Total pages in book: 183
Estimated words: 178343 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 892(@200wpm)___ 713(@250wpm)___ 594(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 178343 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 892(@200wpm)___ 713(@250wpm)___ 594(@300wpm)
“That was a case of mistaken identity. That was a one-off. A unique situation. That fucker that ordered that’ll be taken care of, too. And you’ll never have to worry about him again.”
“I don’t know what ‘taken care of’ means. Do I want to know?”
“Probably not.”
“Alrighty then.” My eyes drop to the side.
He tips my chin so that my eyes are back on his face. “Forget all that. Bottom line, if nothing or if anything happens to me you’ll never have to worry about cash again. If I go… it’ll all go to you other than a bit of money set aside for Willie and any kids he has.”
I blow out a breath. “I really don’t like this conversation.”
He fingers a lock of my hair. “You started it.”
“I know. I don’t like it, though.” I exaggerate my pout.
He smiles. “Do you want to come work for me? It’s your company, too, now. What’s mine is yours.”
“I like my job and ditto. You are now the proud co-owner of some really awesome lightsaber chopsticks, you know? And a cuddly red couch.”
He chuckles. “I’m now a wealthier man than I ever was.”
I smile big.
“Wealthier than I ever dreamed now that I have you,” he adds, eyes filled with what I know is authenticity, sincerity .
“Aww, shucks,” I say with an eyelash flutter, but inside, I feel like I’m so warm and glowy, I could just float on my happy cloud.
“If you want, quit your job and start something new. But if you want to work for me, I have plenty I could use some help with. You could take over managing procurement for all four locations. Or-”
“I like my job. They’re good to me.”
“Your boss was bitchy about giving you this time off.”
“Well, it was out of the blue,” I say. “Besides, I’m in line for a promotion. I like doing my own thing, making my own money. And I want to contribute to the household bills, so-”
He cuts me off. “Forget contributing. And you’ll have access to the money.”
“You want access to mine, too? I’ll add you to my account,” I say.
He smiles indulgently.
“No, for real. I split my account off from… you-know-who… while he was in Atlantic City and figured I’d never have a joint account again in my life because of all that. But I would totally add you to it. As soon as we get home, I’m changing my last name legally to yours and adding you to my bank account.”
“Thanks, baby.” He’s looking at me with love in his eyes. “I’d love it if you’d do that for me.”
God, I love him so much.
“I don’t want to make any career changes right now, Killian.”
“Fine. If you change your mind, sky’s the limit. You have access to money to start a business, buy a business, invest in something. Be the philanthropist you always wanted to be and start-up your own charity. Whatever you want. Your days of struggling are over.”
“What do you get out of this? What can I give you?”
“You,” he whispers.
“You have me,” I say.
“Good. Forever?”
“Forever,” I say.
“I’m holdin’ you to that.”
“Good.”
“And Violet, you have me forever, as well. No more talk about prenups or bullshit like that. You ‘n me always. Till death, Violet. Okay?”
I snuggle into his chest and he kisses the top of my head.
“I know something you might be able to give me, actually,” he says.
“Here it comes…” I say with mock distress.
He chuckles. “Maybe some babies.”
I look up at him. He shrugs and smiles almost boyishly.
I laugh. “We’ll see. Might already be one brewing since somebody threw my birth control pills away.”
“Somebody did that?” he asks, fake-shocked.
I roll my eyes.
“Could be one brewing?” he asks.
“Could be,” I say. “Though it might take a little longer since I was on the pill for like, eight years.”
“Hope it doesn’t take long,” he says and puts his hand on my belly. “A little version of you ‘n me? I’d like to meet him.”
“Or her,” I say.
He shrugs. “Or her.”
Yeah. Lots and lots of unprotected sex. Two days after we got married I got my period, which I was expecting after abruptly stopping my birth control pills and figured it’d suck for our honeymoon, but it only lasted for three days and the third day, he didn’t let it stop him from pulling me into the shower for sex. Since then, we’ve been aptly at it like honeymooners. Bunny-honeymooners, I’d say, since it happens twice, sometimes three times a day.
“Ready to go?” I ask.
He kisses me in reply and then tugs me toward the door. We head out for our last dinner in Italy.
***
Not long after we get back, we’re sitting on our private terrace with a fire in the chiminea in front of us and a blanket around us. I’ve got a glass of wine and he’s drinking some whisky. We’re enjoying the view of the lake and soaking in every minute of our last night of our honeymoon.