“Look, old man, for the last time, you’re not my father, my brother, cousin, or uncle. You don’t get to tell me what to do. Leave me alone.” She shoved me away, giving up the fight for her purse.
The fingers on my right hand closed around her throat, and I used my grip on her to haul her body close to mine. Her eyes grew wide, and desire flared in them. When she breathed my name, it broke my resolve in an instant.
I leaned down and took her lips in mine, kissing her passionately, only breaking away after she wrapped her legs around mine and moved her hips against me. Her short dress rode up, and I could see her light-blue cotton panties.
Pulling her dress back down, I stopped her. “No, kitten. We’re leaving. Let’s go.”
“I hate you, Aleksandr King.” Her voice broke. I ran my hand down her arm, reveling in the softness before she shoved my hand away.
“Marcus, will you take me home?” She burst into tears.
I turned around, surprised to see Marcus had followed us in. I was sure it was to keep me in check in case Nik needed backup. With Ivan waiting outside, it was basic protocol.
“Of course, Ms. Taylor.” He took his coat off and draped it over her body. Taking her hand, he led her out.
“You’re always so nice to me. The Reaper needs help in that department. He’s mean all the time,” she said. The smile on his face made me shake my head.
“Brian, I’ll tell you one time and one time only. Stay the fuck away from my girl.” I stalked away from him.
“She’s your girl now, huh?” Nik asked, laughing.
“Shut it, Nikolai,” I said, sitting my ass down at one of the tables. I needed another minute. Marcus would see Kinsley safely home.
“We’ve got work to do tonight. Ivan and I put it off, hoping you would come to your senses. But I’m telling you now, this shit needs to stop. We don’t keep secrets.”
I swear, he was like my own personal mind reader.
“First, I need to call Marcel. I need to bring him up to speed. He knows about game night, but…we’re going to need him on board.”
“Because she’s your girl now, or something deeper.”
“Something much deeper. I need a shower and to sleep in my own bed. Then you, me, and Ivan can talk.”
“Call him, then. But as soon as you’re done, we take care of business. Our latest target already tried to skip town once,” Nik urged.
Chapter 47
Kinsley
The Package
How and why I let Sarah and Brian convince me to go out tonight was beyond me. I wasn’t thinking clearly after Nikolai left. And now Alek had ruined my night.
Marcus was the only one I was happy to see, and I was thankful as he helped me out to the car. Ivan was out front, and I stumbled at the sight of him. He caught me before Marcus could steady me. I’d had too much to drink and felt foolish.
“Little love, you and I are going to have to have a long, hard conversation about your outfits and carrying your blade. Didn’t you get my package? This is unacceptable,” Ivan growled, which only caused me to tear up.
“Be nice,” I whimpered.
He wrapped me in his arms and rubbed my back. After a few minutes, he asked, “Is that better?”
“Yes,” I mumbled, snuggling into his enormous chest. He smelled of soap, leather, and sandalwood.
I stayed that way for a few minutes, and then he pulled away. Sighing, he put me in the car, making sure my seat belt was buckled before he shut the door.
“Make sure she gets inside before you leave, Marcus.”
Hearing the weariness in his voice hurt my heart, and I hated that I was the cause of it. I was too sensitive tonight, and now that I had alcohol in my system, I wouldn’t be able to take a sleeping pill. It was for the best, anyway. I needed to not rely on them to cope.
