Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21861 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 109(@200wpm)___ 87(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21861 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 109(@200wpm)___ 87(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Hope was lost in the book she was reading when Colin startled her out of her thoughts as he swept her off the couch and carried her to his desk.
"What are you doing?"
"Something I've been thinking about since we came here." Colin stepped between her legs, the intimate position causing Hope to swallow hard.
"If you don't want this, now's the chance to tell me."
Hope knew that was exactly what she should do. This was his place of work. This was still a public place. And what about security cameras—
His gaze turned knowing. "No one will see us."
How was that possible when—oh!
A clap of his hands, and the lights in his room went out, and she even heard the doors automatically lock itself.
"Colin!" Wasn't that as good as telling his security department what they intended to do?
"Yes or no?"
He fitted his body closely against her as he spoke, and the throbbing evidence of his desire was her undoing.
"Y-Yes—"
She wasn't given a chance to say anything else. Everything was happening too fast, with her husband clearing his desk with one sweep as he made her lie back. Her entire body ached with anticipation as she listened to him unzip herself. She could feel herself growing wet, and her fingers gripped the edges of his desk. But no matter her ardent efforts to prepare herself for a sensual onslaught—
Aaaah!
It still wasn't enough, the masterful strength of his first thrust more than enough to make her see stars. Her lips parted, his name just about to spill past her lips—
"This is Garth from Security."
—when someone suddenly knocked on his door.
"Anyone there?"
Her husband covered her mouth even as he continued with his thrusts. His security officer was still standing outside the door, and the thrill and fear of possibly getting caught made her more sensitive. Desire was starting to make her head spin, and she had the craziest urge to moan. How was it possible that she could feel him thrusting deeper inside of her without making a sound?
She needed, oh she needed—
Outside, they heard the security officer turn away, his footsteps fading just as everything became too much, and she couldn't bear it any longer.
She needed to let go, and so she did.
She cried his name out against his hand.
Locked her legs around his waist as he came inside of her.
I love him. I love him. I love him.
There was no hiding from the truth now.
She loved him.
So much.
But would he ever love her back?
Chapter Seven
Hope adjusted the shawl draped across her shoulders and did her best to smile as camera lights flashed around her. Life as Mrs. Colin Soukoulis lately was best summed up as attending one ball after another, and she had decided to take things one day at a time so as not to be swept away by the surrealness of it.
Another week had passed since their first night together. She had been sleeping in his bed ever since. Keeping him company at work. Wherever he went, he wanted her with him. What they could do together, they did. But one thing they had yet to discuss was the future of their marriage.
Tonight's ball had laid out separate red carpets for men and women, and when Hope entered the ballroom, she saw that Colin wasn't yet at their table. There was not a single familiar face either...except for Roland?
The last time she had seen him was on the first day of Colin's high school reunion. She had heard rumors about his troubled marriage with Princess, and the latter's words had as good as confirmed this. The other woman had also implied, albeit in not so many words, that he would soon move away...while leaving his wife to fend for herself on her own.
Unease stirred inside of Hope when she realized Roland was heading straight at her.
"Hello, Hope."
He looked discomfited and determined at the same time, and Hope's unease grew. Was he about to ask her something about Colin and—
"I know you have no reason to believe me, but Maria..." Relief flashed over his features when he seemed to spot someone behind her. "There she is."
Hope turned in time to see another woman join them. Short curly hair, a pleasantly round face, and eyes that were both cheerful and wise.
"This is Maria, my fiancée."
His...what?
Maria nodded understandingly. "It's just as we suspect. Princess hasn't told anyone about the divorce, has she?"
Hope shook her head. "I had no idea." Did Colin? And if he did, why had he never told her?
"Princess made a deal with Roland. She would agree to a quick divorce and not make a fuss...but only if he agreed to keep their separation a secret."
"For what reason?" Hope asked in confusion.
"To earn everyone's pity," Maria said bluntly. "Your husband's, most of all. Roland had to declare bankruptcy three months ago. Princess had taken out loans without him knowing, and all so she could live like a queen."