Page 63 of The First Cut

“But you aren’t scared, are you? Not just because you know I won’t hurt you, but because you know I’ll snap the neck of anyone who tries to.”

I stare into his eyes as a shiver works its way up my spine.

He tugs his T-shirt over his head before slipping it over mine and helping me guide my arms through. “I like you in my clothes,” he growls before leading me to the bedroom.

I sit on the edge of the bed as he walks to the dresser and stares at the mess. “Were you looking for something?”

“Yeah, pieces of you. And I’ll be honest, I couldn’t find them anywhere.” He kneels in front of me and slides a pair of pink fluffy bed socks over my feet. “I don’t know how you lived here and never left a mark.”

“Because I didn’t really live here, Hannibal. I haunted the place, trapped like some vengeful spirit with no way out. And I’ve proven that by ending up back here all over again.”

He rests his hands on my knees as he looks up at me. “I thought being back where things are familiar might have been a good idea, but I can see I was wrong.”

I don’t know what to say to that. He’s right, of course, but I’m not sure I’m ready to cut myself and spill my guts just yet. Coming back here is like coming back to the scene of a crime. It feels morbid and intrusive.

“We’re going to get Khan’s house fixed up to suit our needs and move in there. Staying here will only be temporary. Can you handle it for a little while?”

I want to say no. I’d rather sleep in the car or with the dogs again, but he’s unlikely to agree with that option.

“I’ll be okay,” I lie. I won’t be okay. My nightmares will start back up again, I’m sure. But staying here for a few weeks isn’t the hardest thing I’ve had to endure.

He gets to his feet and tugs me to mine. “If it were just us, I’d book us into a hotel. But with Millie coming…” His voice tapers off, but I get what he’s saying. His daughter needs a room, and right now, her needs are more important than mine. Funny enough, I find it comforting knowing he’s putting his child first, even though the kid terrifies the hell out of him.

“It’s the right thing to do. And this whole thing is going to be hard enough on Millie as it is. I don’t want to make it any harder on her than it needs to be.”

He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “You’re gonna be a good mama.”

I swallow hard. “I don’t know about that. I’ve not exactly had one to look up to, but I’m gonna try.”

Taking my hand, he tugs me after him as he leads me out of the room. “I’m going to feed you, then fuck you, then let you get some rest while I talk to the guys.”

I bite my lip, feeling my lip twitch at his words.

“You okay with that?” he questions, looking over his shoulder.

I nod, feeling kind of shy.

He takes in my blush and curses. “Fuck me, you’re beautiful.”

He chuckles when I dip my head and continues leading me downstairs, this time to the kitchen. I pause in the doorway, seeing the empty beer bottle on the counter. My heart speeds up as an assortment of memories threaten to rise up and swallow me whole. I shake my head, refusing to give Driller any more power over me. If I can let go of Havoc, someone I loved, then I can sure as shit let go of the man I hate.

“You good?”

I didn’t realize Hannibal had stopped when I did. He studies my face so I slap on a grin. I’m not sure he’s buying it, but he doesn’t call me on it, thankfully. Instead, he swoops me up and sits me on the counter.

I gasp as the cold tile hits my bare ass. “This is so not hygienic. At least let me put underwear on.”

He spreads my legs and steps between the cradle of my thighs. He drags his fingers up my leg, over my knee, and along my thigh before he slides them down toward where I need them most.

“I like you bare for me—means I can play with you whenever I want.” He punctuates his words by circling my clit with his thumb. “You like that?”

When I don’t answer, his fingers slip lower until they are sliding through my wetness. “Oh yeah, you like that.”

He uses his now wet fingers to play with my clit once more. I grip the edge of the island and let my head fall back with a soft groan.

“Lean back on your elbows for me.”

I don’t hesitate to do as he asks. He spreads my legs wider, lifting them so each foot rests on the edge of the counter.