Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75589 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“To be honest, those were my exact thoughts, until—” He cocks his head with a sexy smile.
My eyes track the direction of Lake’s gaze and narrow into slits.
“Miss Luxury, when I saw Victor with Madeline, I cocked-up. Or rather assumed that a beautiful woman like you was free.” Lake whispers in my ear as we watch the two of them talking. “And a unique, rare jewel that you are, I made it my mission to be at your service. Would you like me at your service?” he asks, lips almost grazing my ear.
“Have you eaten?” I stand.
“Nope.” Lake downs his whiskey. Catching my drift, he arises.
“Since you were a walking foodie the other day, would you be willing to join me for dinner?”
“Certainly.”
All right, so I might be playing with fire, but I don’t trust Madeline Elliott. When Lake Russell and I step over, Victor’s jaw could crush diamonds.
“Maddy,” I smile, “would you like to join us for dinner?” I’d like to watch you interact with my man.
“Certainly,” she replies curtly.
“Us? Whom are you referring to?” Victor snaps, having chosen not to address Lake yet. “I coveted quality time with you, Luxu—”
“Yes, us. My friend Lake has agreed to join us.”
Lake looks at me and mouths the word “friend” as if he has certain expectations but then looks to Victor. “Hello, Duke of Arlington. It has been a while since you returned home.”
The way they stare at each other, introductions weren't necessary. Of course, this is Victor’s duchy. Lake’s hand whitens while Victor shakes it.
However, I’m keeping my enemy close tonight. If Madeline’s an ex-fiancée, fine. Nevertheless, this bitch has intentions, lots and lots of intentions.
42
Victor
Luxury invited Lake for dinner, so I keep mum when Madeline blabbers about our childhood. My mate swiftly removes my lady from the conversation. Luxury introduced unwelcome guests to dinner, and I allowed it.
Each time Lake’s eyes trail up and down Luxury, I vow to kill him one day soon. His death will be painful. That sole thought is my driving force.
Stay cordial, for now.
Torture the tosser later.
“Seems like you enjoyed the steak,” Luxury quips as we stroll out of the restaurant.
“Certainly, Kobe beef.” I kiss my fingertips.
“Whatever,” she shoots a thumb over her shoulder, not stopping at valet, “I’m going for a walk.”
“It’s a lovely night, and I enjoy the scenery,” I reply, eyes on the roundness of her arse as she stalks along a sidewalk studded in gas lamps.
“I can't believe the audacity of your close friend, Maddy,” she retorts over her shoulder.
“Not sure if I hear you correctly, Little One. Certainly, you mean, your mate, Lake?”
“Bullshit, if he were my friend—”
“He’s already dead, Little One.”
She stops in her tracks, taking three pointed steps toward me. “No, he is alive, and only God knows the day when he will die. Furthermore, Lake was just trying to include me back in the conversation every time Madeline started in on the good old days.”
“He was literally assessing how far he could go with you,” I snap. “You’ve marked that man’s life. God and I have an arrangement. The bloody bloke will die soon.”
She rounds softly on her tippy toes as I incline my lips. “Not if you want the night to end in your favor. By the way, I’m digging your jealousy, but you might not benefit from that. Keep threatening the guy, and I’ll let my anger of little, miss thang hang between us for a while—no nighttime recap.”
“First, we had sex earlier. It’s only proper that we conclude the night in like regard. Second, I had no idea Madeline was back in Arlington, Lux. Third, and above all, before you came sashaying over with that aspirant bloke, I had already talked with her about addressing you in the highest regard.” I stop talking instantly.
“Okay, Victor.” Luxury’s smile fades as she notices the neutral expression on my face.
Behind her, there’s the distinct click of someone chambering a semiautomatic firearm.
Overton steps out of the shadows, fist choking the gun. The glare in his eyes says he is still unsatisfied with how he’s gripping the pistol. “Tudor, the world falls at your feet?”
Luxury turns around slowly. I start to press her body behind mine.
“Tsk tsk, don’t move, young lady.” Overton thwarts my desire to step in front of her.
Luxury’s body trembles as she presses against me. I growl, “Overton, your quarrel is with me.”
“No. You’ve ignored me long enough. Returning that payment I sent to X-Member for your assassination, well, that was your bloody last mistake.” He cocks the gun toward Luxury. “Come to me, chit,” he tells her. “Or I will pull the trigger.”
My dead eyes stare at Overton as Luxury whimpers. Before she can take a tentative step toward him, I zip around her.
The center of my body moves out of the line of fire. Striking like a cobra, I redirect Overton’s target.