Page 27 of The Sins That Bleed

A Queens Protection

VALESKA

T urning up in person was a risk, but one I’d be willing to take again if I had to.

When I found out their apartments had been broken into, there was no other option in my mind than having them stay with me and Sunny. Somewhere they would be safe until Alaric is either put down or put away.

My blood boiled at the thought of someone entering the one place they could relax. I knew it was only a matter of time, and that I was a massive fucking hypocrite, but I’ve never felt a blood rage like it.

All these big feelings over a fucking man .

Zyon had broken every speed limit to get here. Neither he nor Sunny had said a word on the way over, but I know they have questions. Rai and I have been at each other’s throats since we met, and I don’t give out protection easily.

How do I tell them that he’s trapped in my web, a beautiful ruby to add to my collection? I don’t want to eat him, not like that anyway.

I’d seen the worry etched into the lines of his face. Others may not have noticed it but the night’s events had shaken him. He is afraid for his friend and partner being targeted, and he’ll probably blame himself for dragging him into it even though they both have been working this case.

Nobody has said anything since I announced they were moving in, and the urge to shift in the awkwardness takes me by surprise.

I don’t usually give a fuck.

“This was personal, and Alaric is getting nervous that you’re making headway in the case.

You’ll be under my protection until we get this case closed.

My home is open to you until then. It’s not a request, agents.

I got you into this mess, it’s the least I can do, you will want for nothing and I’ll have anything from your apartments delivered if you need it.

I’ll replace anything that was broken, compris? ”

Everyone in the car looks at me like I’ve grown a second head.

“What? I can be nice too, you know,” I grumble.

Nico and Sunny start talking over each other about how they never thought I wasn’t and how kind of me it is to offer. I don’t particularly care. I have a reputation for a reason, so it suits me that people don’t think I’m capable of doing nice things.

Rai doesn’t say anything. He continues to assess and study me in the darkness of the car, only lit by the streetlights as they pass by like a sped-up sun dial, the shadows snaking back and forth over his face like hands clawing at him, trying to keep him hidden, but I see everything.

He’s so striking, with his sharp jaw and neat moustache—once again I’m thinking about how that might feel against the soft flesh of my inner thighs. I shut down the thoughts, not wanting to go down that path right now. He’s safe and so is his partner, I’ve taken a liking to Nico, and that’s enough.

I think of all of us in this car, from the outside looking in, look like an odd bunch that would never be in the same circle. Look underneath the exterior though, and you’ll find we’ve all been touched by darkness in some way.

Like calls to like, after all.

“We appreciate your generosity, Valeska. We knew what we were signing ourselves up for by taking on this case and your assistance has been invaluable.” Rai’s low tone cuts across the car, quieting Nico and Sunny, my name on his tongue is like a whispered prayer to my ears.

I can tell he’s being genuine, and my stupid body betrays me as a million black moths take flight in my stomach.

I can see Nico and Sunny in my peripheral view, looking between the two of us and then at each other, trying to figure out the sudden change between Rai and me. We’ve been at tearing into each other until now, but something shifted between us that night he patched me up and took care of me.

The slowing of the car as we pull into the underground garage breaks the weird atmosphere.

“Thanks, Lady V, and you, butterfly.” Nico cracks a toothy grin at Sunny. “We appreciate you saving our asses from trying to find a hotel this late at night.”

I can sense Sunny’s blush at the nickname without even being able to see.

“Of course, we’re happy to have you,” she squeaks out.

I’ve not seen her like this with anyone ever, but I love that she’s finally able to enjoy the presence of another man. If I have to lock him away here forever to keep her happy, then I will. I’ve made plenty of men disappear in plain sight.

Zyon pulls the car into a space reserved for me, jumping out to help us out and grabbing the bags from the back. I let the others walk on as I exchange words with him quietly.

“Thank you, Zyon, for getting us there so quickly. I know this situation isn’t ideal, and I’m sorry for surprising you earlier without giving you time to adjust, but I fear things are about to escalate and we need to roll out our plan with immediate effect.”

