Page 14 of The Hunted

8

Knox

Ican’t wait to finish what we started. Those fucking idiots fighting over one of the girls ruined all my plans. To say I was fucking furious when I showed up and saw them still bickering about which one was supposed to eat her pussy during a scene would be an understatement. I was ready to fucking choke them both. All I could think about was sleek pitch-black hair and haunting green eyes.

Once I threatened the men with allowing Lazz another go at them, the fight resolved quickly.

I made my way to the security room in my quarters so I could see her. I couldn’t stop the thoughts of her spread before me. I told myself I’d just check on her, make sure she seemed to be okay after our encounter. But I couldn’t stop myself from listening in while she spoke with her suite mate. I listened as she talked about me and watching that flush rise on her chest made dick throb. When she bowed her head to hide a small smile, I decided to go collect my prize.

I knew she was in the shower when I snuck in, but I was pleasantly surprised to see her fingering herself. I watched through the misty glass as her fingers rubbed furiously at her clit, and when her head fell forward and that sweet moan slipped past her lips, I had to fight myself not to fuck her where she stood. In due time. I had a surprise waiting for my Little Bird.

I open the door for her and inhale her sweet scent as she passes by, and I follow her inside. Taking her small hand, I cradle it gently in mine. I lead her over to the table set for our dinner and note the softness of her palm where it touches mine. Raven looks around my quarters with interest, taking it all in, but I’m more interested in her.

“Sit,” I instruct, pulling out her chair. She looks at me a moment, but I just stand still and wait for her to do as I’ve instructed. She tentatively moves to the table and sits down, then I slide her chair up to the table. Leaning over her shoulder, I lower my lips to the shell of her ear.

“Thank you for joining me, Raven.” I whisper softly, my lips grazing her skin, just the barest of touches, before I walk around and take my own seat across from her. Her face flushes as the servers come out and place our plates before us. Steak Au Poivre is one of my favorites. I hope she’ll enjoy it. I’ve taken special care to have everything perfect for her. I watch as she places the napkin in her lap, pressing it smooth, before bringing both her hands to rest over it. The action tells me she’s nervous. The accelerated pulse in her neck tells me she is scared. Good, she should be.

“Little Bird, is this food to your satisfaction?”

I sit silently and watch her, waiting for her reply. She nods to confirm that it is. I exhale a small breath as I take my napkin, place it in my lap, and begin to eat. She quietly follows my lead and takes a bite.

“Tell me how you came to be here at The Manor, Raven.”

She stops with her fork midair at my question. After laying her fork down, she takes a deep breath. Tension laces her beautiful face. I realize, at this moment, I want to fix every problem she’s ever had.

“I needed the money to help my family.”

I can tell by her downcast eyes and the nervous fumbling of her napkin that she isn’t being entirely honest. Years of detecting bullshit have taught me she’s hiding something. I intend to find out exactly what that is.

“How long have you been here?”

“Two months. That was my second Hunt.”

I can feel the jealousy coil in my gut at the thought of another man having her in such a way. I squeeze my drink tighter to fight back the anger building inside me.

“Did you enjoy your first Hunt?” I ask through gritted teeth. I watch the color drain from her face. Her eyes cast down to her lap, and her barely whispered, “Yes,” tells me otherwise. I want to murder this man.

“Who was the Hunter who won you on your first Hunt?”

She raises her head to look at me. Those beautiful green eyes are glassy with unshed tears as she says, “Lazzaro.” My stomach churns. The thought of that mother fucker’s hands touching her fills my mind with crazy, dark thoughts.

I take a sip of my water and instruct her to finish her dinner. We eat in silence. All I can think about is ripping his fucking throat out for touching what is mine.

I can’t control this obsessive need to protect her. She seems so vulnerable and out of place here. Something about her presence in my home doesn’t sit well with me. She is too pure for this, for me. I think of the times I’ve watched her shy away from the men here and their advances. She wants no part of this. I don’t want her to be a part of this.

“Tell me why you’re really here.”

Her head snaps up.

“I did.”

“Tell me the real reason why you’re here.”

“Bane, I...”

For some reason, I can’t stand her calling me Bane. It’s too impersonal. If anything, I’m about to get on a very personal level with this woman.

“Call me Knox, Little Bird. Knox.”

She clears her throat before speaking. Another giveaway of her nerves. This woman has no fucking poker face. Every emotion is written all over her body.

“Knox, I’m here because my family needs the money.” Irritation rises in her tone. My Little Bird has talons after all.

“If you say so, Raven.”

I agree with her because she isn’t going to be honest with me, and really, what reason does she have to be? Pushing my chair back, I toss my napkin onto the table and stand. I make my way to her side and place my thumb under her chin, lifting her face to me. She raises her eyes slowly to meet mine. Leaning in, I hover right over those luscious lips. Her breath catches and softly, I press a kiss to her lips.

“You can keep your secrets for now, Little Bird.”

I seal my mouth over hers again, and I’m not gentle this time. Pushing my tongue past her lips and into her mouth, she opens to me in response. I can’t get close enough to her, so I turn her to me and kneel in front of her without breaking our kiss. Any control I had slips once her tongue meets mine in this duel. That small return of affection drives me to the brink of insanity as I pull her small form in, closer to me. She moans into my mouth, and I groan at the sound. My cock hardens. My balls tingle in anticipation. I will have this moment with her. I don’t deserve it at all, but I’ll be damned if I pass it up.

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