Total pages in book: 17
Estimated words: 16066 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 80(@200wpm)___ 64(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16066 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 80(@200wpm)___ 64(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
“And you decided stripping was what you wanted to do?” I really might spank her perfect ass if she doesn’t answer this the right way.
“You see,” Tabitha rushes to explain, “I’m uncoordinated. I mean, I couldn’t even take dancing classes in college because I was dangerous to the other dancers. And I hate to get up in front of other people.” She waves her hands in the air adorably as she babbles on nervously. “So, I thought I would combine two of my biggest failings into one.” My God, I rub the back of my neck as a headache forms behind my temples. “You know, conquer all my fears at once.”
I rub my bottom lip, searching my mind for a response that won’t piss my little kitten off. “If I ever catch you half-naked and flaunting your gorgeous body in front of other men, I’ll spank you until you can’t sit down for a week.” By the time I finish, I can tell those weren’t the right words. Oh fucking well.
“And who do you think you are?” She jumps to her feet and glares at me. She’s so fucking stunning, I barely resist the urge to pull her into my arms and silence her with my mouth.
“I’m the only man who will ever see you in next to nothing for the rest of your life.” My filter is completely failing me. Where in the hell did my usual icy-cold demeanor go?
“This whole situation is crazy. I’d like to leave now,” Tabitha huffs and slams her hands down onto her curvy hips.
Closing my eyes, I slowly count to twenty while debating how to handle this. “Look.” I take a deep breath and blow it out, praying for patience. “I would like to get to know you. How about if I promise not to spank you anymore, and you promise to give me the opportunity to make things right between us?”
She stares at me silently for a few minutes, and I can see the wheels turning as she debates her options. “Why do you want to get to know me?” I guess my hissing little Tabby Cat is still suspicious of my motives. At least, she didn’t outright refuse me.
“Because something woke up in me when I saw you on that stage tonight, something I’ve never felt before, and I want the chance to explore it.” I lay my cards on the table, hoping she doesn’t force my hand. I’d hate to start off our lifelong relationship with a kidnapping.
“And I can leave if things don’t work out?” I can tell my girl is independent and so fucking suspicious.
“Sure.” I cross my fingers behind my back and promise, but I’m pretty sure we both know I have no intention of ever letting her leave.
“I tell you what.” My negotiation skills are perking the fuck up. “It’s getting late. Why don’t you spend the night in one of my guestrooms, and we can spend the day tomorrow getting acquainted?”
Tabitha stares at me for a few moments, and I can see the wheels turning behind her expressive eyes. “I don’t have my suitcase,” she blurts out.
“That’s no problem,” I reassure her and reach for my phone to send Tony a text, telling him to get his ass over here now. “We can get you whatever you need.” I pay him the big bucks to make sure he’s always around when I need him.
I wrap my hand in her silky hair and stare into her aqua-blue eyes. “Please give me a chance. I promise to give you all the time you need.” Under my breath, I add within reason.
“Okay.” Tabitha gives me a shy smile. “This can count as my something I wouldn’t normally do.” I frown, trying to figure out what she means. “I’m sure none of my friends can beat getting to know a mobster.” Tabitha slaps her hand over her mouth while her face turns bright red. “I can’t believe I said that.”
I finally realize two things. One: she called me a mobster. And two: she’s talking about the book club pact.
“I plan to make sure you get to know me very well.” I wiggle my eyebrows, trying to lighten the mood. “And I’m not a mobster. I’m a mob boss.” No use beating around the bush. After all, she’s about to become my mafia princess.
“I’m glad we cleared that up,” my girl sasses, and I realize her snarky comments go straight to my cock. Fuck.
Tony texts back a few moments later, interrupting us.
Tony
So now I’m your errand boy.
Yep.
I text back with my requests and a middle finger. The asshole will just have to get over it.
Tony
Give me an hour.
An hour later, my friend shows up with everything I asked him to get. I search through the bag and see he even made sure to include one of my t-shirts. Call me crazy, but I wanted to know she’s spending the night wearing something of mine.