Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79685 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79685 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
There’s not a chance in hell I’m waking her up, and I decide to let her sleep so I can hold her a little longer.
CIARA
Waking up, my mind clears instantly when I feel Santiago’s muscled body beneath mine. Somehow, I ended up sprawled all over him.
Opening my eyes, it’s to one heck of a view of his six pack. I’m still trying to process all the hotness that’s his abs when I notice the bulge beneath his sweatpants.
He doesn’t have an erection, but still, the outline of his manhood is near impossible to ignore.
I wait for the panic and fear to hit, but instead, my cheeks flush hot, and my stomach fills with a nervous tension I’ve only felt once before. It was when I had a crush on a boy at school. Nothing ever came of it, though, and it wasn’t as strong as what I’m experiencing now.
Oh my God. I’m crushing on Santiago and staring at his cock.
I quickly sit up, brushing a hand over my hair in an attempt to tame it.
“Did you sleep well?” Santiago asks, his voice not groggy at all, telling me he’s been awake for a while.
“Yes.” I shoot him a nervous smile and scoot off the bed. “I’m going to make coffee. Can I pour you a juice?”
“Please. I’m just going to freshen up.”
Nodding, I walk out of the bedroom as fast as I can and head straight for the coffee machine. I switch it on, then run to my bathroom and quickly brush my hair and teeth before hurrying back to the kitchen.
Opening the fridge, I see a cocktail blend of fruits, and I pour some into a glass for Santiago. I spin around to put the carton back in the fridge but almost drop it because he’s standing right in front of me.
He takes the carton from me and sets it down on the counter, then he frames my face with his hands and leans down. My heart practically bursts from my chest as I realize what he intends to do, but he only presses his mouth to mine for three seconds max before pulling back, and I feel disappointed it didn’t last longer.
“Happy birthday, mi sol.” He stares deep into my eyes, and it feels as if he’s promising me the world. “I hope today will be amazing for you.”
Only then does it sink in that it’s my birthday.
“Have your cup of coffee and get ready because I have a surprise for you. Dress for the beach.”
A smile spreads over my face, and I quickly add sugar and cream to my mug before taking my coffee to my bedroom, so I can drink it while I’m getting ready for the day.
While I sip on my beverage, I glance over the clothes that were packed for me.
Dress for a walk on the beach.
Crap. No sneakers and socks. Unless I take them off.
Wanting to look pretty, I dig through the clothes until cream fabric with large, tan-colored leaves catches my eye. The pants are high-waisted and flare wide around the legs, and there’s a matching cropped top.
I set the mug down on the dressing table and quickly change into the outfit. The top has thin straps, so I’ll have to go braless for the day.
Walking to the mirror, I check my reflection. The pants cover the scars on my ankles, making me feel brave enough to wear sandals.
I gather my hair and tie the strands in a ponytail, so it won’t blow in my face during the walk.
Standing in the middle of the room, I glance around me. “Okay. I’m ready.” I pat my hand against the chain around my neck, checking that the ring is still there as I leave the room.
Halfway to the kitchen, I remember my cup of coffee. As I turn around to get it, Santiago comes out of his room. He’s wearing light brown pants and a white button-up shirt.
He glances up from where he’s done rolling up a sleeve, then a grin tugs at his mouth. “Wow. That’s officially my favorite outfit on you. Well, besides your pajamas.”
The compliment gives me a self-esteem boost and makes me feel pretty.
When he holds out his hand, I don’t hesitate to take it. Excitement fills me as we leave the house, and in this moment, I feel a little like the woman I used to be.
After I had a nightmare of running through the field with the chain rattling and Nolan shouting my name, I was scared out of my mind, and the memories threatened to drag me under. But then Santiago held me, and his presence alone was enough to ease the fear in me.
He's become the only thing standing between me and the world.
As we follow a path, the birds chirping in the trees pull me out of my thoughts, and I glance around at the beautiful nature.