Page 51 of Scarlet Mark

Maybe that was what brought us close together—the fact that we surpassed all expectations and chose our own routes. Me, an assassin. Her, a warrior. The perfect pairing. When she first demanded to work with me, I balked. Now, I could see why it would work. She actually followed my lead, allowing my experience to be her guide, and in turn offered unique perspectives.

Such as her insight into Assad’s true network.

And while she didn’t want to leave a message for Assad and Malcom, she trusted my plan.

Amazing.

“You’re staring,” she whispered.

“I am.” Because she was one of the most beautiful women I’d ever met. Her battered soul lurked in her gaze, calling to me to soothe her, to show her that not everyone in this world was evil. It both scared me and enthralled me, making me want to accept the challenge and run from it at the same time.

But I wasn’t someone who backed away from difficult tasks.

I was the guy who accepted them, and beat them.

Did that make me a hero or a competitor? Did I pursue her for selfish reasons or selfless ones? I really didn’t know. Perhaps it was a mixture of both. I wanted to be the one who healed her, to introduce her to true sensuality and feeling.

I wanted to be her champion.

Which wasn’t me at all. And yet, it suited me, too. Because I always won, and right now, Amara appealed to me as a prize.

But I had to be worthy of that reward.Thatwas why I took this slow, breaking down her barriers one by one and demonstrating what a courtship should feel like. Even if our situation was fucked up and complicated, she deserved that much. And the smile she gave me now said it was working.

She shook her head. “I don’t know what you’re thinking, but it’s making me want to growl again.”

My lips twitched. “Good. I like that sound.”

“God, Killian, why are we dancing around this?” she demanded. “Why are you making me wait?”

“Because it’ll be that much better in the end. Trust me.”

“No one has ever done this to me before.”

“Which is exactly why I’m doing it now,” I replied.

She pouted, causing my cock to twitch. I wanted to feel those lips wrapped around me. Maybe I would tonight. “But you know I want you,” she said, sounding adorably frustrated.

I glanced around to make sure no one was eavesdropping, then I leaned in, holding her gaze. “Are you wearing panties, Amara?”

Her nostrils flared, her pupils dilating. “I… yes. Why?”

“Give them to me.”

“What?”

I smiled. “You heard me, kitten.”

“Here?” she squeaked, her cheeks flushing a gorgeous crimson.

“Yes.” I leaned in further, dropping my voice to a murmur. “You said you want me. I want proof. Right now.”

The hitch in her breath was music to my ears, as was the delectable blush painting her subtle cleavage. “I…”

I cocked a brow. “Did I stutter, darling?”

“N-no.”

“Then why aren’t you complying? Or is it that you’re not as interested as you claim?” I relaxed in my chair, allowing the taunt to settle between us.