Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 144908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 483(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 144908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 483(@300wpm)
“Babe, really? It’s no big deal. Give me a minute to take this, and we’ll talk.”
“Hand me the phone.” She held out her hand, snapping her fingers, glaring at him.
She was five foot two at the most. He towered over her. She stood there, wrapped in a blanket, the picture of outrage. She made him want to laugh. Almost. “What the fuck is wrong with you, Ambrielle?”
“It’s another woman, isn’t it? Our wedding night and already you’ve got another woman, don’t you?”
“Hell. You aren’t kidding. You’ve gone from my cuddly little princess to psycho woman in two seconds flat.” He put his ear to the phone. “Hang on, Reese. I have to talk to my wife for a minute. Yeah. I said my wife. Hang on.”
She continued to stare up at him, but those long lashes of hers were fluttering now. She’d heard what he’d said.
“Don’t have another woman. Have you heard anything I said to you tonight?” He made it an accusation when she was so damn cute he wanted to put his arms around her and pull her close all over again. “Now, I’ve got to take this call. It’s important.”
That stubborn look he was coming to recognize came over her face. He sighed and wrapped his arm around her as he once more lifted the phone. “Reese, you’re on speakerphone. My wife is listening as well. Don’t hold back. Whatever you need to say, she can hear. What you tell me, you’re saying to her. She wouldn’t repeat anything she hears. You have my word on that.”
“How do I know if she can be trusted?”
“Because I just gave you my fuckin’ word. You interrupted our wedding night, so spit it out.”
A sob could be heard in the background. Master frowned. “Reese? Is Tyra with you? Is the baby? Put Tyra on. I have to know she’s all right.”
“I didn’t hit her if that’s what you mean. Broke a few dishes.”
“Scared the baby and Tyra,” Master corrected, dropping his arm and stalking across the deck, unable to contain the adrenaline rising. “What the fuck, Reese? You’re supposed to call me before you get to that point.”
“I called you before I took a drink. Bottle’s sitting right here in front of me. I haven’t touched it yet. I need you to come now, Master. Everything’s going to shit, and I can’t put it back together.” There was panic in Reese’s voice. “You have to get over here now. I’m afraid to talk on the phone.”
“Did you call your sponsor?”
“Yes, before I called you.”
“Put Tyra on, and then I’m on my way. Don’t you touch her or the kid. I’ll be there.”
A woman’s voice came on. “Master?”
“You all right?”
“I’m scared. Not of Reese. Hurry, Master.”
“Be there in ten. Keep him away from the bottle.”
Master ended the call and then texted Ink to stop by Reaper’s to pick up some clothes for Ambrielle. Anya was closest in size to his woman. He already knew where that stubborn look was going to take them.
“You catch up on your sleep and I won’t be gone long,” he suggested, guiding her back into the house.
Ambrie went with him without a fight. “You’re not going without me. I don’t want to be separated from you.”
“You aren’t the clingy type, princess.”
“I wasn’t the clingy type,” she corrected. “I wasn’t the psycho type either, but evidently I am now. I can wear one of your shirts, Master. I promise I won’t lose my temper again, but I have to go with you. I’ve lost too many people I care about. I can’t lose you too.”
He fucking loved that, but he didn’t let it show on his face. “Babe, you’re worn-out.” He traced her high cheekbone with the pad of his thumb, a gentle caress. “This could be a huge mess and take time to sort out.”
“I know you must think I’m one of those silly women who has to be with their man every second. I swear I’ve never been like that in my life. I’m independent, but I’m so scared to be away from you. Just for a little while, I’m asking you to please let me tag along with you.”
Master detested making her beg, but he honestly didn’t want to take her because he was a little embarrassed. He knew he was going to have to answer questions. “You can come with me, princess. I’ve texted Ink, that’s Reese’s sponsor, to stop by Anya and Reaper’s to pick up some clothes for you. She’s close to your size. Tomorrow we’ll get your clothes.”
Before she could respond he walked her through to the master bedroom. He needed his boots, shirt and jacket. Ambrie sank onto the bed, gripping the edges of the blanket so hard her fingers turned white.
“I’m sorry.” Her voice was a whisper—a thread of sound. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can stay here. I’ve got my big-girl panties on. I was thrown just for a minute, but I’m fine now.”