Page 81 of Kissing the Villain

“Yes, it does. You don’t know what you’re talking about.” He checked his watch. “Time for bed. It’s getting late.”

I propped myself on a stack of pillows and looked up at him. “Yes, warden.”

He tugged on his tie. “You’re not my prisoner.”

“No? Because it sure feels like it. You tell me when to eat, sleep, shower, and work. You never leave my side. Even in the middle of the night, you’re here.”

“For your protection,” he challenged. “And to calm you down after your nightmares.”

“I don’t need protection.”

“Yes, you do.”

A shiver rushed down my arms. “From what?”

“There will always be someone wanting to steal our queen.”

“I’m not part of your billionaire boys’ club. And I don’t want to be.”

“You’re a Wellington. American royalty. Accept it. This is your life. Do you think Luca keeps tabs on you because he’s an asshole? No, he’s protecting you. We all are.”

“Why did Luca make me leave Devil’s Creek if I’m so important to him and The Knights?”

“Sometimes you have to sacrifice your queen to win the game.”

34

ALEX

Long fingers sliddown my arm, and I rolled onto my side, half asleep. I groaned, swatting the hand away. Despite my protests, someone lifted me into their arms and stroked their fingers through my hair.

My mind drifted between sleep and consciousness. Shoes slapped against a hard surface, the sound drawing me out of my dream.

We moved down a set of stairs.

“Where are you taking me?” I slurred.

I tried to open my eyes. But my head pounded so hard I couldn’t see straight. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t find the strength to move.

A car door opened.

Several sets of footsteps followed.

I was set on a soft surface.

A few more people hopped into the car, and we drove in complete silence. There was no music, only the sound of four men breathing. As the car rolled forward, someone traced slow circles on my back to soothe me.

The car stopped.

Doors opened.

Rough hands gripped my sides. The fog slowly cleared from my brain as we exited the car, though the darkness still consumed me.

Attempting to get my bearings, I blinked a few times to adjust to my new surroundings. My backside hit a hard surface. Pain shot up my tailbone, waking me from my slumber.

I pinched my arm and felt the sting.

I wasn’t sleeping.

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