Page 47 of Forbidden Empire

The idea that I needed him for anything, let alone protection, was so absurd it almost made me laugh. I could handle my own shit.

I always had.

His answer was a low growl, “Me.”

The word hit like a punch, hanging between us, heavy and undeniable. I arched an eyebrow, silent, daring him to keep going.

“And everyone else who’s looking for you.” The way he said it, so casual, like there weren’t a dozen people desperate to see me dead. Like it was just another day, another threat.

I let out a slow breath, collapsing into the chair next to the pile of papers, rifling through them to give my hands something to do.

Let him think he’d won this round.

Let him have his moment. Bastard.

But the truth was, I already had leverage on Rhea. Maybe not enough to end her, not yet, but what I’d found in Zeno’s little treasure chest was enough to set the whole thing in motion. Enough to put a little fear in her, at least. No way in hell I was sharing that with Aidon.

Trusting him was never in the cards. Digging up dirt on enemies was his entire reason for existing.

Why would I hand him everything when he always had the upper hand?

I didn’t need his protection. Not ever.

What I needed was my freedom.

He thought he owned me, that he controlled me. That I’d bend, break, snap to his will.

He was so goddamn wrong. But if playing his little game got me out of here? Away from Aidon?

Fine. I’d play.

I gave no reaction to the threat he tossed over his shoulder.

Instead, I said as he started to walk away, “I need my phone back, Aidon.”

“Why?” he demanded, his tone all rough edges and warning.

“So I can tell the people who’ll come looking if I disappear that I’m safe. Unless you want someone tearing down your precious penthouse doors?”

He muttered something, annoyance evident as he flicked his wrist, dug my phone from his jacket, and let it drop onto the desk.

The gesture was pure calculated control.

“I probably shouldn’t, but I’m trusting you, Esme.” All of a sudden, he was behind me, his presence a searing heat at my back, his breath hot on my neck.

He leaned in. God, the way it made my skin prickle and my pulse race. It was pure torment.

I hated it. I loved it. I couldn’t untangle the two.

His lips grazed my ear, scorching me. “You’re under my protection, but it lasts as long as I trust you. Don’t give me a reason to change my mind.”

I let myself smile, just a little. “You think you’re in control of me, Aidon. That’s adorable.”

If he wanted a war of wills, I’d make damn sure he never saw me surrender.

He growled again, sharp and deep, then stalked out, the sound of his departure echoing in my chest. A slow, wicked grin crept across my lips. I drove him out of his mind, made him lose control, and the truth of it sent a shiver of dark delight through me.

The second he disappeared, I shot to my feet, heart pounding. I closed the door, fingers trembling, and grabbed my phone.