Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 97364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“Thanks.” I smile at him.
As soon as he leaves the room, my smile dies.
“Interesting bloke.”
“Sorry I wasn’t awake to introduce the two of you.”
“He doesn’t say much.”
“And he’s not even British.”
Oscar smiles. “Do you think he’s a good choice for you?”
If he only knew. “I love him.”
“You loved Daniel.”
“Not like this.”
“And what is this?”
“It’s mad love. The kind that makes no sense. The kind that is bigger than anything I’ve ever experienced. The kind that ensnares your soul and never lets go.”
“Sounds dangerous.”
I nod slowly. “It’s … necessary.” I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to tell Oscar Stone that his Ruby lives and dies by the hands of one man that’s not him.
“We need to talk.” I feel the mood shift. We’re no longer talking about Theo. Nellie.
It only takes two seconds of looking into his eyes to know. “You knew.”
“It was an accident.”
“Oh my god …” I shake my head. “She told you before today?”
“She’s catholic, Ruby. Did you know that? It’s been years since she’s been to confession. I think she was dying to share everything.”
I refuse to look at him. “Then you know if you cheat on her, she will try to kill you.”
“Ruby …”
On a heavy sigh, I look at him with a slight wince as the pain from my surgery makes a claim for my attention. “I don’t blame her. Not for any of it. You know that’s not me. But … it’s not just about her.”
“Theo.”
I nod. “This has consumed his life.” And it nearly took mine. “I can’t know what happened and not tell him. It would ruin us.”
“You want her to turn herself in.”
I close my eyes.
“You’re in pain. We don’t have to talk about this now.” He takes my hand. “You are my priority. Always.”
“But you have feelings for her. I can tell and they’re not like anything you’ve had for other women.” He went to prison for me—for Daniel. Communal underwear. Oscar would do anything for me. My mother died thirty years ago. He’s been in prison for a decade. I’m torn between two men who I love so damn much.
“You’re my priority,” he whispers before pressing a kiss to my head. “Now, get some rest. I’ll have the nurse come in and make sure you have what you need for the pain. We’ll be back later.”
CHAPTER FORTY
My name is Scarlet Stone, and I don’t like indecisiveness. I make a decision and stick with it. Consequences be damned.
In the middle of the night, a half-stifled cry jerks my body from sleep. “Help …” It takes a few labored breaths to realize the agonizing plea is mine. I broke a couple of bones. They repaired my ankle with some pins and a metal plate. I’m on pain medication. Why does it still hurt like a motherfucker, making me nauseous with its throbbing intensity?
Theo jumps from the chair and runs out the door, returning with a nurse. He stayed. For a brief moment that realization is its own analgesic.
The nurse increases my pain medication. “This should help you sleep again.” She smiles. Why is she smiling? I want to punch it straight off her face. Clearly the pain has me a little on edge.
When she leaves, I turn my attention to Theo, trying to hide my grimace. “You stayed.”
He leans down and rests his cheek on my hand for a few seconds before brushing his beard back and forth across it several times. Then he presses his lips to it, letting them linger—easing my pain. “You’re mine. Where else would I be?”
I think my dad is falling in love with the woman who killed your mum. My heart claims some of the pain. I’m not sure the meds will ease that.
“I’m worried you’re going to sue the home owner for your accident.”
An actual smile tries to overtake my grimace.
“Nellie offered to pay for all your medical expenses. She’s obviously taken a real liking to you.”
I close my eyes. “That’s … generous of her.”
His lips press to mine. “Sleep, beautiful … just sleep.”
Beautiful …
I will always love you, Theodore Reed.
*
I’m in bed with the devil. Again.
Oscar insisted I come back to Savannah to recover. Theo insisted I stay in Lexington.
I’m back at my flat in Savannah. Oscar won. Nellie paid to have a private jet transport me “home.” Theo arrived a day later. Fuming.
My instinct to kick and scream, insisting I stay in Lexington, was trodden by a lovely air cast and crutches. I still had a verbal tantrum. Oscar Stone is his own kind of law. Law number one: no tantrums.
Oscar’s bed is gone, but he left the massage chair, and I can’t deny my gratitude. The rest of my flat has been completely furnished as well. Thanks to Nellie Moore—the devil.
“It’s not a bribe.”
I laugh.
Oscar answers my sarcasm with a reprimanding scowl as he hands me a cup of tea. He takes a seat on my new sofa. Theo took off as soon as Oscar arrived. Two alphas in one room is not a good idea.