Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
I sit up and move to the center of the bed, crossing my legs. Once down to his boxers, he sits at the foot. I sit staring at his back.
“How was dinner? Did you enjoy it? I know another place if you didn’t like that one.”
“It was great, but let me ask you something,” I reply.
He turns and lifts a brow, reaching to place a hand on my thigh. My skin starts to hum from his touch. If it weren’t for this connection and the safety I feel with him, I don’t think I would still be here.
“How do you know so much about me? What made you choose me for this?”
“I know what any determined person can learn about anyone. I’ve spent years learning and studying you. After the first night I saw you, I needed to know more. Your beauty piqued my interest, but there was something else about you that drew me in and made me want to get to know you.”
I scoff and shake my head. The first time he saw me? I don’t know whether to be alarmed or flattered.
He turns and crawls up the bed, moving around me to sit behind me and pulls me into his chest. He wraps me in his arms and breathes me in.
“I know it sounds crazy, but my past has made me cautious of who I see. My intention is never to invade another’s privacy. It’s more so to protect me.”
“So you wanted to learn if I was a nutjob by doing nutjob shit?”
He laughs, the deep rumble vibrates through my back. My nipples tighten when he kisses the side of my neck. He smells so good, even after a long day at work.
I relax in his hold, feeling more than safe. Any other guy would have reached under this thin tank top to fondle me. Not Clayton, he keeps his arms around me and buries his face in my hair.
“I guess you can see it that way, or you can see that I want to get to know you.”
“Okay, Clay. You want to get to know me. Tell me something I don’t know about you.”
“I only live in New York part time. I have a home in Georgia, where I stay most times when I’m not in New York.
“You know I’m the middle brother of three. My father wants us to take over his empire, but we came up with a plan to build our own.”
“I have so many questions about that, but go on.”
“No, I’ll answer. What do you want to know?”
“How is your father trying to control you? Why do we need to put on this farce?”
This is a question that’s been burning my thoughts. After meeting Clooney, he doesn’t seem like the monster I thought Clayton was up against. He seems more like a concerned dad.
“My dad managed to gain a controlling interest in our companies. I still don’t know how. Once he knew he had us by the balls, he demanded we marry and come run the family business, or he would dismantle all we’ve worked for.”
I gasp and turn to look up at him. “Oh wow, that’s…that’s—”
“Total bullshit. Yeah, I know. You don’t even know how fucked up it is. We all have our reasons for not being married and Dad knows it. To force this is the cruelest thing he has ever done. And trust me, he’s done some foul shit.”
I can’t help but feel for him. It hits me why he needs me as I look into his eyes and see the pain there. Clearly, his reason for not wanting to get married is something heavy.
I think fast to change the subject even as I tell myself I plan to help this man any way I can. I couldn’t imagine having a father who’s so controlling.
“And the Penthouse suites. There are three of them and all three of you live here…when you’re in New York.”
“Yes. You don’t care for Cane, do you?”
“I don’t know him.”
“And yet, you don’t like him.”
“He has left a bad taste in my mouth. I’m particularly protective of Ally. I’m not sure what’s going on with them.”
“Give him time to grow on you. He means Ally no harm. I think he’s become just as protective.”
“Time will tell,” I mumble.
“That it will.”
Clayton
Sidney doesn’t know it, but this is just what I needed. Coming home and finding her in my bed brought me a calm I can’t explain. I still want her, but this…the intimacy of holding her in my arms is something I didn’t know I’d been missing.
I hold on to the feeling and allow it to course through my body. She’s the perfect fit to my life, and it’s only been a few days. I’m still in awe of the fact that I’m okay with this. I want her here.