Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 137(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
“Getting pretty cozy around here, aren’t you?” he asks.
I narrow my eyes at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about? I’m getting married to your brother, so of course we’re cozy together.”
“Yeah, but I think there’s more to it than that, Patty.” He grins and my frown deepens and I try to get rid of him.
“Shouldn’t you be out there with your mom?” I ask. “I’ll bring the dessert right out.”
“Don’t worry about that—” he takes a step toward me, but loses his balance a bit and almost falls, staggering like a drunken sailor.
I raise a brow. “Um, maybe you should head back to the living room. I’m fine. I can manage these desserts by myself.”
He merely leers at me, steadying himself with one hand on the counter.
“You think you’re so clever, don’t you, Patty?” he hisses sibilantly.
I twist the corkscrew into the bottle and avoid looking at him. “No, I don’t think that, James.” Then I glance at the clock above the oven. “Your brother will be home any minute. I’d suggest you return to keep Martha company in the living room.”
With that, I pop the cork and turn to grab a crystal decanter from the shelf. But while I’m facing away, thick arms wrap around my waist, and I go still. OMG, is this really happening? Is James actually trying to cop a feel? With that, I push away as violently as I can, spinning around while spitting with fury.
“What the hell are you doing?” I demand, my voice a harsh whisper. “Don’t ever touch me again!”
The handsome man merely leers, his eyes red and bloodshot.
“Why can’t I? It’s what you’re used to, isn’t it, Patty?” Then, he takes my wrist and yanks me against his chest. I squirm in his arms, but he just holds me tighter against his chest. “I know your dirty secret,” he whispers in my ear. “You work for a living on your back with your legs spread, sweetheart.”
I stop fighting, my blood running cold. “You don’t know anything!” I whisper. “Whatever you heard is a lie!”
He smirks and merely pulls me closer so that I can feel his erection pressing against my belly. OMG, this is so gross, but I can’t move. My blood runs cold, and I’m stock still like a small animal trapped by a snake.
“Don’t lie, Patty,” James whispers in my ear, his breath sour and hot. “You’re an escort my brother hired to take care of Jocelyn and her bullshit. But you know what? It’s all good.” His grip on my wrist loosens so he can run his hand up and down my arm suggestively. “I appreciate a woman who works for a living. In fact, why don’t you come and stay with me once Luke’s finished with you? I’ve got plenty of money, and I can offer five times your regular rate. Does that sound good, honey?”
I yank myself free and stare at him with frightened eyes. “How did you find out?” I demand in a whisper.
James merely laughs harshly. “How do you think? Luke told me everything.”
“He wouldn’t—”
James shrug.
“Yes he would. I got my brother drunk over cocktails one night, and he revealed all of the sordid details, even down to the agency you work for. City Girls, is it? It seems they have quite the selection, and I’m thinking of doing some shopping with them.”
I do nothing but stare at the disgusting man as my universe shrinks into a tiny pinpoint. My world is crumbling around me, and all I’m left with is a tiny voice in the back of my mind taunting me with repetitions of “I told you so.” After all, how could I have believed that Luke and I have something together? In the end, I was never anything but the hired help, and now that he’s revealed my secret to his brother, the betrayal is like a knife to the heart.
Meanwhile, James pats my shoulder as he strolls by. “Think about my offer, won’t you, Patty? We could have a great time together in bed.”
I say nothing, and he leaves the kitchen, giggling to himself. Then, the strength gives out in my legs, and I fall to my knees on the tiled floor. I press my hands to my face, my shoulders trembling. I don’t know how long I stay there like that, holding my tears at bay, but then a wetness seeps onto my knee. Oh shit, it’s the wine. The vino has spilled and it’s now staining my dress.
I hop to my feet and quickly clean the mess, still trembling. I try to keep my mind totally blank, unable to process what’s just happened. I have to stay with the here and now, and focus. Focus. When the wine is cleaned up, I rush to the bedroom, and yank off the dress before jamming it into the trash. Focus.