Page 64 of Brutal Mercy

“Get everything handled?”

At her question, I march straight over to her on the couch and kiss her. I like coming back to her. I like her period. And I want to sink into her. She shines a light on my darkness and makes me feel whole.

Fuck, this woman is priceless.

If I had to, I would sell what’s left of my soul to possess her. I would give away all my worldly possessions just to keep her.

When I finally break the kiss, I stare down at her stunning face. “Are you packed?”

Because fuck it all, I crave time alone undistracted with her. I know we’re at war, and I will get my hands dirty—they will be drenched in blood before I’m done. But I need a small ceasefire. Because I want to know my wife inside and out.

“Yes. Did you get everything accomplished?”

“I did. Why don’t we grab your bag and head out?”

“Don’t you need to pack?”

“I keep a full supply of items there already. And my people are stocking the fridge as we speak.” My cook at that house, Maria, spent the morning prepping meals and storing them in the fridge for us with heating instructions. That way, we will mostly have the place to ourselves. My bodyguard team will be there. But I have a suite of rooms they won’t enter unless they’re needed in an emergency.

“Let me contact my driver, and we can head down. If you need to use the bathroom, I can help you.”

She waves her hand. “I’m fine. Or I will be. It’s better that I use the crutches and start moving around a bit.”

“I’ll allow it.”

“Oh, you will, huh? What if I agree to let you carry me to bed once we reach your house in Denver?”

“It’s our house. And deal. I’ll never tire of carrying you around. I like having you in my arms too damn much.”

I help her stand and fit the crutches beneath her arms and then keep an eye on her as she hobbles to the bathroom. By the time she’s done, my team has taken her suitcase down and has the armored SUV with the bulletproof glass waiting by the front door to whisk us away.

The drive to the city takes over an hour. Luna cuddles against me the entire way.

My house is in Arvada, not in the city proper. It’s convenient when I need to come to the city, and the property is surrounded by a security fence. I have guards stationed much like I do at the compound.

This house isn’t as large as the compound, coming in at only ten thousand square feet. But I enjoy it. And I think Luna will too. Especially since I have a surprise for her.

The driver pulls through the gate, and Luna gasps. “It’s gorgeous.”

“Wait until you see the inside. And anything you want to change in either home, you can. I have no problem hiring an interior designer. Athena mentioned making the bedroom next to ours a closet just for you, and I think it’s a great idea.”

“I never imagined having that many clothes that I would need that large of a space to house them.”

“You will. And I’m going to carry you inside, at least across the threshold, for good luck.”

“I didn’t realize that you’re superstitious,” she says as I heft her into my arms.

“When you want something to last, you do whatever you can to ensure longevity.”

Her gaze softens. And there’s an emotion in her eyes I want to bask in. It speaks of concern and care. I’ve had women throw themselves at me since I was a teenager. Money brings out the gold diggers, the con artists, and the users. And of all those women, some that I dated for a time, not a single one ever looked at me the way Luna does—like I’m the sum total of her world, Like she cares not because of my wealth but because she seesme. The real me behind the curtain. The me who is corrupt and ruthless. The me who wants to worship her. And it fucking thrills me that it doesn’t scare her.

And I’m beginning to suspect that my emotions aren’t run of the mill.

I carry her across the threshold through the front door. And she gasps. “Seriously, you’ve got aGone With The Windstyle staircase?”

“It came with the house, but yes.” Fucking adorable.

I lower her to her feet. And Lorenzo hands me her crutches. “Why don’t we go have a seat in the parlor?”

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