Page 65 of Serena (Shattered Queens #1)

Things seem to be getting back to normal.

I look at Claudia, who returned to work last week.

She seems to have returned to her usual self.

I made sure she connected with Nina, who encouraged her to start taking self-defense classes.

She was informed that the man who attacked her had been caught.

I don’t know how Ian made it happen, and I don’t care. Whatever gives Claudia peace.

Yuri is on another trip with Xander; she told me they were going to Las Vegas.

She has been more distant. I asked Ian to look into Xander, but he didn’t find anything.

Veronica moved into her new place a couple of weeks ago.

No doubt Ian has eyes on her. She’s become one of my best friends.

Gabe has been traveling a lot more. He’s supposed to be back next week.

Ian and I are taking a vacation, so he’ll be standing in for a couple of weeks.

After what happened in my old apartment, I thought about selling it, but I didn’t.

That would mean my past still held power over me, and with everything that happened, I still need to feel in control.

So I let Ruby move in. She loves her job as the club manager, but I’ve noticed the animosity toward Damon.

Those two can’t stand each other. She still makes my favorite mojitos.

I still don’t trust strangers making my drinks.

I haven’t spoken to my parents. There’s a lot of hurt there. My father was wrong. The Kaydes have accepted me with open arms, his entire family has. Uncle Isaac really does love guns. Caleb warned him about making any bets with me. Felix is my gun-range bestie, which he loves to remind Ian.

“Claudia, don’t forget that I’ll be leaving the office early today.”

“Noted. I’ll make sure the files are on your desk right after lunch.”

“Perfect. I need to meet with Nina about funding distributions." I decided to become more involved in the nonprofit I helped start. Ian will be assisting too. I think it’s more to keep an eye on James. Men…

I look up to find Ian at my door. I see his light-green eyes stare at me.

“Can I help you, Mr. Kayde?” He walks in.

Claudia gets out of her seat and excuses herself. Yes, the office knows about our relationship. We keep it very professional. He closes the door as soon as she walks out, locking it.

“Ms. Nerva, I have a present for you,” he teases. Again, professional.

“Oh, and what might that be?”

He stands in front of me. “Have I told you how crazy you make me with these skirts?” I feel his hand sliding up my thigh, bringing the fabric with him.

“I don’t recall.”

He looks at my desk and sees a green highlighter. “Ian, don't do it.” I see the moment his eyes turn emerald.

He leans into my ear. “I didn’t get to keep the other one.”

Fuck, this man, he drives me crazy. Our relationship isn’t perfect, but it’s perfect for us.

He picks up the office supply and brings it to my entrance.

He pushes it in slowly. Fuck. He picks up the pace.

Oh god, this feels so good. His thumb rubs circles on my clit, and that’s all it takes.

He pulls the object out of my soaking pussy and puts it into his jacket pocket.

He lifts me onto my desk, and I wrap my legs around him, pulling him toward me.

I lean back and grab the edge of the desk as he thrusts into me.

He lifts one of my legs and places it on his shoulder.

“Fuck, you’re so flexible.” He loves positions that allow him to be deeper inside me.

He slows down, enjoying the view of his cock impaling me.

“Baby, tell me again.” I look him in the eyes.

“Te amo, Ian.” I can feel him. He’s close.

“Te amo, Mi Reina.” Then he fills me with everything he has, and I take it all. His mouth meets mine. He moves his lips to my neck and kisses my scar. “I love it when you wear your hair up.” I smile. I’ve gotten more comfortable with wearing it up. Sometimes, I go back to my comfort zone.

“Don’t forget I have my therapy appointment later.” I still can’t fall asleep cuddling, but we both know that eventually I’ll find my way into his arms, but on my terms.

“Here.” He hands me an envelope.

“Your gift.”

I open it. “Ian, this is the deed to the land where the bar used to stand.”

“Yes, it’s yours. Do with it what you want.” Tears flow down my face. “Mi Reina, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t. Thank you. I know exactly what I want to do with this. You know, a queen can rule without a king.”

“Oh, I know, baby, but let me remind you how much this king worships his queen.”

He’s about to lower himself. I grab his face and bring him close to me.

“Ian, I will never not need you, remember that.” My lips move over his. “I didn’t start living until you.” I gently kiss him. “You are mine as much as I am yours.” He crashes his lips to mine, but I push him off.

“Now, what did you say about worshipping?” He gives me a wicked grin and starts to get on his knees.

“Whatever my queen wants.”