Page 59 of Betrayed

“I’ve killed men for less than what you pulled tonight,” I growl. “I’d tear the world apart to protect what’s mine.”

She breathes hard, chest rising. Then, those blue eyes of hers find mine. And she cuts me with, “Then you know why I did it.”

My lips are a whisper from hers. “Yes, babygirl. I know exactly why you did it. Because you’re stubborn and you’re brave and you don’t want to see anyone hurt. And it’s going to get you fucking killed.”

She opens her mouth to argue.

I don’t let her.

I kiss her instead—hard and punishing, like I need to remind her who the fuck I am. Who she is. And how we got here. She moans into the kiss, pulling me closer even as she trembles beneath the weight of me.

“I should tie you up for this,” I rasp against her mouth.

She shudders. “Then do it.”

My control snaps.

I rip the coat from her shoulders and toss it aside. My hands slide up under her soaked dress, gripping her ass and lifting her. She wraps her legs around my waist, head thrown back as I carry her to the wide dresser top and drop her on it.

I plant one hand on either side of her hip, staring down at her. “No more bullshit.”

She nods, dazed.

“No more lying.”

Another nod.

“I bought this dress for me to see you in.” I grab the already ruined fabric at the deep V above her breasts, “And now that worthless men have looked at you in it, I’ll burn it.”

“Is that really necessary?”

I tear the dress at the seams. The fabric peels away like surrender, exposing the lacy push-up bra I also bought for myself. She no longer owns a scrap of clothing that I haven’t bought for her. I made sure of it.

“You want to finish this?” I ask, voice low and dark. “You want to take Caleb down?”

“Yes,” she whispers, “More than anything.”

I lean in, planting a kiss on her lips. “Then you’ll do it my way.”

“Fine.”

“For someone shy of violence in the past, my girl’s got enough fire in her to be mafia,” I say. “Either that or she’s a little crazy.”

“Your girl only does crazy things,”—she wraps her arms around my neck—“when she’s protecting the ones that she loves,” and she’s tangling her fingers in my hair. “Even if she does it poorly—the heart is there.”

“We seem to have that in common.”

“We do.” She flashes a smile that sends blood surging to my core.

We’re currently holding the father and the son separately until we have a plan. One that keeps her safe. And doesn’t start a war for the Kings.

But Caleb—he’s mine to kill.

“I know your heart was in the right place,” I say, sinking to my knees.

I stare up at her in all her glory; skin flushed, dark hair tousled, destroyed black dress. A god damn beauty. She’s stunning. And an absolute vision. “That’s why I’m letting you off without my belt tonight. But don’t think this conversation is over, babygirl.”

She shudders as my hands grip the insides of her thighs.