Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54055 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
“She knows I would never leave her.” He let out an exaggerated scoff just to make sure I knew what he thought about my words.
“Okay fine.” I pulled out my phone and sent him the video. “Do what you want, I’m going to bed.” I boiled with frustration, so I turned around, ready to grab my e-reader and turn in for the night.
“Lucy,” he growled and grabbed my arm to stop me from walking away.
“Let me go, Dante.”
“I’m sorry,” he growled. “It’s been a long day and I’m exhausted.”
I shrugged out of his hold and sighed. “All the more reason to go see Lena.” I took a step forward and he pulled me back close, but not quite flush against his broad chest. Our gazes collided, his angry and mine shocked. Deep breaths rushed out of us both, and Dante looked as if he wanted to say something, probably scathing to me. In the end, he released me and left the kitchen, stalking up the stairs to his daughter’s room.
I let myself have a satisfied smile and rolled my eyes over the stubborn man. He was contrary sometimes just to be contrary, and it was very frustrating, luckily he wasn’t my charge. Still, I knew what it was like to have a long hellish day, so I re-heated his dinner before I returned to the living room to retrieve my e-reader once again.
“Stay,” Dante ordered as he jogged down the stairs a few minutes later in a fresh pair of lounge pants and a t-shirt that molded perfectly to his chest and arms.
“I am not a dog,” I grunted and set my e-reader aside.
He stopped halfway between the bottom of the stairs and the kitchen, his shoulders fell forward and he sighed. “Please stay.”
Indecision warred within me. Part of me wanted to run up the stairs before he returned from the kitchen, just because I could, but that would be petty. Hilarious, but petty.
“Thanks for dinner.” Dante returned and dropped down on the sofa, leaving one cushion between us as he kicked his legs up on the coffee table. “It’s delicious.”
I shrugged and tugged my legs up to my chest. “Don’t thank me, Dotty is the one who made it.”
“You warmed it up,” he insisted with a panty melting smile.
“Job security.” I kept my expression blank as a slow smile crossed his face.
“Liar.”
I shrugged again and met his smile with one of my own. “You’ll never know.”
“Thank you for the video. It was sweet and just what I needed.” He dug into the food, eating it as if he hadn’t enjoyed a meal in weeks. “Even in her sleep, Lena clung to me.”
I nodded to acknowledge that I was listening, but I hated that I felt my heart softening towards this stubborn man. Why was it so damn attractive that he loved his kid? He was a father, he was supposed to love and care for his child, and no man should get extra points for doing what mothers have been doing for thousands of years.
“You should call if you’re going to be late. I know it’s not always convenient, but it would make Lena worry less.”
Dante’s nostrils flared angrily and I wasn’t even surprised. The man couldn’t take any type of criticism. It probably made him a beast of a boss. Then he surprised me by saying nothing, he just returned to his food without a word.
“You know Dante, not every drop of advice is a criticism. It’s merely a suggestion, to let Lena be a little girl instead of a ball of anxiety.”
His jaw clenched again, but I was undeterred.
“She’s already lost her mother, and if you could have seen her worry tonight you would understand my concern.”
“Stop!” He barked. “Just…stop Lucy.”
My mouth snapped shut and my eyes widened at his tone, or more accurately, my response to his commanding tone. It was hot and forceful, which I apparently liked. “You know, I think I will stop. Good night, Dante.” I stood, and this time I didn’t take my time, I just grabbed my e-reader and hit the stairs.
“Lucy…” he called after me, but I kept moving, refusing to be derailed by the infernal man. “Dammit.”
I couldn’t help but smile to myself, that for once in his life Dante wouldn’t get his way. Not with me.
“Lucy,” he growled again, but this time his hand snaked out and gripped my upper arm.
Where in the hell had he come from? “Didn’t anyone ever tell you to keep your hands to yourself, Mr. Rush?”
When he spun me to face him, heat flared in Dante’s eyes and I couldn’t look away. My heart raced and my breath caught in my throat. “You annoy the hell out of me, woman.”
“I feel the same way about you.”
He let out a low grunt and then his lips were on mine, his mouth devoured me hungrily, and when his arms wrapped around me to pull me closer, I held on tight. The kiss was hot as fuck, too hot for someone I actively disliked, but damn, he kissed like a dream. His hands slipped from my shoulders down to my waist before he cupped my ass and brought me flush against an impressive length of hardness.