Page 100 of Dark Knight (Knight's Ridge Empire 10)

“We’re good, thank you,” I say my eyes flicking between Atlas and Larisa, who are sitting at the breakfast bar, working their way through activity books.

“Okay, well, as usual, order yourself whatever you want for dinner. And if anything goes wrong, I’ve got my phone.”

“It’s all under control, Selene.”

“Thank you, Calli. I really appreciate you taking the time to help us out.”

“Anytime,” I say honestly. And I mean it. I really don’t mind babysitting my cousins, I just prefer it to be my decision and not to have it dropped on me by my mum, who doesn’t think I have anything better to do with my life.

“You’re a good girl, Calli. We shouldn’t be much later than midnight.”

With a kiss on each of her children’s heads, she walks toward the front door, calling up to Rhea, their eldest daughter who’s hiding in her room.

Dragging a stool between the two of them, I set about helping with their sudokus, dot to dots, and word searches.

Before I know it, over an hour has passed and I’m convincing them that they need to head up to get ready for bed.

I place an order for mine and Rhea’s favourite Chinese dishes, knowing that she’ll emerge from her room to hang out once the other two are in bed. And after a few minutes, I head up to make sure they’re doing as they’re told.

I’m still sitting with Larisa, reading, when the doorbell rings almost thirty minutes later.

I check in on Atlas on my way to the stairs to find he’s already out cold, and then I knock on Rhea’s door to tell her the food is here before going to get it.

“Delivery,” a happy voice sings as I pull the front door open and find Alex standing there with our dinner.

“Uh… didn’t realise you had a job as a delivery driver. If you want a tip then I guess—”

“Fuck the tip. I’ll take a kiss, though.”

“Alex,” I growl.

“What? It’s only fair. Without me, you’d be going hungry right now.”

“Or the guy you stole this off of on your way here would have handed it over instead and been happy with a fiver for his trouble.”

“Pfft, what’s he really gonna do with a fiver, anyway? A kiss from you can be wank bank material for months.”

“You’re gross.”

“You want it?” he teases, holding the bag out of my reach. “You know the terms.”

“Fine.” The sound of Rhea’s footsteps thunders down the stairs behind me as I lean in.

Alex’s eyes light up, but a beat before I find his lips, I dart to the side and plant my kiss on his cheek.

“Thanks for the friendly service. Maybe stick to killing people in the future though, Deimos.”

I grab the bag and move to shut the door, knowing that he’s not going to allow that to happen.

“Whoa, whoa,” he says, stepping into the hallway. “I came to hang and keep you company.”

“Not necessary. Rhea and I are having a girls’ night in.”

“I’m down.” He rubs his hand down his face. “My skin could do with a face pack. And my nails…” he says, inspecting them. “Pretty sure they’ve still got some cunt’s blood under them from—” I sense Rhea step up behind me a beat before Alex swallows his words.

“Hi, Alex,” Rhea says, her voice a little higher than I’m used to.

I turn around and find her cheeks glowing as she stares at him with a coy smile playing on her lips.