Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 155903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 155903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 780(@200wpm)___ 624(@250wpm)___ 520(@300wpm)
He gave her a look and she swallowed heavily.
Too much sass?
“Obviously, you shouldn’t have been making such decisions. Since you made the wrong one.”
Jeez Louise. She already went over her decisions, constantly scared of failing again. Having him tell her that she’d made a mistake . . .
Well, she was starting to feel less sad about him leaving.
Urgh, that wasn’t true. She was lying to herself. She really didn’t want him to go, even if that reminder hurt.
“I’ll stay here and keep things going,” she told him.
He nodded. “Don’t work too hard.”
Well, she’d work harder than today.
“I don’t want to leave you,” he stated.
She tried not to read too much into that, but it was difficult with her insides doing a victory dance.
He didn’t want to leave her.
“I shouldn’t be long, though, hopefully.”
“Is she in the hospital?” she asked worriedly. Juliet was so sweet.
“Yes. I’ll go straight there when I land. I want to check on her and make sure she’s getting the best care.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything on this end. And if you’re not back in time for the banquet—”
He cupped her chin. “We were supposed to talk about your rules tonight.”
“Um, yes.” And she felt like she might have been given a reprieve.
“Listen to me. Just because you don’t know the rules doesn’t mean they aren’t there.”
Was he for real right now?
Unfortunately, she knew he was.
“You realize that I can’t follow rules that I don’t know.”
“That’s true. So I will tell you this. You’re not to do anything to endanger your safety or health. Understand? That means no skipping meals and using Steven to take you wherever you need to go. I’ll call you tomorrow to check on you.”
There was a tenseness in his eyes and voice. Poor guy was torn.
“Go,” she urged. “Everything here will be fine.”
“I expect it to be.” He shocked her by walking around the desk and turning her chair toward him. Grasping her waist, he lifted her up onto her feet.
Her breath caught in her throat as he placed his hand behind her head and kissed her.
Long and deep.
Her toes curled, her heart raced, and her brain turned to mush. There was nothing but him.
He filled her world. Took her breath.
And when he drew away from her, all she wanted was more of him. Her hands gripped his arms. She wished she could beg him to stay. It was all she could do to bite the words back.
“I need to head to the airport,” he said, cupping the side of her face. “Be a good girl and be ready for Steven to take you home at five, understand?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll call. I want your phone charged and on you at all times.”
“Yes, Sir.” Huh, the haze of pleasure was disappearing with each bossy command.
“Look at me,” he told her.
As she gazed up into his gorgeous face. He ran a thumb over her lower lip. “So fucking beautiful. I should make you come with me.”
“No.” This was one thing she wouldn’t give in on.
His gaze narrowed. “You know that word doesn’t exist when you’re speaking to me.”
“Please don’t make me. I can’t.”
His face softened. “Then be a good girl. Don’t make me regret leaving you behind.”
24
Rule One: Obedience
Rule Two: Honesty
Faith stepped into her office with a sigh. It was nearly seven in the evening and she’d been here since six this morning. Her entire body ached and she felt like she was going to vomit.
Yet, she couldn’t seem to leave.
It was strange, a few weeks ago it would have been unfathomable . . .
But she missed him.
Not the bossiness. Nope, she didn’t miss that.
Besides, just because he was thousands of miles away didn’t mean he wasn’t still being bossy.
He’d already sent her one rule this morning. Obedience. Of course he would make that the first rule.
Sitting behind her desk, she jumped as her phone buzzed. Picking it up, she checked it.
Reuben: What time did you leave the office today?
She rolled her eyes. Hello to you too.
Wait. He didn’t know, did he? He couldn’t.
Unless he had Steven reporting to him. Of course he did.
“Why didn’t I think of that?” she muttered to herself. “That tattletale.”
Maybe she could pretend that she hadn’t seen the message. Faith bit her lip. But he would have seen that the message was read.
Fudge knuckles.
Best just to answer him.
Faith: I’m just about to leave.
Reuben: Just because I’m away doesn’t mean you get to be naughty.
Crap.
Reuben: You’re supposed to be looking after yourself.
Faith: I got caught up in something. I’m leaving. I promise.
Reuben: Text me when you get home.
Relief filled her. She shot Steven a message to let him know she was ready to go. Instantly, she felt guilty. Steven had picked her up early this morning and was going to take her home late tonight. He probably wanted to go home himself.