Page 36

I guide Aella into the backseat of the SUV, my hands firm but careful as I make sure she’s seated before reaching over her to buckle her in.

I should let her do it herself.

But I can’t.

Not when the thought of her leaving my sight, even for a few hours, puts me on edge.

Not when I know I won’t be there to shield her from every fucking thing that could go wrong in the world.

I am so fucking obsessed with this woman.

I secure the belt with a quiet click, but before I pull back, I grip her chin, tilting her face toward mine, stealing a kiss like it’s the last taste of air before I plunge into deep waters.

Her lips part for me, soft and yielding, her breath mixing with mine. It’s supposed to be a goodbye kiss, a brief moment of connection before I have to force myself away from her.

But my mouth doesn’t want to leave hers.

I deepen the kiss, dragging my tongue over hers, swallowing her little gasp as my hand slides into the hair at the nape of her neck. The need to mark her, to remind her who she belongs to, burns through me, but I force myself to pull back.

Barely.

I stay close, our breaths mingling, my forehead pressed against hers.

Fuck. I don’t want to go.

I want to take her home, strip her bare, and remind her why she’s mine.

“What time will you be home?” she asks.

“I’m not sure. Same as last night, I imagine.” My voice is rougher than I intend, my self-control hanging on by a thread.

“Oh.”

Her voice is soft, almost hesitant, and then she drops her gaze.

I hate that.

I need those pale green eyes on me, need to see every thought that flickers through her mind. I tilt her chin up, forcing her gaze back to mine.

I want her here, with me. Not out in the city without my protection.

But I don’t own her. Not like that.

I mean, I know it’s wrong. I was raised better, really, I was.

But fuck me, if that isn’t the real problem.

“Are the girls coming over?” I ask, keeping my voice even.

“Andrea might stop by. Actually, we might go out,” she says, and instantly, a deep frown etches itself into my face.

No.

I don’t want her going out.

Not without me.

Not when I can’t stake out the place first, make sure it’s safe, make sure she’s safe.

But I can’t order her to stay home.

I won’t be that kind of man. I won’t be like the chauvinistic monsters I used to fight against.

But the thought of her out anywhere in this world without me makes something dark slither inside me, coil itself around my ribs like barbed wire.

“If you don’t want me to go—” she starts, watching me carefully.

I exhale, dragging a hand through my hair.

“I don’t want you going anywhere without me. That’s just the truth. But I know that makes me sound like an asshole,” I admit, voice low.

Aella smiles— warm and knowing —like she sees something in me that isn’t terrifying. Like she understands this possessive, obsessive thing inside me and isn’t afraid of it.

Like she likes it.

And that?

That makes my damn heart stutter in my chest.

This woman was absolutely made for me.

“If you want me to stay home, I will, Sammy,” she whispers.

Goddamn, she’s dangerous.

One soft sentence and she’s unraveling me from the inside out.

I grip the doorframe, my jaw locking.

“No, it’s okay. You go out with my sister and stay safe. Just know Santos will drive and I’ll have a team following you to ensure your safety. Text me when you know where you’re going.”

She doesn’t even hesitate.

“Okay, I will.” Then, softly, sweetly, completely destroying me , she whispers, “I love you.”

And just like that, I’m done for.

My cock is already hard, my blood hot with the need to take her back inside and make her say it again and again until she’s hoarse.

Until she knows she’s never saying those words to anyone but me.

Ever.

I don’t want to go hunt down some unknown fucking crew who robbed the Vipers’ Den. I don’t give a shit about Angel Fury’s stolen files.

All I want is her.

I dip my chin and grip the edge of the door, forcing myself to step back before I say fuck it and order Santos to turn the car around.

Because if I don’t, I will drag her out of this SUV and straight back to our bed.

And neither of us will leave it for days.