Page 60 of Hook

I run a hand over my chin. “Possibly. You’re surprisingly strong for a lass.”

A hint of a smile curves her luscious lips and all I want to do is kiss them. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You should,” I say, forcing my gaze away from her and out toward the sea.

“I’m surprised you don’t own a boat.” She gazes at the empty pier.

“I do, but it’s in the shop.” I run a hand through my hair. “The engine failed.”

“Oh.” She glances at me. “Is it a big boat?”

“Big enough,” I say. Talking about it only adds to my irritation of not being able to get out on the water. If the dockmaster doesn’t deliver on his promise, there will be hell to pay.

She relaxes slightly, placing her head on my shoulder and leaning into my embrace.

I squeeze her more tightly, finding this moment a little at odds with all the other time we’ve spent together. Mainly because she’s not trying to rip my head off. All that rage I’d felt not ten minutes ago has entirely dissipated as I stare at the calming movement of the waves before us.

I could get used to this, spending time with her, not just with my cock deep inside her. And while that thought alarms me, it’s what I expected from the moment I set eyes on her at her engagement party. Gwendolyne is a treasure that I would risk my life to keep for eternity.

21

GWENDOLYNE

“I’ve got to get away from him no matter what it takes,” I say, shaking my head as I sit in the library with Tilly. We’re going over possible escape options. I’m getting desperate to get away before I fall deeper into this warped trap he’s constructed for me.

Piero can pick us up, so we need to get out of the house and gates undetected by Cillian’s security.

The best option is for me to get into the trunk of Tilly’s car and hope they don’t check it. She said it’s a fifty percent chance they won’t, but they’re not the best odds.

All other options are too risky, like trying to bribe a guard. If the guard is loyal to Cillian, it would reveal Tilly as a mole within his household staff.

“This is it then?” I say, pursing my lips. “We try to go today?”

She nods. “I think it’s our only option. The quicker we get you out, the better. Piero is desperate to see you.”

My stomach churns at the mention of Piero. While I want to get away from here for my own sanity, I know for certain I don’t want Piero anymore. The idea of him touching me makes me feel a little queasy. It makes no sense considering it’s all I wanted before.

“I might throw up,” I say.

Tilly purses her lips. “Try not to throw up. I’m not good at dealing with sick people.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not actually going to throw up.” I stand and brace myself with my hand on the bookshelf next to me. “I don’t think...”

“I’ll have to get out of here if you are going to be sick. Otherwise, we’ll both be throwing up.”

I shake my head as the lightheaded sensation eases. “No, I think I’m fine.” I sit again. “It’s the anxiety about trying to pull this off.”

“It’s going to be dangerous,” Tilly admits.

“You don’t think we could try a disguise? Like as one of the other staff?” I suggest.

Her eyes narrow and she rubs her chin. “Not sure it would work, but then if they check my trunk tonight, we’re screwed, too.”

The door to the room opens, and Cillian strides in. He looks furious, and my stomach drops as I realize he caught us plotting my escape. This is it; our plan is over.

“What are you two doing in here?” he asks, his voice cold.

I can’t help but exchange a nervous glance with Tilly, as I’ve got to work out what to say.

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