Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 147891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 592(@250wpm)___ 493(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 592(@250wpm)___ 493(@300wpm)
“What about the threats? The people who hate you? The Rippies? If they find out about me, they’ll use that against you, and in order for that not to happen, our…relationship—if that’s what we want to call it—will have to be a secret.” I study the profile of his face. “I don’t want to be your secret, Caz.”
“When we make it through Decius, our relationship won’t be a secret. Everyone will know you belong to me, which means no one will come after you unless they’re asking to face the barrel of my gun.”
I let that sink in. Then I say, “You know, despite how crazy things get in Vakeeli, I can’t help feeling like it’s my real home. Sure, I was born on Earth, but…my roots are in Vakeeli. Just like yours. And according to the history, it’s where I originated.”
“That is true. And in Vakeeli, we have power, respect. We can have anything we want.”
“It’s about control for you, isn’t it?” I ask with a smirk.
“How do you mean?”
“I mean, here in my world you don’t have that control. You have to follow the rules. But in Vakeeli, you can do whatever you want. And people fear you, which in turn makes them respect you.” I can’t help smiling as I say, “So, when it all boils down, I believe you do enjoy being a monarch. Whether you admit it or not, you enjoy having people under your grueling thumb.”
He glances at me briefly before putting his eyes on the road again. “Does that make me an awful person?”
I squeeze his upper thigh. “Not if you use your power wisely.”
He huffs a laugh, then shakes his head, grinning. “Are you going to make a changed man out of me, Willow Woman?”
“It’s a possibility, Caspy.”
He uses his left hand to drive, bringing his right down to grab mine. Our fingers intertwine, and I love the feel of his skin against mine, the heat of his hand.
“Consider it,” he murmurs. “I don’t want to strip you of the life you have here—I’d never do that. You can always use the chant Beatrix gave you and return to see Faye whenever you want. Or, if you need time away from all the madness of Vakeeli, you’re more than welcome to go back to Earth for however long you need to.” He pauses, his throat bobbing up and down. “All I ask is that you consider sharing a life with me.” He kisses one of my knuckles. “I want to be a better man for you, Willow. I want to live the rest of my life with you, provide for you, protect and take care of you. My heart will only ever beat for you. But if that’s not something you want…”
I pull my hand out of his and lean over the middle console to plant a kiss on his cheek. “I’m yours, Caz,” I murmur in his ear. “No matter where we are.”
“Does that mean you’ll make a life with me in Vakeeli?”
I sit back in my seat again, and because I like being a teasing bitch, I tell him, “I’ll consider it.”
He can’t help but to smile.
Chapter 33
WILLOW
I’m not sure when I fell asleep, but when I wake up, it’s because the speed of the car has decreased and there’s an excruciating itch on the back of my neck.
I scratch at it, and Caz peers at me as neon red lights flash on his face. He pulls into the parking lot of the hotel I booked, The Rêvasser, and finds a space to park.
“Everything all right? he asks.
I scratch the back of my neck again until the itch subsides. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
I take a look around the dark parking lot. Several cars occupy the lot, bathed in fluorescent red light. The rain has clearly followed us here because droplets cling to the cars, as if a shower has recently passed. Not much surrounds The Rêvasser except a diner across the street and a walking trail behind it.
A group of people bursts out of the front door of the hotel dressed head to toe in flashy attire, most likely on their way to the city.
I collect my tote bag and climb out of the car as Caz goes for our suitcases in the trunk. The lobby of the hotel has a contemporary feel, with abstract walls, down lighting, and a velvety seating area with plush chairs and wooden tables. Many of the chairs are occupied with bodies—men and women with drinks in their hands, chatting and laughing.
Once I collect the room keys from the clerk behind the desk, I lead the way to our room. But as we go, I can’t help feeling like someone is watching me, and the itch on the back of my neck intensifies. I scratch the area, and a chill snakes down my spine—a familiar sensation that causes me to stop in my tracks. I peer over my shoulder as a couple leaves the hotel, hand in hand. Caz takes my hand, bringing my attention back to us.