Page 61 of Queen of Madness

I sigh, folding my legs under me as I turn to face him. “That she is. And for you to have seen any layer below what she shows the world means something.”

“Whatever it means won’t be enough to change how it all ends.”

Z says it with such certainty, it’s as if he knows her plans. Yet he’s still here.Why?

He stands, patting my shoulder. “I didn’t mean to scare you earlier. I was just walking around, taking my time before heading home.”

“Still riding around in that cute little deathtrap of yours?”

This causes him to bark out some laughter, and in turn, sends me into a fit of wild laughter. My sides hurt almost immediately as the sound rolls from me freely without end.

I understand my quirk wasn’t nearly as funny as I’m making it out to be, but once the giggle fits start, you have to see them through.

“I’m not sure what’s more entertaining. The fact he’s worked for me well over eight weeks and has earned enough money to replace the car two times over. Or thatyou’returning into the shade of a plum.”

We both jolt upright, our faces snapping to Onyx.Onyx.Who is standing outside, near the white roses, in the sun.

Even if I hadn’t been observing Onyx for nearly two months, the look on Maddy’s face is enough for me to know this is a rare occurrence. She’s openly gawking, her wild red curls now a mess from laughing so hard.

I almost expect Onyx to comment on it, but instead, her eyes are locked on mine. It’s been a couple of weeks since what happened in the shower, and ever since then, things have been strained. We’re both playing the game of who will cave first, and I’d be lying through my fucking teeth if I said I haven’t almost given in a dozen times over.

My body is craving hers, and every time we come in contact, it’s almost excruciating. Breakfast hand-offs come with low eyes, hooded gazes, and the soft brush of her fingers as she takes the plate. When I stand by at the pool, she’s usually topless, and I have to keep watch over the guards to ensure they don’t fucking look at what’s mine.

I’m well aware I’m becoming obsessive over something that can’t be claimed. Like trying to put a collar around a wolf—she’d tear me apart before her pack even had to rise. But even knowing that, I can’t help it.

I want her.

Despite what I know.

Despite who I am.

I wantmoreof her. Both to know and to claim. I want it all.

“What are you doing out here, Boss? It’s awfully sunny.” Maddy shifts at my side, reminding me she’s still next to us.

“I thought a walk would clear my mind a bit.”

Maddy rocks on her heels, and even though Onyx and I haven’t taken our eyes away from each other, she continues her interrogation. “I would have thought that the driver you and Trick disemboweled last week would have cleared your mind plenty.”

This makes Onyx grin, lighting a fire in my chest. “It served its purpose, but new challenges have arisen since then.”

“Like wanting to jump Z’s bones?”

“Like wanting him on his knees before me.”

Now it’s my turn to laugh. “All you need to do is ask, darling. I’ll be happy to do as I’m told.”

Like clockwork, she doesn’t miss a beat. “Why ask for it, when you could just give it to me?”

It’s like a damn mantra with this woman. “Then I guess you don’t want it that bad and can continue to wait.”

“I’m a patient woman, Kane. I’ve been waiting over a decade to kill an entire family of men, I’m sure I can wait a while for your tongue to meet my cunt.”

My dick surges to life, our continuous banter wearing at the thin thread of my composure. It doesn’t make it any easier now, staring at her dark waves falling over her shoulder. My hands twitch at my sides with the overwhelming urge to thread my fingers through it and pull her close to me.

But somehow, I do what I always do and refrain, trying to remember despite all the things I desperately want, they are things I can never really have.

Not for long anyway.

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