Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 30717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30717 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 154(@200wpm)___ 123(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)
“They’re everywhere these days, and no one can tell the difference,” I quip. But then I correct myself. “Actually, scratch that. Scientists with special equipment can scan the rocks, and there will be some slight differences between lab-created and mined. But the naked eye definitely can’t detect any variance, and even a jeweler’s loupe is unreliable. From what I understand, natural stones carry trace amounts of nitrogen, whereas the lab grown stones have none.”
“Okay, yeah, I wouldn’t be able to detect nitrogen with my eye,” Ashley murmurs, an astonished expression on her pretty features. “I don’t even know what I’d look for.”
“That’s it exactly,” I chuckle, pressing another affectionate kiss to her cheek. “The stones can’t be differentiated because the chemical structure is the same. But yes, these new suckers are revolutionizing the industry because now, humans can make diamonds on demand. Suppliers can sell them at far lower prices, and that’s why the diamonds you snuck out of the Degas aren’t going to go for much. Have you tried pawning them yet?”
Ashley blushes again, shaking her head.
“No, because I haven’t had time. But I was only going to sell them to help the other girls in my ballet troupe,” she says quickly. “We’re all unemployed, and it’s been hell. Some of the girls have picked up work, but it’s fair to say that a hundred percent of our dreams have been dashed. Quite a few of the ladies are receiving food stamps, not to mention unemployment assistance if possible.”
“I see,” I hum thoughtfully. “So it’s a fucked-up situation.”
“Very fucked-up,” the curvy girl confirms, suddenly looking immeasurably sad. “I only took the diamonds to help my friends. They deserve better, and this Christian Degas person seems to have so much! He would never miss them. Besides, if he’s into ballet ...”
“We’ll see,” I growl, taking the hint. Then, I turn her chin so that I can kiss those tender lips. “Christian is an asshole, don’t get me wrong. But maybe even an asshole can be persuaded to help a troupe of beautiful young ballerinas. In the meantime, I want to claim my prize, sweetheart. You put your curves on the table, and now, it’s time to make good on that bet.”
With that, I dip my head to run my tongue in a tantalizing line along Ashley’s generous décolletage as she gasps and clutches my broad shoulders. But the curvy girl is now relaxed. Gone is the fiery, demanding, angry young sprite who showed up in my suite. She’s still fiery and demanding, don’t me wrong, but she’s also heated, soft, and willing ... and I intend to possess what rightfully belongs to me.
10
Ashley
“Patrick, what are you doing to me?” I moan breathily. My eyes snap open suddenly because did I just say that? It sounds like a line out of a bad romance movie, but then again, I really mean it. What is the billionaire doing to me, and how come I feel so hot, wet, and utterly aroused at once?
After all, I came to his suite expecting sex. It’s the grim reality of the situation, and a logical conclusion after my crushing loss at poker earlier this evening. My full house was edged out by Patrick’s four of a kind, and I could hardly breathe when all was said and done. It’s a bad memory, to be honest.
I’d shown my hand, a triumphant smile creeping over my lips. The handsome asshole was about to meet his maker, and the giant mountain of chips in the middle was practically screaming my name.
But the Irishman didn’t lose his cool upon seeing my full house. That was my first clue. Instead, those blue eyes gleamed as a small smile played at the corner of his mobile mouth.
“Is that all you have?” he drawled.
I sputtered with outrage.
“What do you mean, is that all I have? Of course that’s all I have. It’s my entire hand! In case you’re wondering I don’t have more cards up my sleeve because that would be called cheating. I don’t even have any sleeves on this dress!”
That white grin flashed as he chuckled with appreciative laughter.
“You’re a feisty one, aren’t you?”
“Well, you basically just called me a cheater!” I huffed.
“No, I didn’t,” he corrected, holding up one big hand as his handsome mien went utterly serious. “I would never accuse you of cheating, Miss Finnegan, in any way, shape, or form.”
Now, I blush remembering those words because evidently, the poker game wasn’t our first meeting. Instead, the huge man says that he witnessed my debauchery with the fake diamonds! He saw me case the joint while sitting silently in a corner of the darkened room, and that asshole never made a peep! Even worse, Patrick saw me nude on my hands and knees, moaning as my cunt was crammed full of sparkly jewels, and to top it all off, I slipped one in my ass too because I was such a greedy slut.