Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
“I’ve spent my life around my father who taught me how to run a business. I managed accounts with him, learning as I went.”
Anger takes over when I consider just what these arseholes think of me. I’m not going to sit back and be the helpless princess they believe I am. The thought has me rising from my seat, so I can stand and face them.
Judah leans his elbow on the arm of the sofa and rests his chin on his fingers. The side glance he offers me makes me inch back, just slightly, and I know he’s noticed my movement. One thing about Judah Venier, he’s perceptive.
“Sit,” he orders as he arches a dark brow.
I cross my arms in front of me and pin him with a glare. The need to challenge him and fight back is coursing through my veins.
“I’m hungry,” I bite out. “And I don’t take orders from you.”
Without responding, Judah pushes to his feet. Each movement slow and calculated. When he reaches me, he leans forward. The warmth of his breath fans over my face, and his eyes glimmer with intent.
“It seems our little princess has found a backbone.” The smirk that curls his lips makes my blood run cold.
Judah reaches for me and holds me steady. That’s when I feel warmth at my back. Valen and Kai have closed in. Three imposing Princes surrounding me, an almost helpless girl who they’ve captured in their den.
“I quite like you fighting back, little spy,” Judah tells me. “It makes my cock hard,” he says in a low, gravelly tone that sends a trickle of desire through me.
I want to fight my feelings for him. I want to hate him, but I can’t deny just how beautiful he is. The eyes that hold my gaze hostage shine with another emotion. Alongside the anger…I see lust.
“Let me go,” I mumble as Judah grips my chin.
He turns my head from left to right, and I take in the other two hunters who are now in position on either side of me. It’s as if my fantasy has come to play. It’s real, and I don’t have anywhere to run.
“Because of your father,” Judah says, “You’ll never be free of us. This life is now yours forever. So, princess, I think you should forget about any romantic ideas of fairy tales and happy ever afters.” Judah’s tone remains serious, but there’s also a hint of something I can’t quite put my finger on. “Our world is made for violence, bloodshed, and torture.”
Kai moves in closer, and I’m cocooned in their domineering presence.
“You will always be ours, princess,” Kai tells me, and this causes me to jerk my head from Judah’s hold because these are the first words Kai has spoken to me directly, and I glare at him.
I keep being told I’m theirs, but it makes no sense. I’m promised to Judah.
“You all keep saying that you own me, but what does it actually mean?” I question. “Because I’m not some possession you can all toy with.”
Kai glances at Judah, something silent passes between them. Then I notice how his stare flicks to the person on the other side of me, Valen. They’re keeping a secret, one I have to learn because I’m not going to stay in the dark while they’re messing with my head. It’s time I fight back, just like Papa taught me.
“It’s time to tell the princess,” Valen says, and I snap my gaze to his from over my shoulder.
He looks at me, but there isn’t any malevolence in his eyes, not like Judah’s. That’s what I find so strange about the three of them. They’re all so different in their personalities, but they’re such close friends.
Even though this life comes with the promise of loyalty, not every friend remains true. At least, that’s what I’ve learnt over the years. Jealousy can come in many forms, and most of the time, it’s those who are the closest that will take a shot, just to get whatever it is they want.
“I’m not leaving this room until one of you tells me what’s going on,” I grit through clenched teeth, frustration finally taking its toll on me.
I can’t do this anymore. My father kept secrets from me all my life, he even had a son I didn’t know about. I’m done with things hidden in the dark because they always come to light, and usually at the most inopportune times.
Kai takes a step towards Judah, and Valen’s hand slips around me as he pulls me closer. It’s then that a gasp of surprise slams right into my chest when Judah and Kai’s lips meet in a gentle yet passionate kiss.
Valen’s lips brush against my ear, causing warmth to course through my veins.
“There are secrets in this house, that need to stay behind closed doors, princess,” he whispers as we watch the two men kissing.