Page 305 of Phobia

She’s a miserable fucker after she’s come down from her high, and I smile, thinking of the fun we’re going to have. Sensing it, her eyes fly open, her cold stare failing to wipe my smile away.

“I’m very happy.” Although, I’ve not yet got what I want. That will take time and luck—not something I’m used to relying on. Even with everything I’ve put in place, this may not work.

Pulling out and immediately feeling the loss of her tight warmth, I toss the condom into the bin and retrieve her underwear from the floor. I had her legs pinned wide and held high, and she’s got to be feeling it, so I ease her lace briefs back on before gently pulling her to her feet.

I might be the stuff of nightmares and have blood on my hands and soul, but I take care of what’s mine. Whether she likes it or not—knows it or not—Naomi is mine.

For now, though, I need to let her go. “You’ll be driven home.” Walking her to the door, I take Ant’s mobile from my jacket pocket and hand it to her.

She shakes her head, realising precisely who coaxed her out of her home and into her version of hell, but she remains silent.

“Needless to say…”

She looks up at me and flinches, waiting for another blow.

“If you talk to anyone about this. If you talk to the police or try to go back on the agreement we just cemented on that desk…” Pausing, I stare her down.

Other than forcing her to face her fear and into a world she has no clue about because I’ve found myself unable to let her go—I don’t want to scare Naomi. I need to, though, because if she gets any stupid ideas, it’ll ruin us all.

“You don’t need to say it.” Stepping forward, she opens the door, stopping dead when she sees Ant and Tommy right in front of her.

Tommy smirks and gives her a quick assessment. His eyes roam over her body, but he quickly rectifies that error when he catches the death threat in mine.

Naomi places a protective hand on Ant’s shoulder. “I’m taking him with me,” she states firmly, the queen within showing her fight.

“Be my guest.” I don’t want the dumb fucker. “I know where to find him.”

Tommy cuts Ant free, and Naomi helps him to his feet.

“As for you…” I pause, waiting for Naomi to meet my eyes. “Get some rest. You’ll need it.”

She falters, her mask slipping. “When…” She takes in more air and tries again. “When will-”

“When I say so.” I approach them, grabbing Ant’s face to assess the damage—he’ll live—before turning my attention to my prize. “The nine days start when I say so, but don’t worry, beautiful.” I use the hand that didn’t touch her cousin to slide a rogue strand of hair behind her ear and wink. “I won’t keep you waiting long.”

I nod to Tommy, and he steps towards Naomi, who, in a split second, puts herself between him and her cousin. “I don’t needyourhelp!”

She stares him down until he turns to me for further instructions, impressed that she’s got the balls to stand up to him.

“Billy,” I call, hiding my amusement.

“Boss,” he replies, stepping around the corner. I knew they’d be nearby, waiting to hear how things unfolded. This doesn’t just affect me.

“Help Naomi get that useless cunt into the car.”

Billy pales, still unnerved by the last time he fucked up with her but does as he’s told. Smiling at Naomi, he puts his hands in the air, “I come in peace.”

Naomi holds her hand out in response, her face set firm. “My phone.”

I can’t help the pride that swells inside. After what she’s dealt with tonight, what’s coming her way and what she knows they heard me doing to her, Naomi faces my men with the strength of an army.

Did I find this woman by accident, or was she put in my path?Naomi may not have been born into this world, but my god, she was made for it.

Billy hands her phone over, then wraps an arm around Ant, taking most of his weight as Naomi navigates the steps in her heels, doing her best to keep up.

“Sweet dreams, Treacle,” I call before she’s out of sight, but the squaring of her shoulders is the only response I get.

Chuckling, I lean against the wall and tilt my head back.This has to work.Before, she was moreish. Now, she’s a fucking addiction—one I’m not prepared to give up because it’s good for me.She’sgood for me and judging by how she handled my boys, she’ll be good for all of us—once we get past this small hurdle.