Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86322 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86322 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
“Oh, my god. Lucian,” she gasped.
We both stared at the sparkling diamond leaves clustered together on a platinum rope bracelet. Her joke about picking her up for prom with flowers stuck with me, and I couldn’t help but play along. It was an unexpected treat to discover she played along too.
“It’s stunning.” She laughed. “And all I got you was a fake flower with fake diamonds.”
“Gasp,” I mocked, holding my hand to my chest. “You didn’t even splurge for real diamonds? I’m not sure I can go with you anymore.”
I moved to step away when she snatched the box from my hand and glared playfully. “No takesies-backsies.”
I cocked my head and laughed. “Takesies? Backsies?”
“It’s a thing,” she defended seriously. “Now help me put this on before we’re late.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I focused on fastening the jewelry around her slim wrist, sneaking glances as her pursed lips slowly softened into a smile that sent a warm ache blooming in my chest.
We arrived ten minutes after the event started. Aspen called it fashionably late, even though I knew she’d been here all day, making sure everything was set up just right. When I walked in, I couldn’t believe what she’d accomplished.
People dressed in their finest mingled on the black-and-white checkered floor among cocktail tables draped in heavy black tablecloths, while the waitstaff in tuxedos floated through with hors d’oeuvres and champagne. The room sparkled with golden light and cream accents, creating a magical wonderland where the rich came to play and spend their money for a good cause. After hearing her on the phone all week, I knew this room was just the beginning. Beyond the sets of double doors lay round tables with peonies and the real floating candles I’d heard her argue about with the vendor earlier in the week, claiming she would not have fake lights because “they look cheap and did they think she was cheap or did they think she was spending a fortune to raise money for children?”
Needless to say, I had no doubt that I’d find fiery centerpieces when we entered that room. Rules be damned.
My woman got shit done.
My woman?
I faltered over how easily the description formed in my mind, quick to smother it with reason.
It made sense that a swell of pride would inflate my chest, prompting grandiose descriptions after watching her work so hard this week. Add in the conversation I had with her father yesterday at lunch, when he threatened me in the most gentlemanly way possible that if I hurt his daughter, he would do whatever it took to exile me from his company.
It was… an interesting conversation that left me with even more doubts about my original assumption that Aspen was a spoiled princess. It left me with the impression that, despite Hank Quinn treating Aspen like a princess, he made her work for every achievement she got.
After our meeting, I spent the evening forcing myself to stay in my home office, repeating the mantra that it didn’t matter what her father said, Aspen was most likely just like other women—just like Daria, a selfish woman, hiding behind lies. And the more I wanted to venture into the living room and see her stomping around our apartment—my apartment—the more I held firm to staying put.
Despite the growing doubts, a part of me knew I had to cling to my prejudices about Aspen.
And all of me knew I didn’t want to look at why.
“Aspen, a stór.”
Speak of the devil.
Aspen turned toward her father but didn’t pull away from my arm around her waist. Thank God, because I deeply enjoyed the small span of her back that the black lace didn’t cover. When I’d followed her down the stairs, I’d almost groaned finding more bare flesh beneath the lace stretched between her shoulder blades, leaving bare, warm skin exposed just above her lush ass, which was encased in black silk.
I relished every second my fingers played along that flesh until he pulled her in for a hug.
“You look stunning,” he praised, holding her arms as he looked her over. “But you always do. Just like your mother.”
A warm blush infused Aspen’s cheeks. “Thank you. You look handsome, as always.”
Hank shifted to me with an outstretched hand. “Lucian. Good to see you again.”
“You too, sir.”
“Thank you again for acquiring the replacement item for the auction. I know we all appreciate it at Quinn Music Group after Miss Hart retracted her previous donation. I must say, our loss ended up being our gain as well.”
“Any time, Hank.”
“As much as I’d love to spend the night by your side, I’ll see you two at dinner. Gotta go socialize and get everyone to spend their money.”
“Good luck, Dad,” Aspen encouraged with a kiss on his cheek before turning to me. “What did you end up getting as a replacement? I forgot to ask after the relief of learning there was one.”