Page 71 of Reckless Princess (Knight's Ridge Empire 8)

I really thought her being here meant something. It never occurred to me that she just wanted to hurt me.

With a sigh, I take off through my flat in search of something that will help numb the pain.

The sun set at some point during my nap, but I have no idea what the time really is. The moon lights my way as I pad toward the kitchen.

I come to a grinding halt when I turn into the open plan living room and see a figure standing in front of the windows, her silhouette illuminated as if she’s an angel.

All the air rushes out of my lungs at the sight of her.

“Jodie,” I breathe.

She startles and turns around.

She’s wearing one of my white shirts. The front is buttoned up haphazardly, teasing me with her cleavage, the bottom of it skimming her thighs.

A smile twitches at her lips as she takes a step toward me.

Her hair is still a mess and her lips swollen. The silver light from behind her allows me to see the red marks that mar her skin from my rough touch.

“I-I thought you’d left,” I whisper, still not entirely convinced she’s real right now and not the angel I thought her to be only seconds ago.

She shakes her head.

“I’m not running, Toby. Not unless you lie to me again.”

“I won’t. I fucking swear to you.”

She nods, closing the space between us and taking my hands in hers.

“I tried to make coffee, but I can’t even get the machine to turn on.”

I can’t help but bark out a laugh.

“Baby,” I whisper, relief that she’s still here rendering me useless.

Leaning forward, I rest my brow against hers and close my eyes, telling myself over and over that she didn’t run. That I panicked for nothing.

“I’m here,” she assures me as if she’s able to read my thoughts. “I’m right here.”

“Go and get back in my bed, Demon. I’ll get the coffee.”

“That sounds like an offer I can’t refuse,” she quips, reaching up on her tiptoes to brush a soft kiss against my lips.

Her breasts brush my chest and my cock wakes at her contact.

“Careful, or we won’t make it back there.”

“We need to talk, Toby,” she says, her voice deadly serious.

I swallow the lump of emotion in my throat and nod.

“I know. We will. I’m not letting you leave this flat until you know everything. Then, I’ll give you one chance to run as fast as you can away from me and my fucked-up family.”

She nods and takes a step back.

“Don’t take too long,” she says before moving toward my bedroom.

I stand there and watch her until she shoots a wicked smile over her shoulder and disappears from my sight.