Page 97 of Rogue

“Yeah, fuck.”

“Fine. We’ll make the hit together. Tomorrow night per Hayden’s instructions.” He places his arm around my shoulder and tugs me into him. “We’ll have to figure out how to draw Novák out of the compound.”

I bite my lip, thinking. “What if I invite my contact to the Palace Motel for a girls’ night out? She’ll be thrilled one wickedly handsome man has crashed our party. I’ll get Novák’s number from her and send him an anonymous text about her trading up for another man. He shows up, we make the hit.”

“What if he brings an army of men with him?”

I think about earlier at the diner, and what Veronica said about him not having an audience hovering about. “I don’t think Novák likes to mix business with pleasure. She says he’s possessive. Chances are he’ll come for her himself.”

“If it’s revenge you want, I’m in.”

I smile. God, in a short time, he knows me well. “We’ll make sure he heads to Franco’s house first. I’ll call the mobster himself to confirm how many men are with Novák. Better safe than sorry.” Of course, it’d be easier if Francis were a part of this. But after him pulling his Houdini act earlier . . .

“You know, you’re sexy as hell right now? I’ve got a hard-on waiting just for you.”

I laugh. “Nothing like murder on the mind to get a man hot and bothered.”

“I missed you, Kylie.”

“I don’t want us to be apart anymore,” I reply.

“Enough. We’ll figure out the details tomorrow.” He leans down. And as his lips touch mine, I stop worrying. He pulls me into him, deepening our connection, his wicked tongue reminding me of all the naughty things we’ve done, all the pleasure I’ve found in his arms. Driving away my worries, my sadness. Finding comfort in his strength.

It’s like time stands still and it’s just him and me.

Always.

Forever.

When he finally breaks free, I lean my forehead onto his collarbone.

“Miss me that much, huh?”

“Yes. More than you can know.”

“Not true.” He pauses, giving me a funny look. Then makes a face, rolls his eyes, and mutters, “Damn it.”

“What’s wrong?”

“There’s something else you need to hear. Straight from my lips.”

Jesus. I was beginning to feel better about things. This can’t be good. “What is it?”

“You’re my first.”

“First what?”

He glances down then back up. His lips lift and his eyes soften and I get that light, tingling feeling deep inside me. Like I’m melting. All this man has to do is smile at me and I’m melting butter.

“I’ve never loved someone like this before.”

My jaw drops and I fear I’ll never find the strength to close my mouth again.

“You heard me right before, and now.” He leans in and lightly kisses me. “I love you, Kylie.”

“You do?” I whisper. But there’s no need. I knew what this thing was before he did, after all.

“Yeah, I do. I guess you figured it out a hell of a lot faster than I did.”