Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 115860 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115860 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
As we emerge from the stairwell, Hurstgrove lets out a huff. “Bloody hell!”
Glancing back, I find Hurstgrove doubled over—and Caden charging toward me. He pins me to the wall a moment later, grabbing my thigh in one hand and nipping at my throat while he presses his steely cock against me. Anticipation skyrockets, and I palm my way under his shirt, eager to feel the hot, bare skin of his back.
“Not in the hall,” Hurstgrove admonishes. “Let’s take this behind closed doors, shall we?”
No matter how badly I want Caden, Hurstgrove is right. I’m not all right with providing a peep show for my neighbors. But what woman doesn’t have a fantasy or two about her man being so overcome with passion that he can’t contain himself? The fact Caden wants me to be the anchor in his storm only adds to my thrill.
So when he rocks against me and whispers that he can’t wait to be inside me, I melt all over again.
Hurstgrove pries Caden away and pushes him to my door. Then he turns with a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Once you’re inside, all will be well.”
With a savage snarl, Caden shoves me behind his big, hot body, then whirls on Hurstgrove. He clasps his hands around the duke’s pedigreed throat. “You will not touch her.”
“Right.” Hurstgrove holds up both hands in surrender. “Won’t do that.”
Caden growls and spins back to me, a possessive fire filling his eyes. I’ve always believed this relationship meant more to me than him, but now…now I question that. Am I finally seeing the emotions he’s hidden behind his facade?
Hoping yes, I race for my door, inserting my key with trembling fingers. He’s right behind me, pressing me to the wood, breathing hot and hard in my ear.
“Don’t leave me, Sydney.”
“I won’t.”
Finally, I turn the key. We spill inside the little flat. Caden roars in after me, his expression a pledge that he means to be inside me in less than thirty seconds.
Heart trumpeting, I draw in a ragged breath. Hurstgrove shuts and locks the door, his gaze discreetly focused on the hallway leading to my bedroom. “Take him.”
“Now,” Caden insists. “I can’t wait.”
I want that more than anything, but I need some information first. “We’re here. Explain. Why is he suddenly a randy octopus, and why does he want my help?”
Chapter
Thirty-Two
Hurstgrove rakes a hand through his expensively coiffed hair and curses something ugly as he glances at Caden, who’s feverishly sliding his hands all over me and burning me up with his touch.
“This is off the record. If one word of this appears in your tabloid, I will use all my wealth and connections to shut it down and unemploy you permanently,” Hurstgrove warns me. “Do you understand?”
His intimidation tactics annoy me. If he wasn’t Caden’s friend and I hadn’t witnessed his concern in action, I would toss him out on his overprivileged ear. Yes, he’s wealthy and powerful, but if I stumble upon a hidden truth, I want to tell the world.
But I have no doubt Hurstgrove can—and will—make good on his threats. “I don’t like being bullied.”
“You’re dealing with something very dangerous you can’t possibly understand.”
My heart stops. “You said Caden’s condition isn’t fatal?”
He hesitates. “Everything you’ve been printing in that rag of yours is.”
Caden warned me of that repeatedly and even seemed gravely concerned about my safety. “In what way? What does the magical war have to do with him?”
As if he’s tired of our talking, Caden plants his mouth on my neck, his hand under the jumper, and nips at my sensitive skin. I tremble, my mind whirling and my body aching. But I need the answer to my question before I lose myself in Caden.
“It’s too bloody late. All I can say now is that Caden has been affected by magic, and he’s chosen you—and you alone—to provide healing care. He’ll reject all others.”
The fact he’s chosen me is both thrilling and surprising, but… “Affected by magic? Are you saying he’s cursed?”
“I’m certain that’s how he sees it. By joining with you, he can convert the energy you generate together into something that heals him.”
“How do you know?” I manage to gasp out as Caden grips my hips and presses into me, clearly ready for a night of sin.
“I’ve been through this. He needs you now. Please,” Duke cajoles. “He’s going to require everything you’re willing to give. Just don’t kiss him. It would be catastrophic.”
“To his health?”
Caden’s hands maneuver up my belly and begin lifting the jumper. I try to wriggle away, but his grip is like iron.
Duke nods. “And perhaps yours.”
“Does this have anything to do with the book?” I hate to think I’ve done this to him. He’d be furious and hate me—and rightfully so.
Clearly tired of talking, Caden tears Duke’s cable knit from my body and urges me down the hall. When I resist, he scoops me up and carries me.