t like what I hear or feel coming from you, I will end the conversation. That I will not bend on.”
I look up at him and smile. That’s a lot more than I thought I would get. “See? We can compromise.”
He grunts and walks off. I can’t say I don’t enjoy the view. He took his shirt off for our match and is only in a pair of gym shorts that are hugging his firm ass nicely.
I’m brought out of my thoughts by the strange feeling of being watched. I turn to find Carson’s eyes on me. There’s something off about his gaze. I can’t put my finger on it, but something shifts in his eyes and sends a chill through me.
My hands begin to tingle with my magic, causing me to ball my fists. Ardan was right earlier. This isn’t the place for me to lose control. I would hate to cause Mack to lose business.
I purse my lips and turn for the locker room to shower and change. Having a glaring match with Carson isn’t doing much. We’re going to need to have a real talk.
Taking Root
“Are you hungry?” Ardan asks as he sits on the floor next to me as I run my fingers through his hair.
We’re in the library. I had some extra time this morning, so I ended up in here. Ardan came in a little while ago to sit with me.
“A little, but you don’t have to get up. I want you right here with me,” I reply.
“You said you like the food I cook better than the food I magic for you,” he chuckles.
I laugh. “You have a point. It’s not a crazy big difference, but just enough.”
“I’ll make something quick. This is the first time in days that I’m not being summoned for some bullshit with the others. I want to be by your side as much as you want me here,” he says and stands to kiss my forehead before turning to leave.
I pout and sulk as I turn my attention back to my e-reader. Ardan has grown on me. I feel like something is missing when he’s not around. Even when he’s in the necklace around my neck, I miss his physical presence beside me.
It’s been a month since I’ve been living here at the clubhouse. I know I’m living in this bubble that Ardan and I have created for ourselves. It’s been mornings of passion, me time in my library, then long talks as Ardan tests my magic at random—I have to keep on my toes around him.
Our routine has become so natural. In the afternoons, I spend my time getting to know the water folk who come and go. Since I don’t go by the gym as much anymore, Ardan has been sparring with me a bit most afternoons before I have to get ready to go to work.
Work has been interesting. Candido’s name has been coming up more. Although I haven’t been brought in on the conversations, much to my annoyance. I know the most about the Ricci family.
I could help them build a real case. I would have them dead to rights in no time, but I’m being kept out of the loop on purpose. It’s total bullshit if you ask me.
I knew the feds weren’t going to pull me in on their case, but I thought the PD task force they started would rope me in. I have my theories, but I’ve been holding my tongue for now. That’s going to end soon. I can feel it.
“Billy,” Ardan barks through the apartment.
I look up as he appears in the opening of the alcove. He looks panicked. Something I’m not used to seeing on his face.
I drop my e-reader and stand. His eyes are glowing, and I know he’s not looking at me. It’s more like he’s looking through me.
“What? What is it?” I breathe and rush to stand before him.