Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 89554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89554 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“Please give it back.” I try to sound calm even though I’m panicking inside. “Those notes—”
“Knows how to take charge, keep his word, and stand his ground.”
I think I’m going to die of shame. While waiting for the speed dating to start, I absently enumerated the traits that embodied my ideal husband. And at that time, I didn’t see anything wrong with it. How was I to know that my notes would end up being read out loud by—
“Doesn’t need to put others down to feel big.”
I’m so tempted to just close my eyes and cover my ears like a little girl wanting to deny reality.
“I want...to belong to just one man, no one else.”
I think I’ve heard enough.
But the moment I start to rise—
“Sit down please.”
He says this softly in strongly accented English, and I’m not sure why, but...I feel like I’m this newly enlisted private being comanded by his sergeant, and so, yes, I do sit back down like a dutiful little soldier.
Golden eyes capture mine, and my breath catches as well. Why do I feel like he’s seeing me for the first time?
“It seems I fit all of your requirements, Samira.”
Uh...
“How soon can we arrange our wedding?”
Chapter Two
I CAN’T REMEMBER FEELING more grateful than the moment I hear that bell go...ding.
The speed dating event has come to an end. I’ve officially upheld my end of the deal. And with that—
“Have a good day, monsieur.”
I mumble the words out as fast as I can while rising to my feet in clumsy haste, and I make sure to completely avoid his gaze as I turn to leave.
“Ms. Hondros—”
You know what?
Forget making a dignified exit.
I’m totally going to make a run for it.
But nope.
These crazy-high heels Anastasia forced me to wear prove to be my downfall, literally, and the next thing I know, I’m stumbling forward with all the grace of a newborn giraffe.
“Careful.”
I don’t even have the chance to cry out, with Hexius easily catching hold of my elbow and pulling me back with gentle ease.
Hot!
His touch, I mean.
Not him.
I totally don’t think he’s hot. I’d be an idiot to think that, considering what happened six years ago. All I’m saying is that I’m...I’m not used to having physical contact with any man, is all. And anyway—
“Thank you.”
One always has to mind their manners, even while politely extricating one’s self from the person’s hold.
And then off I go again, but this time I’m focused on being less hasty and more careful. Stumbling every three seconds is just going to slow me down—
“The exit is in the opposite direction.”
I nearly jump out of my skin at finding him right next to me, with his long-legged stride allowing him to effortlessly catch up without breaking a sweat. Why is he doing this, really? Why bother—wait, did he just say—
I skid to a stop. Look around. And...crap.
He’s right.
The exit is in the opposite direction, and...huh.
Is it just me or are more and more people suddenly staring at us? This speed dating event isn’t your hole-in-the-wall kind of thing. It’s massive and massively funded. It’s on Year 4 (yes, it started right after That Day and it’s not a coincidence), and so with less than a thousand participants divided by age, there should be too many of us to notice just one Hexius Mercier.
Right?
“Samira—”
Argh.
I really wish he’d stop making my heart skipping a beat every time he says my name like that. And why is he so...so...oh, I don’t even know where to start. Why is someone like him here, and why is he wasting his time talking to me when he couldn’t even bear turning his gaze to me six years ago?
“Please just go away.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
“I think you can—”
“And if you’d allow me—”
I pivot on my heel while he’s speaking.
Crap.
I end up nearly crashing into a potted plant. Why oh why can’t I remember that these heels are not made for pivoting? Honestly, I’m not sure what they’re made for at this point. Are just supposed to make you look good and have really long legs without actually...walking?
Hexius approaches, and I immediately raise a hand to stop him. “I’m fine.”
And surprisingly enough, he actually heeds my words, his gaze watchful as I right myself.
“It’s him, isn’t he?”
“The Leopard King?”
“I can’t believe it. The Leopard King!”
“Does this mean he was one of the participants?”
The whispers only get louder with every second that passes, and as soon as I regain my balance, I find myself curious enough to look around and...
Where?
Who is it?
And why are they all looking at Hexius like—
No way.
My gaze snaps back to his.
And to his credit, he doesn’t prolong my torment.
“Oui.”
He’s the Leopard King?
I’ve never been the type to keep up with who’s who in preter royalty or whatever it is they call their A-listers. For most people, That Day changed everything. But I have my own version of That Day, and it took place six years ago, when this man’s rejection had me kicked out of the family home, my name taken off the will, and everyone I knew and loved...showed their true colors by turning their back on me one by one.