“I understand, ma’am. I apologise for not conducting myself well earlier this evening. It won’t happen again and I’ll take care of it.” He speaks so low that only I can hear it.

“Water under the bridge, my friend, this is a delicate situation. You let me know if you need anything before you head out?”

“I will do, ma’am, but I think we have everything we need,” he confirms.

“Good, the jet is prepped and ready to go. Everything is in a fake name with no trace back to me. If anything feels off or starts to go south, you get out immediately and head to the safe house, compris?” I won’t allow myself to think of a situation happening where a safe house would be required.

“Compris.”

I nod and say goodnight, fighting the urge to hug him.

When did I turn so fucking soft?

I leave Zyon to prepare everything he needs before I ruin my reputation further, heading over to the group as they’re about to step into the elevator, remembering to slow my speed down at the last second before one of them sees me. A mistake I don’t usually make in human company.

What the hell is happening to me?

“You must all be tired, it’s late, I’ll show you to your rooms,” I say as we step inside the elevator and I punch in a code to take us to the penthouse. They’re staying as close as I can have them without having them sleep in my own room.

Although I wouldn’t mind Rai…

I definitely need to get a fucking grip on myself.

I let Sunny show Nico to his room, giving them time to be alone. They form a bubble as if nothing can burst it when they are together. I don’t know what they are or if they’ve even decided yet, but friends feels too inconsequential when they interact so fluidly with one another.

Unlike me and Rai, who clash and swirl, like ink in water, in a volatile dance that could end in bloodshed if we’re not careful. We walk in silence toward my end of the penthouse. He will be in a spare suite next to my quarters, close enough that it will take me seconds to reach him if I need to.

We stop outside an ornate black door, everything in this part of the building decorated in twelfth century Gothic, deep and rich colours that create dark pockets for wicked things to hide in.

“This will be yours.” I break the silence as I open the door to his new quarters. “You’ll find everything you need here, a kitchen and lounge area, bedroom, bathroom, and a balcony view. I’m right next door should you need me.”

I point to the double doors further down the hall and his gaze tracks the movement of my sharp nails before moving to where they are pointing.

“Thanks.”

“Not in a talkative mood, I see.” I tease, wanting to get something from him other than this brooding look of stress he wears tonight.

“It’s been a long night, if you’ll excuse me?—”

I snatch his bag from his hand and grab his with my free one before dragging him into the room and kicking the door shut with my heel. I can’t stand to see the self-loathing written all over his face any longer. This is my fault, my burden to carry, not his.

“What are you doing?” he asks in loud whisper. Little does he know, nobody could hear him even if he screamed.

“Taking care of you, mon chéri. I can see the way you’re beating yourself up right now for what has happened this evening and I will not allow it.”

Before he can respond, I’m marching through the suite, dragging him by the hand to follow me as we enter the bedroom. The room is bathed in the soft orange glow of the bedside lamps.

The deep purples and blacks create a cocoon-like feel that wraps you up in it’s comforting embrace. Silk sheets and thick curtains to keep out the sunlight plunge the room into a decadent darkness.

I drop his bag onto the bench at the end of the bed before turning to face him. I drop his hand and let mine roam his face, caressing and smoothing the worry lines and surprisingly, he lets me.

Seems like he is all bark and no bite tonight.

“Tell me what you need from me, mon chéri,” I whisper into the small space between us.

He hesitates but I wait patiently for him to answer me. “I need sleep, but I’m too worked up. I dragged Nico into this and I?—”

“Shh.” I cut him off by pressing a finger to his lips. “Let me help you sleep, let me help you relax and drift off, please.”

His eyes search mine before he dips his chin with permission.

I give him a soft smile in return and remove my finger from his mouth.

I lean in, taking my time to watch his reaction before placing a kiss at the corner of his mouth and then then same to the other side.

Our lips barely touch and all it does is make me want to devour him, press our lips together until we don’t know where one of us starts and the other one ends.

But neither of us are ready for that, yet.

I stand back and capture the look on his face—surprise and curiosity, but not hate. Emboldened, I tilt my head and kiss the column of his throat and gently suck. His veins pulse under the surface with the scent of his sweet blood but I will not take a single drop.