Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 78825 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78825 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
“Everything okay?” When I look over at Fabien, I get a lump in my throat. It’s been such a long time since I’ve had anyone who was as concerned for her as I am, it makes me a little wistful when he asks me.
“It’s fine,” I lie, ignoring the way my voice wobbles. “I just can’t get in touch with my sister, but I’m sure she’s… fine.” I look out the window so he doesn’t see the way sudden tears spring to my eyes.
Still, it's at the back of my mind and I can't help but worry.
Just a few more days, I tell myself. Just a few more days until Fabien and I finish our deal. I will have enough money to go see her.
To leave.
It’s getting harder to swallow the lump in my throat.
Wordlessly, Fabien reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze.
“Landing in five minutes," the flight attendant tells us.
Breathe. I draw in a deep, cleansing breath, and let it out slowly.
“Want to try her again?”
I do, but it goes to her voicemail again.
“I'm sure everything is fine," I lie.
"Is she usually hard to get hold of in the morning?"
“No… Not at all. Usually this is one of the times of day that we check in with each other…”
When he frowns, it certainly doesn't help my worry.
I suddenly have a terrifying thought. "You don't think that whoever is after us…"
No. That would be the absolute worst possible outcome…
“I think it's extremely unlikely they even know who you are, much less would expend the energy or resources to go after your sister. In any event, I'm going to make sure she's okay. I have people in Boston.”
This. This right here, the way he just moves his magic wand like a magician to make sure that the people I care about are safe. This right here is enough for me. It shouldn't be. But I can't push a button and shut off my heart.
"We have to land safely. We have to get to La Maison without incident. I put as many security measures in place as possible, but we have to exercise caution. We have an ally not far from where your sister is.”
I open my mouth to argue then realize it’s pointless.
I need this. Savannah does too. I need to make sure my sister is okay.
Thayer looks over at me. "You asked for a gun in Paris. Do you know how to shoot?"
"I am a complete novice. I just didn't want to be unarmed and at your mercy."
Fabien smirks. “I’ll keep that one in mind.”
Thayer rolls his eyes. “God. Can you please do the foreplay thing when I’m not here?”
“You’re the one who decided to follow us. I had plans for this plane ride.”
“Oh, God.” Thayer grimaces.
We are about to leave. I will make sure we get back to this, that I take care of Savannah, that I make sure she's okay. But I'm no use to her if I'm dead, so it's time that I listen to Fabien.
Again.
Fabien curses under his breath. “That son of a bitch." He looks over at Thayer. “Did you already uphold our end of the bargain with Milo?”
"I did it as soon as you told me to. Why?"
"Just got a text from him. He says the powers that be have rearranged the time this evening.” He looks at his watch. "We have one hour, Nicolette."
Oh my God. One hour to get back to safety, check in with Savannah, and get in disguise.
As his slave.
No big deal. Right.
My heart beats a little faster at what needs to happen next.
I draw in a breath and let it out. I nod. "Let's do it."
The way Fabien’s eyes crinkle at me… A slow, wolfish grin spreads across his face. "You live for this, don't you?"
"For what?"
"The adrenaline rush. The excitement. The impossible."
I shrug a shoulder. “Maybe I do. Maybe I like the possibilities that lay ahead of us.”
Thayer grunts. "Here we go again.”
Does he think every single reaction is sexual?
With Fabien… maybe it is.
The plane’s wheels touch down.
My heart beats rapidly, as I’m vividly aware of the time, the stakes, what’s on the line.
“Hold my hand,” Fabien commands. “Whatever happens next, you do exactly what I say. Thayer and I will protect you, no matter what.”
Thayer nods. “He’s right.”
“Got it. The big, strong, scary men will protect me. Just listen and obey. On it, sir.”
Thayer shakes his head at Fabien. “You do know how to pick them, don’t you?”
“Shut up.”
“I’m just saying, man, if you’d come to my place, you’d—”
“If you don’t shut it, I’ll hit you myself,” I growl right back at him.
The very idea of Fabien with another woman, especially one who considers herself his slave…
It seems anger is a good motivator for me. I feel as if I could run a fucking marathon.
The second we slow, Fabien and Thayer leap to their feet, weapons drawn as if they are an actual part of them. God, I wish I could shoot. I wish I had a—