Series: Webs We Weave Series by Krista Ritchie
Total pages in book: 167
Estimated words: 162520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 813(@200wpm)___ 650(@250wpm)___ 542(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 162520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 813(@200wpm)___ 650(@250wpm)___ 542(@300wpm)
As he lowers me, I slide down his body. The bottoms of my strappy white heels thump to the popcorn-littered ground. Rocky tugs down my cherry-red dress, which bunched on my descent.
My lips sting like he’s still on them, and I intake a big breath to stop panting. “Just to let you know,” I say, “you might be remarrying the town’s newest Victoria’s Sweetheart. I heard I’m in the running for the annual competition.”
“Yeah?” He soaks in my haughty smile. “Tricked the whole town into thinking you’re a sweetheart? How’s that crown of lies sitting?”
“Like victory.” I clutch the seat behind me, my face so flush seeing his smile. “But to warn you, you also might be with the callous bitch of Victoria. I’m sure some Jake defenders will wish I ended up with him.”
“I’m the real callous bitch.”
“Trying to steal my reputation?”
He lets out a tight laugh, glances behind me in short thought, then drops his eyes to mine. “I’ve loved the heartbreaker of Malibu, the virgin of Manhattan, the angel of Boston, the slut of Las Vegas—you think I wouldn’t love the bitch of Victoria?”
“Rocky,” I whisper out, the sudden declaration of love pummeling me, even after he just proposed.
He holds my face again, his thumb caressing my cheek. “I’ve loved you in every way, in every fucking place. But this place is getting the best of my love.”
I can barely breathe again. “Why’s that?”
“Because it’s not confined anymore, Phebs. Everyone can see it now. You get that?”
It overwhelms me. “Yeah,” I murmur, feeling it. “I really do.” It’s all slamming into me. Strength surges inside my full lungs. “We were taught deceit is the most powerful tool, but the truth hasn’t made me feel weak.”
He looks me over. “What do you feel?”
“Indestructible. Loving you loudly might become my new favorite obsession.”
His slow-rising smile crawls across his mouth. “Try not to come so hard in the street when you scream my name.”
I glare. “Not that loudly.”
He laughs and brings me closer to his chest, nestling a kiss into my hair. I stare down at my hand, the diamond ring, and my eyes glass all over again.
He never sold this ring. He held on to it for four years. And he says he’s not sentimental over things.
Liar.
THIRTY-SEVEN
Phoebe
I’m on a high tonight from the real proposal, and nothing can bring me down. Not even a run-in with human garbage.
Trent Waterford exits Baubles & Bookends with a stream of book clubbers. We’ve regrettably walked right toward him after leaving the movie theater. So when we see him and he sees us—Rocky’s arm securely over my shoulders—it feels a little like a John Wayne film. Glaring. Silence. Fuck you stare-downs of lethal proportions.
Only instead of Trent reaching for a pistol at his hip, he procures a cellphone. He puts it to his ear. “Hey, Trevor, my boy.” He watches Rocky’s eyes darken. “Whatever you’re up to, cancel it. Let’s grab a drink at the Gulp. Whiskey on me.” He drops the phone down, just to say to Rocky, “Your baby brother says, ‘Fuck you.’ ”
Rocky takes one hot step forward.
Trent recoils a little. Ooh, he’s scared.
I smooth my lips as a smile forms.
“You hurt my brother,” Rocky sneers under his breath, “and I promise it will be the last thing you ever fucking do. I will end you, and you best fucking believe I have the means to get away with it.” He works for the CIA, after all.
“Great, Trevy,” Trent says into the phone, not responding to Rocky. “I’ll see you there.” He keeps the phone to his ear as he steps off the curb and jaywalks across the road.
I scowl out at his quick stride away. “Do we follow him?”
“No. Trev will be fine. It’s better I’m not in sight. It might provoke Trent into doing something worse. He’ll probably have a couple drinks with him and go home.”
Home. “You mean the home we’re all sharing?”
“Yeah.” He clasps my hand. “But at least that fuckbag won’t be there for a few more hours.”
I grin. Night definitely not ruined.
* * *
—
Once we’re inside the mansion, we can’t make it up to my bedroom fast enough. My lips sting from the forceful hallway kisses. My body hums like a bell being tolled over and over.
We’re all fire and engulfing passion when we push into my room. I tear myself off Rocky to capitalize the pursuit. “It’s not that easy,” I pant, backing up farther and farther. “Haven’t you heard? I’m impossible to catch.”
“Not that easy?” His hot gaze sears me. “Funny, considering I’ve caught you a thousand times already.” He flicks the lock closed.
I raise a brow. “One less time tonight.” My shoulders thump into the muraled wall. Breathless.
I’ve been staying in his late aunt’s bedroom. Daphne Wolfe. She must’ve loved nature. Sweeping wildflowers, bees, butterflies, rabbits, foxes are painted all over her walls. Field guides on birds and falconry stock her bookcases. And the gilded leaves and twisting vines of a stunning chandelier hang above us. It’s one of the lighter bedrooms at Stonehaven when most weigh heavy with moody greens and darker velvets.