“Not at all, but I’m glad I did.”
“Me too.”
The rest of the ride is silent as she cuddles into my arms. I try to ignore how right she feels there, but it's impossible.
When did this gorgeous as fuck, fiery redhead weasel her way under my skin? When did she become the most important person in my life?
She’s fucking with my plans, but I’m finding it hard to care.
When we finally pull up outside my home, I squeeze her tight.
“Home sweet home.”
Kado opens the door, offering a hand for her to take. After she’s out, I slide out effortlessly behind her, tucking her under my arm.
Neither of us speaks as we make our way to the elevator in the underground garage. Unlike most, my home is a penthouse apartment in the middle of the city. I own the entire building, so I have no concerns for safety.
Besides, I’m just crazy enough to wish a motherfucker would try me in my home. It sounds like it could be fun.
Once the elevator opens on my floor, I lead her down the hall to my front door. I unlock it, typing in my security code as soon as we are inside.
Kado stays outside, guarding the front while I lead Cleo farther in my home. I bypass the main floor of the apartment, bringing her right upstairs to my bedroom.
She gasps. “The view is beautiful.”
I glance over at the floor-to-ceiling view of the city. In the daytime, you can see the water in the distance from Lake Michigan. At night, though? You can see all the lights shining. You can even see the Ferris Wheel from the pier. If she thinks this is beautiful, the night skyline is going to take her breath away.
“You’re beautiful. Let’s get you in a shower.”
I love the blush that covers her gorgeous face as she peeks over her shoulder at me. My fingers itch with the need to trace the redness down her neck to her collarbone. The thought of slipping them under the hem of the dress she’s wearing, watching as her breaths come faster has me seconds away from closing the distance and taking her against the window.
The only thing holding me back is the blood marring her beautifully pale skin.
That fucker tainted her.
My mind wants to erase any memory of that man, washing away his touch from her skin.
“Come on, Cleo. If you keep looking at me like that, I will not be held responsible for my actions,” I rasp.
Her eyes widen. “What do you mean?”
I shake my head, holding out my hand. When she slips hers in mine, I lead her over to the bathroom.
“In you go, temptress. I’ll grab you some clothes.”
I leave her standing there, confusion on her face. When I come back with a T-shirt and sweats from my closet, I find she hasn’t moved an inch.
I set the clothes down, moving to the shower to turn it on. Once I’m confident it’s the perfect temperature, I turn back to her.
“You should strip out of your clothes now, unless you’d like help with that too.”
When she doesn’t respond right away, instead staring at me with heated eyes, I give into impulse.
I press myself close to her front, my hand on her cheek. Making her gasp.
“You’re not ready for me like that yet, even if your eyes are begging for it. One day, princess. I promise.”
Leaning down, I press a hard kiss to her lips.
