Page 108 of Wicked Empire (Knight's Ridge Empire 3)

My teeth grind at her calling us kids. I haven’t been a fucking kid for years. Sometimes I wonder if I ever actually had the chance to be a real one.

I think back to those photographs of Emmie as a baby. Yes, there are a few in Mum’s house of me. But mostly, all those kinds of photographs are of my sisters. Back when they had two excited parents watching them grow and learn. By the time I got there… I push those depressing thoughts from my mind as Stella drags me in the direction Emmie disappears in.

“We’re here,” she announces, throwing a door open dramatically and marching inside. “Dad, this is Stella and Seb. Your victims for the afternoon.”

“Fantastic. I love young meat. As long as it’s not yours,” the inked-up biker says, ruffling Emmie’s hair and instantly pissing her off.

I squeeze Stella’s hand as she laughs.

“One day soon, old man.” She winks at him before falling down onto a sofa in the corner of the room as if she lives here.

“Right, well. I’m D, that brat’s long-suffering father. Apparently, I get to cause you both some pain today.” He rubs his hands together, excitement twinkling in his eyes.

“It’s nice to finally meet you properly,” Stella purrs, her voice dripping in lust.

I know she’s baiting me by flirting with him. But fuck. It works.

Wrapping my hand around her waist, I drag her back into my body and growl quietly in her ear.

Sadly, Emmie’s father doesn’t miss the move, and his eyes flash with something.

“So, Sebastian Papatonis,” he mutters walking back to his little wheelie stool.

“Yeah, what of it?”

He chuckles as he continues getting his kit ready.

“Nothing. Nothing at all. I trust Emmie’s judgment.”

“Oh yeah, of course you do,” Emmie scoffs.

“Ignore her. If you’re friends, then I’m sure you’re well aware of what she’s like.” He sticks his tongue out at his daughter and she flips him off.

Their relationship makes my heart ache and forces me to wonder how my life would have been if things turned out differently.

“Okay, so who’s first?” he asks, dragging me from my morose thoughts.

Stella looks over at me, a wicked smile playing on her lips.

“I’m first,” she damn near purrs.

“Fucking hell,” I mutter, scrubbing my hand over my face.

“Take a seat, Seb. You get to watch.” Motherfucker winks at me. He knows too damn well how torturous this is going to be. I don’t even know where or what he’s tattooing yet and I’m already a mess.

All the things Stella’s ever said about Emmie’s hot dad flicker through my mind as I fight to keep my jealousy at bay.

I know it’s irrational. I’m sure he’s completely professional. Hell, his fucking daughter is sitting beside me. But still. She’s mine.

M. I. N. E.

She holds my eyes as she undoes the button on her skirt and lets it drop to her feet, leaving her in just a pair of black boy shorts.

My arse barely hits the leather of the sofa before I’m up once more.

“What the fuck?” I bark, much to Stella’s amusement.

“Chill out, caveman,” Emmie mutters. “My dad’s hardly gonna feel her up with us watching.”