“God, yes, Alek, please. I need it so badly. Your naughty little kitty wants—”
“Brother,” Ivan warned. “She only gets what sheoriginallyasked for.” The last part came out in a singsong, and my eyes flew to my beloved Blade.
“Sorry, kitten.” Alek pulled back, kissing me sweetly on the inner thigh.
“No,” I cried as he gathered my wandering hands and chuckled.
“Listen closely. We have rules for while we’re gone. Most of them you already know, but it’s hands off this little kitty unless you’re given permission. You’ll be rewarded when we get home if you’re good. Do you understand?”
“Yes, but it’s not fair.” I pushed myself up into a sitting position. My body throbbed.
“Sure it is. I mean, it’s not like we can fuck anyone but you. That whole exclusivity clause you added to your list. It’s put a damper on this trip. There will be so many beautiful women where we’re going,” Alek teased with a wicked grin.
“Wow, okay. I see how it is, old man. I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear you say that. Have you seen the new driver your mom hired?” I ripped my dress off and walked to the bathroom. I couldn’t believe him, taunting me like that.
All three of them moved at once and blocked my path. Alek grabbed me by the throat and squeezed with a furious look in his crystal blues.
“You willnotgo anywhere near another man.Ever. I know I made that perfectly clear to you in Seattle. In case you need a reminder, that boy you let kiss you and squeeze your ass would have ended up at Graham’s estate if the police hadn’t come. Do you understand me, young lady?” His icy, unrelenting glare spoke volumes.
“Brother,” Ivan warned as Alek released me, shoving me toward him.
The air snapped tight, like a wire pulled too far. Heat still clung to my skin, but the warmth between us vanished in an instant. His expression had gone from relaxed to hostile in a second.
It was the shift in his jaw and the stillness that settled in his body that signaled he wasn’t playing. I’d forgotten how fast my Reaper’s jealousy could appear.
“Little love, that beast is not one you want to play with. Be a good girl and kiss me now.” Ivan pulled me close to him.
“Yes, Sir,” I said, standing on my tiptoes while he leaned down so I could reach his lips.
Nik pulled me into his arms next. “Ivan’s right. It’s been a minute since we’ve snatched a soul. We’re enjoying the break. However, I can promise you that driver’s soul will not be long for this earth if any of us finds out you so much as eventalked to him.”
“Yes, Sir,” I sassed.
“I’m dead serious, Kinsley. Don’t even make eye contact with him, understood?” He kissed me and then pushed me toward the bathroom.
“Alek.” I whispered his name as he tried to calm himself.
“Don’t push me, kitten. Please.”
“I won’t. I’ll be a good girl. I promise.”
A knock rapped on the door, and I panicked. Alek flipped around so whomever it was didn’t see my naked body. Sebastian poked his head in.
“It’s cruel to leave me out of the orgy, you know,” he said, making Nik and Ivan chuckle. Alek relaxed into my arms and leaned down enough that I could run my fingers through his hair.
“Go on, my handsome blond Viking god. I’ll dream of you and your brothers every night you’re away from me.”
“Viking god? I like the sound of that. I shall plunder you upon my return, then.” Alek winked and kissed the top of my head. Then pushed me into the bathroom. “Go on, now. Take a bath and then go eat some dinner. I’ll make sure Chef has a plate ready for you. One more promise and a kiss, please.”
“I promise to be good and to obey the rules. Just hurry home to me.”
With that, they left. I knew Alek wanted me to eat, and I did promise, but the thought of food turned my stomach. I partially obeyed by running a hot bath. Maybe it would soothe my frayed nerves. The steam rose around me as I sank into the tub, and I closed my eyes, letting the tension melt away, though the knot in my stomach remained.
I stayed in until the water turned cold, and I shivered. My mind was going in circles, and even though things had ended well, my heart felt heavy tonight. I tried to focus on anything but my anxiety. Even journaling didn’t help. Nothing seemed to work tonight.
After half an hour, I sighed. It was going to be one of those nights. I could already tell there wasn’t anything I could do about it. The dream folder flipped open, and a memory I hadn’t thought of in years reared its ugly head.
Chapter 53
