Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
“Posie.” His voice is quiet. “Let me understand,” he pleads.
“You can go now. Thanks for tonight,” I tell him, walking inside.
I’m not ready to accept this man into my home, into my family, and my heart. Surely, I’m just a novelty to him, a season that will pass. I need to find someone who’s ready to become a pillar for me and Bentley.
I hear the front door close as I carry Bentley to his room and lay him down in his bed. After removing his shoes, I tuck him in.
I’ve only ever thought of Bentley, and the more time I spend with Dutton, I want to be selfish. I want to spend even more time with him. But won’t that take away my time with my son? I try to push back all of my irrational fears.
My heart is not ready to be disappointed, even though I’ve told myself for so long that I’m okay with what I have.
But I realize I’m using my son as an excuse to keep us in a bubble. I thought I was protecting us, but have I been doing more harm than good?
When I walk back toward the living room, I sigh guiltily because Dutton’s silhouette is visible against the glass beside the door.
This man doesn’t know how to give up, and I hate how much it’s starting to wear me down. I tell him I hate it, but a small part of me is beginning to fall for it, to expect it almost. And I know I’ll feel winded when he’s not there anymore.
When I open the door, he straightens and turns to face me. He looks so out of place in his perfectly tailored suit, the porch light shining down on him. This exceptionally wealthy, successful, and beautiful man is sitting at my front door, just waiting for me.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “I know I can be short-tempered. I… I get scared about what might happen to me and Bentley in the future. I want to make sure he’s safe. I hate his father with every fiber of my being, and I don’t want to give you his name so you don’t get caught up in my mess.”
“Do you want me to kill him?”
“What?”
“The man you seem to be terrified of. Do you want me to kill him?”
“You’d do that?” It’s not much of a surprise that Dutton kills people, but this is him outright admitting it. Again, I should be terrified of him, and he should be more careful as to who he trusts with this information.
“Yes, I will, if that’s what you want.” And I know he means it.
I hate that the offer is appealing, which is an ugly side of me. It’d be easy to wipe this world of Bentley’s father and never have to worry again. A small part of me feels protected by Dutton, knowing he’d go to such lengths for Bentley and me. But I can’t help but be cautious because that would mean he would hold something over me for the rest of my life. And I never want to give another man that much power. That, and it’ll direct attention to his family if he were to kill Bobbi. It could get them killed. I know his family is powerful and deadly in their own right, but this isn’t their burden to carry.
“No, I don’t want you to kill him.” Sighing, I suggest, “You should go, Dutton.” I want to slide down the wall beside him and simply lay my head on his shoulder. I want to use him for comfort instead of sex, and once I step past that boundary, I’ll come to depend on him. And then he’ll vanish.
I hear the rev of a motorcycle, and I tense. Dutton reaches for me, but I push his hand away.
“I can stay,” he offers. “You seem unsettled.”
My heart pounds as I tell him to leave. I don’t like anyone seeing me like this, and this is now the second time he’s seen me vulnerable and having to face the demons of my past. It’s been six years, and I’ve become complacent.
He shakes his head as if disappointed but doesn’t push the matter, which I’m grateful for. It would appear that my boss is starting to understand me a bit better. Or should I say, we’re both understanding one another, which is painfully obvious.
He lazily stands up and leans down, pressing a kiss to my forehead. My gaze follows him as he walks away. I quickly close the door and lock it behind him; then I grab my bat. After making sure the house is locked up tight, I go to my room. I set the bat next to the bed and then get undressed.
I try to sleep, but it’s a lost cause. When the sun begins to peek through my curtains, I know it’s pointless. I get out of bed, turn on the coffee machine, and peer outside my front window. I’m surprised to find Dutton’s car still parked at the curb with him in it.