Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 126096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 630(@200wpm)___ 504(@250wpm)___ 420(@300wpm)
Maybe keeping away from the boss’ son won’t be as hard as I had thought.
“Colton,” Charles says, demanding his son’s attention.
Colton slowly turns toward his father but his eyes don’t leave mine until the last possible second, and when they do, my breath catches in my throat. I struggle to calm my rapid pulse and the need to high-five him in the face with my fist.
I let out a shaky breath, repeating over and over again in my head that mom and I really need this, at least until I finish high school and can start paying my own way.
“Father?” he questions, his voice deep, bored, and demanding, crashing against my chest like an invisible force.
Charles goes on as though his son didn’t just destroy me with one look. “This is Maria and her daughter, Ocean. Maria will be working here as our new live-in housekeeper. Could you show them to their rooms upstairs? I have to attend a business call.”
Colton doesn’t get a word in before Charles is looking back at us. “It was a pleasure to meet you both. Feel free to roam around the house and explore. There are a few more treasures you’re bound to come across. There’s a library on the upper floor that the twins had stocked with all of their favorite authors. I'm sure you could find some enjoyment there.”
Charles doesn’t wait for a response before rushing away and leaving us with a scowling Colton. I can’t help but notice that everything Charles has said to us has been a complete contradiction to everything Harrison had said and for some reason, it’s getting me excited about all the ways I could mess with the guy.
Colton’s eyes come back to mine, making the excitement fade away, and before I have a chance to tell him what I think, mom steps in. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Colton.”
He glances over mom and I’m surprised to see some sort of respect in his eyes. He’s lucky because if he had looked at her the way he did to me, I would have shown him my favorite kind of crazy.
Without another word, Colton turns on his heel and begins stalking off. “Follow me,” he throws over his shoulder in a tone that suggests he has a million better things to be doing.
Mom and I share a look and it’s as though we can read each other’s minds. She’s not sure about this kid and the feeling is mutual. She sends me a silent warning to keep away from him and I nod, completely on board.
Getting mixed up with the boys in the Breakers Flats Black Widows is one thing, but getting mixed up with a rich boy is something else entirely. A Black Widow would use me and leave me brokenhearted, but a rich boy would humiliate me and leave me completely destroyed. They’re both dangerous. I guess it’s a question of which kind of danger gets me the hottest.
Right now, I'll be fine without either.
Colton reaches a massive staircase and skips up the steps two at a time, leaving me and mom to scramble behind him. He stops by a door and turns to watch us as we hurry to catch up. His long, thick fingers curl around the door handle and he swings it open. “Maria, you’re in here,” he says, not missing a beat before turning and continuing down the hall.
Mom stops by the door and peers into what will be her room for the next few days as I follow Colton, knowing that if I miss which room he says is mine, I'll probably end up sleeping in the hallway.
With one big stride, he steps over to the opposite side of the hallway and comes to a stop by a solid wooden door. He turns while curling his hand around the handle, his earthy eyes coming to mine. “Your room.”
The door swings open and I go to step into it, but the prick steps right into my way, cutting me off. His eyes drop once again and I know without a doubt that he’s judging me. “Don’t get too comfortable, Jade. You won’t be staying long.”
I raise my chin, taking this for what it is—a challenge. He’d be smart to learn now that I’m not the kind to back down from anyone’s bullshit, especially not from some rich, entitled prick. I don't care about his muscles, his good looks, and dreamy eyes. When someone has thrown down a challenge, nothing else matters.
My eyes narrow on his and I square my shoulders. “You don’t scare me, Carrington. Where I come from, the people come packing a lot more than what you’ve got. You’re nothing but an entitled prick who likes to play with daddy’s things.”
“You don’t want to try me, trash.”
I push up onto my tippy-toes and let my lips brush past his. I lower my voice to the softest whisper. “Watch me.”