Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 125465 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 627(@200wpm)___ 502(@250wpm)___ 418(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125465 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 627(@200wpm)___ 502(@250wpm)___ 418(@300wpm)
He nods, reaching for the glass of whiskey he must’ve poured before I came in. I stand, my legs a bit wobbly. Quinton also stands and follows me out of the room. Placing his hand on my shoulder, he stops me from escaping. I shrug off his hand, making his frown deepen. I don’t like upsetting my brother, but I can’t possibly pretend we’re on the same side of things.
“I know you want to believe he’s still a good guy, but I need you to understand the seriousness of this.”
“I believe what I know, brother, and what I know is that Ren loved us. I won’t stop believing that until there is proof to show that it was all a lie.”
Quinton scoffs, his frown becoming pained, almost like I had slapped him.
“He tried to kill Aspen and me. He literally pushed me down a flight of stairs. Someone who loves you doesn’t do that, Scarlet.”
The anger inside me burns with the intensity of the sun. I love my brother, but this is a hill I will die on.
“And you have room to talk? I’ve heard about the things that happened between you and Aspen and how you treated her. I know you still think I’m a little girl, but I’m not. I’m getting older, and I hear more than you know. And sometimes, we hurt the people we love. I don’t think Ren would hurt you without feeling a need to do so.”
Shaking his head, he takes a step back, distrust filling his dark gaze. He thought I was against him. He didn’t know the truth.
“If you can’t see the truth when it’s right in front of you, I don’t know what else to do.”
“Nothing,” I whisper, my already fragile heart crumbling in my hands.
I whirl around and rush to my bedroom before the tears can fall. I would not embarrass myself by crying in front of anyone.
Off in the distance, I’m aware of someone calling my name, but I don’t care. As soon as I slip inside my room, I lock the door and sag against it and let the tears slip free.
I’m tired, so tired.
Hugging my knees to my chest, I wonder if he will make good on his promise to always give me a new first on my birthday or if it is nothing more than a dream that will never come true. Ren isn’t dumb enough to show up here, least of all for me. I let my mind take me to a better place, to the night he made that promise. The night he gave me my first kiss.
“I’ve never kissed anyone before,” I whisper, hoping he doesn’t hear me, though knowing he will. It’s a good thing it’s dark because I’d hate for him to be able to see the crimson coloring my cheek.
Cupping my cheek, he runs his thumb along my full bottom lip, a dark gleam of desire shining in his eyes.
“Good, you have no idea how satisfied it makes me to know that I’ll be your first in every single way.” He leans forward, his huge frame enveloping mine, and my heart jumps inside my chest. I can feel the heat of his body radiating against mine.
His hot breath fans against my lips. It’s minty, and I involuntarily pucker my lips, waiting for the inevitable. “I want all your firsts, Scarlet, and that terrifies me. It scares me because you have no idea of the darkness inside me, yet you crave every piece of me the way I desire you.
“I want you, and I always will,” I whisper, pushing up onto my tiptoes. I need his lips on mine like I need my next breath. Fisting his shirt in my hands, I pull him closer. No, I’ve never kissed a man before, but I’m letting my body’s reaction to him guide me.
Ren’s smirk is downright devious. “See, I’m already corrupting you. My little angel, with a glow of goodness all around her.” His thumb presses down, and I part my lips for him, letting it enter my mouth. I’m apprehensive as I look up at him through my lashes and suck the tip of his thumb inside.
This is Ren. He’ll never hurt me or deceive me. I can trust him with my life, with my body. Flames of desire flicker in his eyes, a desire I don’t understand but want to taste. I don’t want him to think I’m a sheltered good girl, especially when I’m not. “I’m a Rossi; there’s darkness inside me too.” The words slip out of me, and before I realize it, I’m sucking his thumb deeper into my mouth.
“Fuck, you’re going to break my resolve, and I’m already doing everything I can to stop myself from taking what isn’t mine to take.”
“It’s not really taking if I’m giving it to you.”