Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 87967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“I said that the merger will happen next week in England. Don’t even try to push it back again,” he shouted. He turned around and finally found me as I stood in the kitchen. His face dropped and his eyes went liquid blue. “I’ll call you back,” he said and hung up.
“What?” I hesitated and took a step back, looking down at myself.
“Addie…you look…” He stopped and inched closer.
“If the dress is too much, just tell me and I’ll change.” I instantly felt uncomfortable, not knowing if I was dressed correctly.
I played with my dress, straightening out the various layers that made up the bottom half. Daimon surprised me by lifting my chin and kissing me softly. I put my hand on his chest and pushed him back.
“What the hell do you think you are doing?” I cried out.
“I couldn’t help it. You look beautiful.” He smiled his devilish grin.
“Just don’t do it again,” I said stiffly. I hated how much each kiss he planted on me made me want more, pushing me deeper into a world, I knew logically, I could never be a part of.
“I can’t help it if my lips seek you out.” He smiled, amused at my behavior.
“Well, help it and stop.” I walked past him, but he stopped me, placing his hand onto the cabinet to block my path.
“It’s only a matter of time,” he whispered slowly in my ear, taunting me.
“We’ll see,” I said grimly.
God! He was infuriating thinking he knew me. The thing was, the more he acted like that, the more I wanted to prove him wrong. Daimon did not control my body or my mind, let alone my heart.
“Move your arm,” I seethed.
“Sure thing, Addie. Whatever you want.” Daimon moved his arm in an exaggerated way and laughed. “Come on. The driver is waiting downstairs for us.”
***
We stopped in front of Gotham Hall. The tall Corinthian columns were lit up with a pale purple, contrasting with the dark sky around us. Daimon stepped out of the car and held out his hand waiting for me. I couldn’t help but think this was all part of his orchestrated plan. He always got out first and always held out his hand for me waiting. He beckoned with his fingers. I guessed I was taking too long. Finally relenting, I took his hand. He helped me out of the car and intertwined our fingers together.
“Earn your keep, my beloved Addie.” He brushed his other hand across my cheek; he then leaned in and kissed me on my forehead. I stifled the feeling of being a whore. Daimon ruled his world with money and was the only thing that ever made any sense to him.
“Daimon?” We heard through the crowd as we walked to the large golden doors of the hall.
“Hey, Rafe.” Daimon took him by the shoulder and squeezed it.
“What? No handshake?” Rafe laughed.
“I can’t let go of my wifie’s hand. We’re still in the honeymoon stage,” he said as I tried to yank it away, but Daimon held on tightly, not letting me go.
“How the hell are you surviving with him?” Rafe asked me as he thumbed at Daimon.
“I drink a lot,” I mocked.
“Makes sense,” Rafe laughed.
“Enough!” Daimon scowled.
“Oh, my God, Addie,” Jessica cried out as she waved frantically once we had stepped in. Daimon had hired her to do the event for him. “How have you been?” she smiled.
“Jessica, this place looks fantastic,” I said, looking around in awe. Long white drapes cascaded down to beautifully set tables with tea lights and a stunning arrangements of large branches with white blooms. The lighting was elegant and the music was soothing.
“I’m glad you love it. Come, I have your table ready and waiting for you.” She smiled sweetly as she led us to the table that was in the middle of the room.
“Well done.” Rafe smacked Daimon on his back. Jessica had led me to my seat and on my plate was a small elegant bouquet of white peonies.
“What’s this?” I asked Daimon, picking them up and smelling them.
“Think of it as an incentive,” he said alluringly.
“Bite me,” I said under my breath. Daimon smiled confidently as he leaned in closer.
“If that’s what you like.” I stopped myself from rolling my eyes and sat down.
The night was arduous and long. Anyone who was anyone in the business world had shown up and were busy ass kissing both Daimon and Rafe. I was introduced but was quickly dismissed when Daimon was preoccupied. Apparently, I wasn’t important enough to speak to. I felt my purse vibrate. I’d received a text from Elissa wishing me a Merry Christmas. I texted her back that I missed her and I wanted to see her soon. She said only after the holidays. I grew sad, feeling lonely at one of the busiest parties I had ever been to. Walking over to the bar, I hoped a whiskey would do the trick.