Total pages in book: 194
Estimated words: 187754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 939(@200wpm)___ 751(@250wpm)___ 626(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 187754 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 939(@200wpm)___ 751(@250wpm)___ 626(@300wpm)
For a moment, she’s frozen, the breath stolen from her, when a particularly harsh wind blows in. “Yes! Yes! God, yes!” She shivers violently. “Can I come inside now?”
“You’ll try hard starting now,” Thorin tells her.
Aurelia nods quickly. “Okay.”
“Do you want to show us, Sunshine?”
“Sure. Um…” She has the good sense of looking nervous. “How?”
AURELIA
Every time I think it will be better to take my chances with the mountain, I see their faces.
Harrison’s.
Cassie’s.
Tyler’s just before he went over the cliff.
I don’t just see their faces. I remember the cold that seeped into my bones, whispering that I’d never make it. I remember the exhaustion and pain from falling out of the sky. It felt like I was running from more than just death.
It felt like I’d been running from myself.
I’m not ready.
Until I am, I have to be whatever these mountain men require. I have to play their games, warm their beds, and serve them with a smile. Khalil, Thorin, and Seth think they have me where they want me.
They don’t know I’ve been playing this game much longer than them.
“How?” I ask even though I already know.
This cabin—this false haven in the middle of nowhere—was a trap. I know that now, but I take two steps forward anyway and let myself fall into it. I don’t even flinch when the front door slams shut behind me.
The brutal frigidness of the wilds is replaced by the red-hot heat of Khalil’s stare as he keeps the hand he used to close the door where it is. He pushes the mass of my curls over my shoulder with the other so that I can feel the warmth of his breath on my neck when he speaks.
“You know how, Aurelia. You know what we’ve wanted all along.”
He’s not wrong.
They’ve made their intentions and expectations of me clear from the start—lie on my back or find another way to make myself useful.
I didn’t just survive a plane crash. I’ve somehow traveled back in time.
“All three of you? A-at the same time?”
Khalil’s mouth curves into a smile. “We can start with just one. Which of us would you like?”
Uhh…none?
Knowing it’s not an option and might erase any goodwill they have left, I keep my thoughts to myself.
My gaze bounces between the three of them. Honestly, I can’t believe they’re letting me choose.
The hard look on Thorin’s face says he wants to break me in half. I think Seth’s smile is meant to be reassuring, but it’s a little too eager, and he just looks…unhinged.
My gaze falls on Khalil last.
His expression gives nothing away as he calmly waits for my answer, and I think it’s the patience that has me saying, “You.”
Seth’s smile drops, and he whimpers like a dog that’s been kicked. Thorin just storms into his room and slams the door. I do flinch that time.
“Smart choice,” Khalil says.
It doesn’t feel that way to me, especially when he backs away and looks me over like I’m some broodmare he’s inspecting before mounting. I shiver.
“My room,” he orders. “And don’t bother wearing that bullshit in my bed.” He nods to my tattered costume dress. “You have ten minutes to get yourself ready for me. Go.”
“Can I watch?” I hear Seth ask as I slip past.
I don’t realize I’m holding my breath until Khalil answers. “No.”
Seth makes another wounded sound.
My hands are shaking by the time I reach the den, but I don’t immediately go to Khalil’s room.
I make a couple of detours first.
Khalil’s bedroom is pitch-black when I step inside after a quick shower.
The lamps on the bedside table are off, and so are the tiny lights woven through the branches of the canopy. They’re usually on, even during the day, so the darkness is jarring at first.
There’s no shade over the windows, but the moonlight doesn’t touch the room as if it doesn’t want to bear witness to what’s about to happen.
I’m still mustering the courage to drop my towel when I hear the shower turn off. Khalil had been there the moment I stepped out of the bathroom, but thankfully, all he’d done was go inside and shut the door. It gave me time to find the weapon I’d carefully stashed inside my towel.
I quickly tuck the glass shard under the pillow I’ve been using, and only then can I breathe. Diving under the covers, I bring them to my chin as I peer over them with my gaze glued to the door I’ve just now realized is arched.
I’m being ridiculous.
Jumping when I think I see a shadow move in the corner by the window, I peer a little closer, but Khalil steps through the door, turning my brain into a puddle when I notice his glistening chest and the towel around his waist.
I swear his shadow grows larger the closer he gets until it seems like he’s ten feet tall. Khalil doesn’t speak as he rounds his beautiful bed. When he nears the dresser where I thought I’d seen the shadow move, he pauses and swears for some reason. I sit up a little to see what’s angered him and if it’s me, but Khalil drops his towel, and I get a brief glimpse of his muscled ass and long dick before he slides into his side of the bed.