Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 124140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 621(@200wpm)___ 497(@250wpm)___ 414(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 621(@200wpm)___ 497(@250wpm)___ 414(@300wpm)
She kept sucking lightly as he grew soft.
“Are you all right?” he asked in a quiet voice. His hand lightly massaged her head.
She slid him out of her mouth and turned to look up at him. “Is it all right if I just lie like this for a while?”
There was a soft look on his face that she didn’t think she’d seen before.
“Whatever you need, Preciosa, it’s yours.”
33
Cat woke up alone.
It didn’t feel right, and she shivered, feeling lonely. Rolling over, she pulled the pillow next to her close to her body and sighed.
It smelled like Alejandro and something inside her settled.
God. This wasn’t good.
She was far too attached. She closed her eyes against the painful thought of leaving him.
So don’t leave him.
If it was just that simple . . . he made her feel safe. Like he’d protect her from anything. Like she could fly and he’d be there to catch her.
Actually, she’d always wanted to try flying a plane. Ooh, or skydiving. That could be fun.
It had never felt like Cat had time to just have fun. She’d always had something to worry about. The Sentinels at the Camp. The Deity. Then Mama disappearing. Even when Mama was around, Cat had always felt like she needed to take care of her.
She’d never gotten to be the person that someone else looked after. Her friends tried, but they all had their lives. And she liked it. That boulder of responsibility and fear was still sitting on her chest . . . but it had been lifted slightly. She felt like she could breathe.
But this feeling could be addicting and she had no idea how long it would last.
Rolling back, she saw there was a note, a cell phone, and a black credit card on the nightstand.
Pequeña,
The cell phone is for you to use. I’ve got the number and I’ll check in later. Use the credit card to buy whatever you need. I’ve ordered some things, they’ll be in the pink room by this afternoon for you.
Take a nap,
Alejandro.
Dear Lord, even on paper he was bossy. A new phone and a black credit card? Was he nuts? What was the limit on this thing? What if she bought herself a car?
She wouldn’t. But he didn’t know that.
And take a nap? It was . . . shoot, it was nearly lunchtime. She hadn’t slept in like this for a long time. Maybe an orgasm and sucking a man off helped a girl get over her insomnia.
She groaned and lay back on the bed.
What was she thinking? She didn’t have time for fun. She needed to get things back on track.
Should she use the phone to text the others? But they would find it really weird that she was texting from another phone.
Fuck.
She needed her phone.
Opening the new phone, she saw that it was powered up and had just one contact.
Alejandro.
She chewed at her lip.
Cat:
Thanks for my phone. The credit card was unnecessary, though. What did you buy me?
There wasn’t an immediate answer, so she had a shower. Then she realized that she didn’t have anything else to wear. Drat. Was she going to have to put Alejandro’s shirt back on?
She opened the door to the closet, nothing.
A knock on the door had her whirling, her hand on her chest. Her heart leaped at the thought it might be Alejandro.
But then she realized he wouldn’t knock.
“Miss Cat,” Bernard said stuffily through the door. “There are some clothes out here. Might I bring them in?”
“Are you so some of mind-reader?” she asked.
“What?”
“Doesn’t matter. Come in.”
The door opened and he stepped in. Then, he froze, and his face grew bright red. “Um . . . oh . . . uh . . .”
“You okay, Doomy Gloomy?” she asked, coming over to pick up the bag he’d dropped on the floor.
“Wh-what did you call me?”
“Doomy Gloomy, it’s your new nickname. Thanks for the clothes.”
“My name is Bernard. And you are not dressed!” He pointed at her accusingly.
“I’ve got a towel on. This is more than I wear swimming.”
“You should have said something. Mr. De Leon will not like this! I will be sure to tell him.”
“You’re going to tell him I took a shower? Okay.”
He grumbled and stormed out, shutting the door behind him.
“Such a drama queen.”
Her phone buzzed as she started putting on the clothes he’d given her. A pair of black and pink striped tights and a bright pink sweater dress.
Hmm. Not exactly her color, but she’d take it.
Alejandro:
You’re welcome. You do need the card, you have nothing to wear. And you’ll find out soon.
Huh. Now that wasn’t cryptic or anything.
Alejandro:
Also, take a nap.
She rolled her eyes.
Cat:
I need to get my own phone from Michelle’s, and I’m rostered on tonight.
Alejandro:
I’ll send someone to get your phone and you’re not working until everything is settled.