Page 18 of Vengeance Mine

Cruz

Fifteen Months Ago

She’sbeautiful.Standinginthe bitter cold with snow swirling around me, I watch her as she sleeps in the battered-looking Honda. Something about her intrigues me. I feel drawn to her, like a moth to a flame. I wonder if her fire would burn or consume me.

I have felt eyes on me for a month now, but never got a good look at whoever it was. I’ve been watching the car for hours, curious if the person inside would come in after me.

What I can’t figure out is who she is. She doesn’t have the look of law enforcement about her. Not driving this beat-up car and wearing a puffer jacket that looks like it’s three sizes too big for her. So why is she following me? What does she want?

She shifts slightly in her sleep, a shiver racking her body. She tries to pull the coat tighter around her, a small frown marring her forehead. I place my hand on the window, then step away, making my way back into the foreclosed house I’ve commandeered.

I could do with a little amusement. I’ll let her follow me a little longer while I lead her on a wild goose chase. If she’s innocent, I’ll let her go.

If she’s not, she’ll have a date with my blades.

Chapter 12

Dutch

Walkingbarefootintothekitchen an hour later, I’m feeling refreshed and much more energized after a long soak in the Jacuzzi and a sexy date with my purple boyfriend. I hold the fridge door open, perusing its stocked contents. I’m not much of a cook, preferring to have something delivered, but I might have to make a go of it. Just as I’m about to grab some eggs to make an omelet, there’s a knock on the door, followed by the sound of it opening.

Kian’s voice shouts out, “It’s just me! Are you decent? It’s okay if you’re not.” He lets out a chuckle. Peeking around the corner, I see him standing in the entranceway, hand over his eyes. Idiot.

“Dutch?”

Folding my arms across my chest, I raise a brow and lean back against the counter, waiting to see what he’ll do.

Two of his fingers part, the intensity of his azure gaze sweeping the room before it lands on me. Dropping his hand, he grins rakishly at me and saunters over, his gaze roving over my body. “Damn, girl, you are looking mighty fine today. You’re looking all relaxed and shit.”

Rolling my eyes, I push myself off the counter, giving him my own once-over. “Now, Kian, what would your boyfriend say if he could hear you now?”

“I’m gay, not blind. I can appreciate beauty in all its forms.”

“Smooth.”

“I thought so.”

I chuckle, then step toward him. In a lightning-quick move, I grab his earlobe, holding it in a vice-like grip while pulling his head down so it’s level to mine. Fucking tall ass motherfuckers. He freezes, eyes wide in shock when they meet mine. I give him a vicious smile. “It’s bad enough you all forced me to move here. The least you can do is afford me some fucking privacy. Next time you come over, wait for me to open the door.” Giving his earlobe one last pinch, I let go, quickly moving out of his reach in fear of retaliation.

Kian rubs his ear, an adorable pout sitting on his lips. “You know, I think you need a boys’ night out. You need to loosen up a little.”

Why the fuck do people keep telling me this?

“A boys’ night out? What does that entail?”

His eyes sparkle as he looks down at me. “Not telling. Jase and I are going to take you out tonight. It’ll be a surprise.”

Closing my eyes, I let out a breath. “Fine. What do I wear to this thing?”

“Whatever you want. Nothing fancy. Something you can run in.”

My eyes pop open. “Run in?”

“Trust me.”

“Don’t know you well enough for that yet.”

Kian falls to his knees, mouth downturned and eyes full of devastation. His hand comes up to rest over his heart. “I’m wounded. Truly. After all we’ve been through.” He wipes a pretend tear from his eye. “All those people we gassed. The traitor we took down. I was even there when you practically beheaded your cousin. And you can’t trust me?”