Page 24 of Seeking Vengeance

Apprehension tickles my neck as I pivot back around, Matthew slowing until I catch up to his side.

“Want me to tell him to take the night off,amore mio?”

Yes, is my instinctual response. But I don’t want him too aware of my concern. He’s playing me for information and I need to do the same, even though my usually hibernating libido is under the impression I’m here for different reasons.

I’d been shocked at the first sight of him tonight. Panicked. Yet there’d been something more adamant that soon took over my emotions. Something that had nothing to do with fear and everything to do with the way his sinful gaze devoured me.

“I’ll call him.” He stops and pulls out his cell.

“No, wait.” I reach for him, only to have him lock devilish eyes with me.

“It’s okay. He doesn’t need to hang around.” He tilts his head away, connects a call, and raises the cell to his ear. “Take the night off. I’ll see you in the morning.”

I don’t hear Bishop’s reply.

“Yes. Don’t let me find you tailing us.” He lowers the cell and disconnects. Simple as that. No farewell. No apology for the dismissal.

He’s smooth, his excessive level of charisma continuing to slip under my skin.

“You didn’t have to do that.” As long as we stay in public, I don’t have anything to worry about. I can hold my own, maybe not in strength, but definitely with the defensive goodies in my bag. And tonight isn’t going anywhere private. Racing pulse or not.

“Of course I did.” He pockets the device and grabs my hand. “If you’re uncomfortable, I’ll always be obliged to do something about it.”

My breathing hitches as he drags me into his side and continues our trek along the path. But it’s not just his vow of obligation that leaves me shook. It’s the possessive, comforting grip of his fingers. Both tag team to leave me speechless.

I’ve been deprived of male touch since Benji’s death. And before that, hand holding wasn’t a part of my life. Displays of affection didn’t exist. In publicorprivate.

Now, I can barely think through the warmth of a stranger’s hold.

“It’s through here.” Matthew leads me to the mouth of an alley, the path subtly lit by a dubious string of twinkling lights attached between the towering buildings above.

I stop, my heels planted.

He continues forward, not noticing my hesitation until his arm is outstretched and I pull my hand away.

“What’s wrong?” He turns to ask. “You don’t trust me?”

I raise a brow, glancing from him to the darkened alley and back again. “Not in the slightest.”

“Beautiful and smart. How the hell did I get so lucky?” He steps forward, once, twice, his casual approach not stopping until we’re toe-to-toe, those deep dark eyes staring down at me as his palms take liberties by sliding over my hips. “What if I promise to remain respectful at all times? I’ll only bite if you want me to.”

“What if I tell you I have a gun in my purse,” I lie, “and I’m willing to use it?”

He grins. “That works, too. But let’s settle on going somewhere else. You decide the location.”

He keeps saying all the right things. Making all the smooth moves to bring me one step closer to his honeytrap. But it’s those eyes. The shades of rich earth and chocolate that make me contemplate stupid things… like following anywhere he leads.

“What’s down there?” I jerk my chin at the alley that’s far cleaner than any I’ve seen before. No garbage litters the asphalt. No graffiti. It’s all looming bricks with no windows in sight.

“An Indonesian food truck. It’s somewhat of a hidden treasure.” His fingers begin to move, kneading the flesh of my hips. “They’ve got an online presence. You can search them on the map. I promise I don’t plan to drag you into the shadows to have my wicked way with you.” His grin increases, a tiny dimple peeking out beneath the rich stubble. “That comes later, once I’ve gained permission.”

I shouldn’t be endeared. I shouldn’t be goddamn turned on either. And I definitely shouldn’t want to press my lips to his to assuage my curiosity over his taste.

But I do want.

I want and need and crave more than I can ever remember feeling with Benji. The thought is enough to leave me cold with guilt.

I step back, dragging my attention from penetrating eyes to the alley. Four people walk toward us. Smiling, laughing, the noise echoing off the walls. There’s nothing nefarious about them or their mood.

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