Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22707 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22707 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
“Um, it’s been fine at work,” I say vaguely. “I stay busy and my cube is way in the back, so I hardly see anyone.”
Katy laughs. “Well, that can be a good thing, right? That way, you get to read the news in peace without people peeking over your shoulder all the time.” But then, her tone goes reflective. “You know, Em, maybe you should tell my dad about the threatening note. He’s got a lot of friends in the right places, and he’ll know what to do. Hell, I bet Joseph could get some answers, or at least make some discreet inquiries with the administration at SVA. What do you think?”
I blush because if my friend knew the truth about me and her father, she’d probably erupt with rage.
“Um sure,” I mumble in a vague tone. “That sounds like a good idea.”
She nods.
“Okay. Let me know how it goes, and if you need a place to stay where you feel safe, you’re welcome to come crash with us. We have a baby of course, so it’s loud, but our guest bedroom is always available.”
I nod wanly.
“You’re a good friend, Kats. Thanks, and if I need to take you up on the offer, I’ll let you know, okay? But for now, I’m fine here. Talk soon!”
Hanging up, I stare at my phone, dreading the next thing I have to do. After all, Katy was absolutely right about one thing. I need to tell her dad about the note because it’s his life and career at stake. Not only that, but I have to tell Gray too, because he’s also at risk. OMG, how did things get so awful? I’ve ruined their lives by slipping up somehow, somewhere.
But I have to inform the Senators. With trembling fingers, I send a text letting my lovers know I need to talk right away. Then I shove my phone in my pocket and drop my face in my hands, trying to breathe. Oh God, oh God. This is my worst nightmare come true.
Of course, Gray and Joseph will want to end our relationship immediately, and that’s their prerogative of course. But my heart’s breaking as tears seep from the corner of my eyes because the end is near, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.
9
Joseph
* * *
Emma’s lying on her stomach, arms tucked under her pillow with her eyes closed, but there’s a smile on her face that just begs for a kiss, so I do. I can feel her smiling beneath my lips even as Gray trails his fingers along the curve of her spine.
“Sweetheart, what’s going on?” I growl. “We got that text from you and were so worried.” Of course, we meant to talk with our girl immediately, but she was so luscious when she walked in that Gray and I basically jumped her.
Emma blushes and flips over, which gives us a fetching view of the her generous décolletage. Oh shit, her nips are still wet from our mouths, and those creamy breasts beg to be kissed, but I force myself to stay still. There’s something brewing in the air, and we need to find out what it is.
“Oh that,” Emma whispers. For the first time, I notice she’s quivering a bit.
“Yes that,” Gray growls from his position on her other side. “What’s going on, sweetheart? You know you can share anything with us.”
Our girl looks so luscious and sated, and more than anything, I’d love to ravage her again. But I nod as creases form between my eyebrows.
“Spill it, honey. Don’t be afraid.”
But still, Emma tries to deflect.
“Well, we only just finished up in bed a few seconds ago,” she giggles with a flutter of her lashes. “Can’t a girl get some peace around here?”
I frown and nod.
“Of course, but Em, this sounds serious and we want you to know that we’re here for you no matter what.”
I’m surprised as her smile falters. A stillness fills her curvy form and I swear, seeing Emma upset is the equivalent of all the sunshine being sucked right out of the room. What the hell is going on?
Gray notices too and a pained look crosses his face. He runs his thumb over her cheek in a gentle caress.
“Talk to us, baby,” he growls, looking into those chocolate eyes. “Don’t hold back.”
“If something’s bothering you, we want to know so we can fix it, sweetheart,” I add in a low voice. “You know that.”
To my horror, a few tears slowly tickle down her cheeks and I damn near clutch my chest at the sight of it. I don’t know who or what has hurt our girl, but they’re in for it. I’m going to tear them limb from limb if it’s the last thing I do, and judging by the hard glance Gray shoots my way, I know he’s right there on board with me.