Page 25 of Devil's Claim

I’d conjured up dozens of stories about his identity. Although his badness had already been established, I was more than curious what he really did for a living.

Prince of some sovereign in Spain.

Famous Spanish actor hated by everyone.

Mafia Don.

Hired gun.

The theories were endless, but none suited him or answered all my questions. Was I still nervous he’d eventually kill me? Honestly? No. If I told anyone how I felt, they’d think me nuts.

Crazy girl.

Certifiable.

But he was protective, always walking slightly behind me, his hand lightly touching the small of my back. I’d come to think of the gesture as endearing.

“This will do,” he finally grunted.

Animalistic style.

I exhaled loudly enough he slowly turned his head toward me. He’d all but kidnapped me on this beautiful day by making me take him shopping, but I couldn’t lie. Calling into work, telling my boss I was taking a sick day had given me a sense of excitement. If nothing else, Kruz had pulled out a wad of cash, filling the tank of my bucket of rust with gas.

Another story that I could remember in years to come. He’d turned up his nose at the car, his huge body barely fitting into the passenger seat. Instead of being insulted, I’d been amused.

We strolled through the crowded venue and I felt exposed as a sham for no other reason than my attire. Did people really dress like this to go shopping? Even if the shoppers were in more casual clothes, yoga pants and brightly colored form-fitting crop tops, the attire screamed of money.

I’d once experienced the same thing, but that was a long time ago in a galaxy far away. Okay, maybe not a galaxy, but another life. That wasn’t an exaggeration.

“There’s a men’s suit place up on the right,” I told him. My stomach was already growling. There was incredible food in the apartment thanks to the man and I’d found nothing edible. Maybe eating food provided by a monster was too distasteful. The stale muffin I’d consumed while he’d watched me was long gone. “I think you’ll find something that will suit your style.”

“What is my style, Christine?”

Every time he said my name, a series of shivers shifted all the way to my toes. The inflection was dark and very intimate. “Your aura screams of power. The suit should be dark, but not black. That’s too on the nose. Charcoal with a crisp white shirt. But you must wear cufflinks. Not too flashy. Maybe black onyx. Gold is too… boring and every day for a man like you. But your choice of tie must be bold. I’d suggest red, but all I’d think about what how much blood you create in whatever job it is you do. Maybe… cobalt blue. But with a flair. There are some gorgeous ties that have spectacular designs. Think artistic meets grunge.”

“Artistic meets grunge?”

“It’s an American thing.”

He chuckled and suddenly pulled my arm so I’d be forced to stop.

“No, not here,” I told him. “This is perhaps the most upscale women’s clothing store in all of Miami. They sell every fabulous designer brand. Versace. Prada. You name it. Not that you wouldn’t look good in a dress, but…” I laughed.

He didn’t.

Instead, he pulled me around to face him. When he cupped my jaw, rubbing his thumb back and forth across my bottom lip, my breathing was instantly stifled.

“You should think more of yourself, my little cake. You are a beautiful, sensual woman who deserves to dress in stunning clothes. Trust me.”

“Trust you. That’s still a teensy tiny bit impossible. I hope you can understand. Let’s get you that suit.” When I started to walk away, he grabbed my hand, the move so forceful I was yanked directly into his arms.

His hold was firm, my back arching as he slid one hand against the back of my head. “You will learn.” He slowly lowered his head, allowing his lips to lightly brush across mine.

My fingers involuntarily wrapped around his tee shirt and I leaned into the kiss. Just briefly. Just enough to taste the hint of hazelnut coffee and toothpaste. His scent was still heavenly, the shower he’d taken awakening his pores.

Kruz kept the kiss light, barely dragging the tip of his tongue across my bottom lip, but it was just enough that the wild girl inside of me swooned.

“Yes, you will learn.” With nothing else said, he kept his fingers wrapped around mine and pulled me into the store. Immediatelywe received strange looks from the swarm of clerks who obviously worked on commission.