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“Bruin-Perilini,” Nick corrects.

She rolls her eyes. “We were hoping we could talk to the Baroness about some things.”

“She’s not answering shit,” I reply for her. Everyone knows there’s a DKS locked up right now for the kidnappings. And everyone also knows he denies it. It’s not a surprise they’d bewaiting to pounce. “She’s here to go to class and go home. King’s orders.”

Lavinia nods, gaze shifting to Arianette. “I love those shoes,” she says, looking down at the shiny patent leather shoes with a narrow strap and buckle. As much as we ribbed her for dressing like a child, she looks entirely too fuckable in that short skirt and the knee-highs. I got a semi the second she walked out of the chapel door.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the semi turned fully hard when she showed me her tits. I can’t fucking wait to sink my teeth into that metal bar and give it a pull.

Arianette looks back at me, and I realize she’s asking for approval to respond to the Duchess. I don’t really give a fuck, but it’s probably best not to start off on the wrong foot, so I give her a quick nod.

“Thank you,” she says, hands pulling at the edges of her sleeves.

Nick leans to the side and I start to reach for my weapon, when he pulls a roll of cash out of his pocket. Peeling off a few bills, he hands them to Lavinia. “LB, how about you go get something for you and the Baroness from the coffee cart over there. I need to talk business with the new Barons.” His eyes flick from me to Hunter. “As long as that’s okay with you.”

After everything that’s gone down today I’m not sure that I am, but the coffee cart is only a few feet away, and when I assess the area, I recognize a few of the guys sitting at the next table.

Shadows.

I guess Bruin isn’t the only one with backup.

They’re in regular dress, but I recognize them from recruitment. Pale-faced Carson stands just out of earshot, while Mateo, with his dark hair slicked back in a ponytail, sits at an unoccupied table nearby.

“I think that’ll be okay.” I squeeze her thigh, digging my fingers in a touch too hard. “You go with the Duchess for a few minutes. We’ll be right here.”

“Come on,” Lavinia says, encouraging her to follow, “they’ve got this incredible chocolate cold foam that’s as addictive as Scratch.”

Nick stares appreciatively at his Duchess’ ass as they walk off. When they’re out of earshot, Nick turns back to me and Hunter. “Schoolgirl vibe, huh? Who picked that out,” he assesses Hunter and winks. “It was you, wasn’t it?”

“What?” Hunter seems shocked. “She did that on her own.”

The fuck? Why is he looking at Arianette like that? The flare of anger–possessiveness–that surges through me is startling.

Confusing.

“Well it’s a bold first day move, especially for the King’s future bride, but what the hell, she pulls it off,” he continues, unaware of how close he is to losing those pretty blue eyes. “So listen, it would help all of us if she could give us some details on what went down during the time she was missing. Anything would help. Sounds. Smells. Hot or cold. Inside or out…”

Hunter’s fist closes on his thigh and I wonder if he feels the same about anyone getting near the Baroness right now. I can tell this needs to be handled diplomatically, saying, “She’s not exactly in the state of mind for an inquisition right now.”

“Right.” Nick nods. “We’d be gentle about it. Lav can even be there if that helps. I know she can be a little crusty, but she’s even won the cutsluts, and they're as impenetrable as Fort Knox.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Hunter says. “She’s still recovering.”

“I’m not asking her to take us on a field trip. Just answer a few questions.” His tone is tense. “We’ve got a man taking the heat for these crimes and he had nothing to do with it.”

“Are you sure?” Hunter asks skeptically. “No other girls have gone missing since he was locked up.”

Bruin leans forward like he may grab Hunter by the throat. The size of his body is intimidating as fuck, but he inhales deeply and says, “Yes, I’m fucking sure. The goddamn police and that idiot Fed have tunnel vision.” He grimaces and his shoulders slump slightly. “But it’s not just about Ballsack. It’s the fact one of our cutsluts was snatched off of our streets and murdered. Stella St. James was connected to both the Lords and Princes and she’s MIA. Someone is cherry picking our women, includingyours. Four other girls are still out there, and if the police aren’t going to do something about it, then we have to do it for them.”

I understand what he’s saying. It’s why the King wants us to keep the Baroness so close. It’s why the Shadows are two steps behind, and that guy Kaz has his eyes on the Duchess right now and not Bruin. I glance over at Arianette, who tugs at her sleeve and focuses on the cup of coffee as Lavinia speaks to her.

Hunter leans forward, elbows on the table. “The Baroness is getting acclimated to her new position. I’m sure you’re aware that the initiation process and early days of settling into these roles can be complicated.”

“Complicated?” Bruin snorts and relaxes back in his chair. “Try total shitshow. I locked the Duchess in an elevator overnight to keep her from running away.” His eyes flick over to his girl, warm and impressed. “That was a fucking terrible night.”

“So you know what we’re going through,” I say, although I doubt it.

His jaw tightens and I get the feeling Bruin isn’t used to not getting what he wants. Which means he must really want to talk to Arianette if he’s playing nice. “Fine. I just need you to do what you can. We’ve got to get our man out of lockup.”