Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 109695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 366(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 439(@250wpm)___ 366(@300wpm)
Stone used his key-card to call the elevator, and we stepped inside. Closing my eyes, I tried to compose my nerves, but my legs wouldn’t quit shaking, and I couldn’t seem to catch my breath. My stomach grew queasy, too. I did not feel good.
Pulling me a little tighter against him, Stone kept his voice even and calm. “Hey, it’s okay. Breathe. Just breathe. I’ve got you. You’re safe. Breathe in… breathe out. Deep, slow breaths.”
“I don’t feel so good.”
“I think you’re in shock. Nearly getting blown up will do that to you.”
“Uh, yeah. I guess you should know.” I licked my lips and took a long, slow breath. The ringing in my ears got softer, and I could focus more clearly again.
The doors opened, and Stone helped me walk to the hallway door of the apartment. Unlocking it, he pushed it open and guided me inside, stopping to lock it behind us. Snaking his arm back around me, he helped me through the hall to my bedroom.
Next to my bed, I let go of him and tried to give him a smile. “Thanks. I think I’ll be okay for now. You can go.” Turning, I sank onto the side of the bed. As soon as my butt hit the bed, I sprang to my feet. “Ow! That hurt.”
“Yeah… it’s pretty red.”
“You can see my skin?” I reached back to touch my dress and found a big hole right over the top of my bum. “Dammit!”
“Let me help. I promise to be a complete gentleman. I won’t even peek.”
I studied him with narrowed eyes.
“I swear.” He met my gaze, his deep brown eyes warm and sincere. “Besides, I’m an expert at undressing women.” A hint of a smile played on his lips.
“Oh, jeez.” I couldn’t help laughing. “Fine. But go get me a towel or something first.”
“You got it.” He sent me a lopsided grin. “Don’t go anywhere.”
I rolled my eyes. As if I could. He was back in no time with a fluffy robe in hand.
“I thought you could get your arms out of the dress and slide this on backwards.”
“Oh, good idea.”
He laid the robe on the bed in easy reach. “You ready?”
“I guess.” I huffed out a breath and carefully tugged the jacket off my shoulders. Now came the dress. The side zipper was under my arm, and I tugged it down. I’d worn a strapless bra underneath, so at least I wasn’t totally naked under there. I pulled the dress strap off my shoulder and got my arm out, baring both my shoulders and my back to Sexy Stone. At least the long scar down my side and under my breast wasn’t visible.
I quickly snagged the robe and put my arms through the sleeves, letting the top of the dress fall. I hissed as the material rubbed against the burn. “Okay, Mr. Expert. Show me what you’ve got.”
“I don’t think you could handle what I’ve got, but I’ll make sure this doesn’t hurt.” He gently took the hem of my dress and pulled the material away from my skin, sending a pleasant tingle over my stomach and legs.
I focused on the burn, fighting the urge to turn around and throw myself at him as he gathered the rest of the material and gently tugged the dress off my hips. It fell to the ground, pooling around my feet. I let out a shaky breath and stepped out of the dress, pushing my hair away from my face.
“Nice thong.”
I threw the open ends of the robe around my back. “You do not get to comment on my underwear.”
“What? I said it was nice.”
I turned to face him, my lips twisting. “Thanks. I think I can take it from here.”
“You still need help treating your burn.” He shook his head. “You can’t even see it.”
“I’ll be fine. Thank you for your help.” I swallowed. Being this close to him and practically naked was setting me on fire.
Before I could do something I’d regret, I made a beeline for the bathroom. Before shutting the door, I turned and met his gaze. “Oh, and Stone?”
“Yeah?” He perked up like he thought I’d invite him in.
Yeah right. I smirked. “For the record… I just saved your life.”
A grin broke out on his face, and he chuckled. “Thank you, Serenity. I’m only sorry I couldn’t save your ass.”
Chapter 10
Stone
As soon as the bathroom door shut, my shoulders sagged, and I ran a hand through my hair. I was in trouble. Not only in the I almost got blown up twice today kind of trouble, but Serenity was something else. Yes, I wanted her like I needed air, but I also liked being with her… our day together had been fun. When was the last time I’d had fun?
Taking a few calming breaths, I stalked to my room and closed the door firmly behind me. I needed a shower. A cold one. I stripped out of my clothes and stepped into my master bathroom, the tile cool against my bare feet. As the water sluiced over me, I leaned against the tiles and caught my breath.