Page 40 of Villainous Kingpin

“A little bit of everything,” I told him. “She’s versed in choreography, skating, ballet. You name it, she has a knack for it.”

“Capable woman.”

“She is,” I agreed. “Her career was cut short due to her knee injury but she’s really good at everything and quite a sought-after coach. I’m lucky to have her.”

“I bet she’s lucky to have you too.” His voice was soft and warm, weaving its web through my heart. Like a moth moving toward the flame but his heat ignited something raw and deep inside me, changing me forever.

“When I looked you up,” I whispered, “I didn’t see anything about your cousins or sister.” I instantly flushed with my admission, every inch of my skin growing hot.

“You looked me up, huh?” he mused. Another nod. “What did you find?”

I glanced up at the starry sky, scared I’d drown in the warmth of his gaze if I kept watching him.

“That you’re a very dangerous man,” I answered softly.

“Come here, Wynter.” His voice was velvet soft with a demand weaving through his deep voice. My body moved of its own accord another two steps and we stood chest-to-chest.

“Are you scared of me?” My heart stilled before it leaped, my pulse fluttering in my neck.

I wasn’t scared of him. At least not in the way he thought. I was scared of the way my body and heart reacted to him. I was scared of what falling for him so deeply could do to me. My mother had been a shell of a woman my entire life. I overheard my grandpa and uncle arguing once that it was because of her relationship. Whatever that meant. I always assumed losing my dad destroyed her.

“No,” I whispered. “Should I be?”

He cupped my face between his big palms and this time I let myself drown in his darkness.

“Never be afraid of me, principessa.”

* * *

Kingpins of the Syndicate.

I observed the sign on the wall with a large skull. It was in contrast to the entire room, as if Priest and Bas wanted the whole world to think they were untouchable. More than likely they were.

The dance floor had a few bodies swaying on it, the reddish lights throwing a glow over them. Music filled the room and the beat vibrated through every inch of me. It was why I loved to skate and dance. I felt the music; it made me sad, happy, mellow.

My fingers tangled in Bas’ coal-black hair, his muscled body flush with mine. I felt the happiest I’d ever been. Carefree, despite what was coming.

Six months of intense and vigorous exercise. No social life. Barely time to sleep and eat. My mother was a demanding coach, and the fact that I was her daughter made her even more demanding. Sometimes even to the point where she could have me on the verge of tears. But she hated those, so I’ve gotten good at hiding my emotions. I knew she meant well and wanted the best for me. She wantedmeto be the best.

Bas’ eyes traveled the length of my body, ignoring everyone around us. It was just the two of us in this club. I’d store this moment forever in my heart.

“What are you thinking about?” Bas asked, and I took a second to collect my thoughts. I didn’t want to sound like a complainer.

I smiled. “I have another few weeks at Yale, at most,” I told him. “Then I have to fly back to California.”

His fingers on my waist tightened and I held my breath. “Stay. Forget California.”

My chest brushed his three-piece-suit. My pulse beat wildly in my throat and everywhere he touched me, I felt his heat searing my skin. He smelled so good that I couldn’t help but inhale his scent deep into my lungs.

The club was full. We swayed to the music, everyone around us fading in the background. It was just the two of us. Just like on our first date.

A man as tall and strong as Bas shouldn’t move as gracefully on the dance floor. His eyes locked on me and his hands possessive on my waist, he made me feel safe.

Bas’ lips crashed down on mine, demanding and hard. “Stay for me,” he growled.

Was this normal? We’d seen each other three times now, if you counted that small interaction when he caught me jumping off the balcony. Yet, I felt like I’d known him my entire life. Like my soul had been lost until I ran into him.

I still wanted the Olympic gold. But I wanted him more.