Page 103 of The King of Hearts

“He didn’t touch me,” I inform him of something he already knows because he was watching us the whole time.

“Which is the only reason he’ll remain alive. For now, at least.”

“And leave Father Vaughn alone. He’s a freaking priest for goodness’ sake. He has no romantic feelings toward me.”

“Romantic feelings?” One side of his mouth curves up, almost like he wants to laugh at my statement. “He may not have any of those feelings, but any man who has a functioning dick has at least had a brief moment of wonder of what you’d feel like wrapped around their cock. Being a priest does not exclude him from that. Or my wrath.”

I scoff. “That’s ridiculous.”

“That’s the truth.”

“Okay. Let’s say that’s true. Are you going to kill every man I come in contact with?”

“Nowthat’sridiculous. So long as they stay in their lane, meaning,” he lowers his face again, “they don’t touch what’s fucking mine, they’re safe from me.”

“So,” I arch a brow, “Father Vaughn and Braxton are safe then, correct?”

“For the time being.”

It’s the best I’m going to get right now, so I accept his answer with a tight nod.

“It’s time to say goodbye,” he states, letting my waist go, but grabbing my hand.

I don’t protest because, honestly, I’m not sure how much more I have in me before I collapse. I wasn’t lying when I told Father Vaughn my feet were killing me. I feel like I’m walking on pins and needles. I hate wearing heels and only do so on rare occasions.

Ryker makes sure my goodbyes are quick. It’s almost comical how well Dad and my brothers completely ignore Ryker like he’snot even there beside me. Mom isn’t as rude, but her words and the expression on her face aren’t overly friendly either.

I’m not surprised when Tomas clenches Ryker’s hand in a tight grip and delivers a detailed threat on what he’ll do to him should Ryker hurt me. What I am surprised about is the look of approval on Ryker’s face at the warning.

Emersyn, in typical fashion, regards Ryker in an appreciative manner, her lips curving into a flirtatious smile.

“You kids don’t have too much fun tonight,” she delivers, adding in a wink for emphasis.

“Are we just going to leave everyone down there?” I ask as we leave the ballroom.

“Mrs. Myers will take care of them.”

Instead of leading me to the stairs, he guides me with a hand on my back toward the front door.

“Where are we going? I thought we were retiring for the night?”

“Anxious to have me alone?” he asks, his mouth doing that tilt up on one side thing again. “You want my cock filling that tight pussy, baby, all you have to do is ask.”

I roll my eyes away from him before rolling them back. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it. My feet are about to rot off in these heels.”

The words have barely left my lips before I’m scooped up into a pair of strong arms, bridal style. Automatically, my arms go around his neck.

“Put me down,” I say sternly, but on the inside, my stomach turns to putty. There’s just something so unbelievably hot about a man carrying a woman like this. Cradling her to his chest like she’s the most precious and fragile gift.

“I’m saving your feet. How am I supposed to fuck you in the shower later if you have stumps for feet because they rotted off?”

I look at him suspiciously. “Did you just make a joke?”

He looks down at me, and this time there’s more curvature to his lips. “It’s been known to happen on occasion.”

“Well, don’t do it anymore,” I grumble.

“Why not?”

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