Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 69621 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 348(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69621 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 348(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
I didn’t have a clue Heath liked sport. I gathered he must like something, to keep a physique like his, but I’d never figured what.
“Squash?” I ask our client. “I didn’t realise you liked that kind of thing.”
“That kind of thing? Sport, you mean?” He smiles. “I’m very fond of a good game. I used to be at the top of our local squash league when I was growing up. Unfortunately, playing is a lot less enjoyable when you have a thousand cameras in your face whenever you leave the house.” He points at the floor. “That’s why I have a court downstairs. But I only usually practice solo.”
“A court downstairs? A squash court? Here?”
“And a pool table, dartboard, and gym setup, yes.”
Well that wasn’t on the villa tour. I wonder how much about this place is behind closed doors…
“You look surprised,” Heath says, and I shrug.
“No, it makes sense, it’s just…”
“Just what? You can’t imagine vampires with a squash racquet in their hand? It definitely wouldn’t look so fitting on the screen.” He squeezes my shoulder. “Yes, Ella, I enjoy plenty of sport, just like Joshua. We just don’t get the opportunity to be gym buddies all that often.”
The way Josh smirks and nods at him only reinforces just how little I truly know about Heath.
“That’s quite a reward,” Josh says. “Can’t wait. Finally.”
“Yes, finally.”
There’s a look that lingers between them, and gives me a rollercoaster lurch. It’s clear all over again. I’m in the dark about almost everything Heath related compared to the way Josh knows him.
And I’ll be literally in the dark tonight, it seems.
Even the thought of the upcoming proposal gives me shivers after our Nighttime Whispers binge.
“Where are you going to chase me?” I ask Heath, switching the topic. “Nowhere public, obviously.”
“There is plenty of space here,” he says. “The grounds are probably bigger than you’re aware of, having spent so much of your holiday so far basking on the terrace.”
“And in the pool,” I add, then raise an eyebrow. “And naked, remember?”
He nods, flashing me his Count smile. “Oh yes, you’ve spent plenty of time naked, and that won’t change tonight. Once we’ve captured you.”
“Hmm.” I sit back in my seat. “What about if I win? Is there a clause for that? Do you get a time limit on how long you have to capture me? You are playing competitive sports together as a reward after all.”
“We never negotiate with proposals, remember?” Josh says, but I shrug.
“They aren’t usually delivered in person. I can make an exception just once, right?”
“I like that idea, actually,” Heath says. “What do you think, Josh? Twenty minutes?”
“Twenty minutes?” Josh looks right at me. “Easy peasy. We’ll catch her way quicker than that.”
“Oi,” I give his arm a jokey slap. “You’re underestimating me.”
“We’ll soon find out.”
“And if I win?” I ask my boyfriend.
“It’s up to the Count, it’s his proposal after all.”
We both look at Heath.
“If you win, we’ll drink champagne and toast your success. Happy days.”
I laugh. “You’re making me want to lose now!”
“Let’s see if you’re still saying that once the chase is underway.”
I don’t break a sweat at this kind of event like I would have done when I first became an entertainer. I’ve been chased before during proposals, by complete strangers in extreme circumstances. I know the adrenaline and instinctive panic that comes when I’m trying my best to run and hide. I’ve been chased through wooded paths and bundled into the back of a van. I’ve been chased through a derelict house, trying to hide in dark corners. And all the while, I’ve loved it – even though my body has been screaming the opposite.
I’ve never been chased by Josh though. Not yet…
And I’ve definitely never been chased by the Count.
What an honour. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. Show these guys how unwilling a victim I can be.
We eat dinner together first, with both gorgeous men still dressed in their finest attire. A delicious stir fry as the first bottle of tonight’s champagne flows. I watch the sky darkening through the windows amidst the chatter, and my instincts are already spiking as we put our plates in the dishwasher.
“What do you want your victim to be wearing for the chase?” I ask Heath.
“I’ll leave that up to you. We’ll leave you alone for thirty minutes, during which time you can prepare yourself and begin your escape.”
“Thirty minutes. Cool.”
I’d set an alarm on my phone if I had access to it, but the clocks around the villa will have to do. The minutes counting down will be palpable as they rise in intensity.
“Your time starts now,” Heath says, and I don’t waste a second, darting through to the bedroom and looking through my collection of clothing. What will live up to the Count’s attire? Uh, nothing. Not when he’s dressed like that. But I’ll try my best.