Page 7 of The Reaper's Mate

“In the alley, you called me your mate. What did that mean?”

He leans closer, his lips so close to mine. “That you and I are bound together by fate.”

The elevator stops and pings. I dart around him and out the opening doors. But, as I’ve learned, I can’t get away from him. He’s already at my side even though it should be impossible for him to move that fast.

My earpiece is on a constant crackle, likely because of the distance from the main signal seven floors below. I pull it out along with the small microphone attached to it. My heels sink into the carpet as I walk down the hall at a brisk pace. Maybe if I can walk fast and handle Marco, then I’ll feel like I’m in control of this party, my feelings, and the situation with the strange man who walks silently at my elbow.

“You didn’t have to come with me for this. It’s probably going to get ugly.” I count off the rooms until I reach Marco’s.

“I won’t leave you. You’re mine.”

A door to my right opens, and Mr. Trevor stumbles into the hallway with two young women following behind him. The night just keeps getting better.

“Annabelle, what are you doing up here?” He tries to right himself, but only manages it when one blonde bimbo takes his arm.

“Come on, Daddy.” She’s dressed like a little girl and can’t be twenty-one. He’s three times her age.

I wish I could turn around, walk away, and un-see all of it.

Mr. Trevor’s eyes narrow. “You won’t say a word about this to my wife.”

“No sir.” I shake my head and try to maneuver past the second woman, but she’s too high to realize she’s standing in the middle of the hallway with one breast hanging out of her top.

Mr. Trevor steps toward me. “If you even think of talking—”

His voice breaks as Matt grabs his wrist and forces Mr. Trevor to his knees.

“Don’t touch her.” Matt’s voice drips venom. He keeps one hand on my waist as he leans forward and forces Mr. Trevor lower.

“Matt, please.” I won’t lie—I enjoy the fear in Mr. Trevor’s eyes, especially since he was mid-threat when my self-appointed body guard took him down. But I don’t want anyone getting hurt, especially not my client. “Let him go.”

Matt’s growl vibrates against my back as he throws Mr. Trevor’s wrist out of his grip like it’s a piece of trash. “Never touch her.”

Mr. Trevor falls back against the wall and stares up at Matt. “I won’t.”

“Get out of my sight.” Matt wraps his arm around my middle and hauls me back against him.

Mr. Trevor scrambles to his feet and leans on his girls as he makes good time down the hall away from us.

“I’m fucked.” I sag against Matt, who holds me up as if I weighed nothing. “I’m so fucked.”

“What? Do I need to handle him?” He turns me around so I face him. “Say the word, Angel.”

“Handlehim?” I can’t comprehend what he’s offering. “The way you wanted tohandlethe bozos downstairs?”

“Exactly like that. Yes.” He lifts me until I’m eye level with him. “I’ll kill anyone who tries to harm you.”

My breath catches in my throat as his gaze flickers to my lips.

“You’re mine.” He presses forward, and when his mouth meets mine, all confusion is blasted away and replaced with heat.

I’ve been kissed before. My virginity has been gone for years. No, I never found the right guy to settle down with, but who needs one when they make all these amazing vibrating toys? Matt’s kiss makes me realize the error of my ways. He walks forward until I’m pressed against the wall, then slides one hand under my ass, holding me steady as his mouth does wicked things.

I moan when he palms my breast. His growl returns, but this time it’s a sensual purr that sets my nipples on high alert. He slides his fingers across the bottom of my thigh to my pussy. I squirm when I realize my panties are already soaked to an embarrassing degree.

When his finger makes contact with the satin, he tenses and breaks the mind-blowing kiss.

I’m mortified, too afraid to open my eyes. “I can just, um. If you’ll put me down, I’ll go.”

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