Page 54 of Devils Cut

"Hey, VP!" A couple of the guys called out from their spots at the bar, raising their glasses in salute. I responded with a curt nod, my focus already drifting towards the stage. Tempest would be up there soon, her voice soothing my battered soul.

Turning back to the bar, I pushed through the crowd, my eyes locked on Tempest, feeling the heat of her presence as she served drinks to a group of rowdy patrons. Slipping under the bar and around behind her.

“You are up soon, princess," I murmured into her ear, slipping my arms around her from behind. She leaned back into me, a soft smile gracing her lips.

"OK, VP," she teased, her voice like silk against my skin. My hand landed on her ass with a playful slap.

"No more VP, just Corvus. I like my name on your lips." I couldn't help but smile at the way she made me feel – alive, powerful, and utterly captivated.

"Whatever you say, Corvus," she shot back, her eyes dancing with mischief before returning to her duties. With one last lingering touch, I retreated to my usual spot right in front of the stage, anticipation coursing through my veins.

Amanda, ever attentive, slid a whiskey across the sticky surface of the table. "Here you go, VP."

"Thanks." My gratitude was curt, my focus elsewhere.

Ten agonizing minutes later, Tempest took to the stage, her hair framing her face like a dark halo. As she began to sing, her voice wove a spell that sent shivers down my spine. The song was haunting, dark, and raw.

"Fuck," I whispered, goosebumps prickling my skin as the notes swirled around me. This was new, something I hadn't heard before, and it only served to draw me in deeper.

"Who is she?" A stranger next to me asked, his greedy eyes fixed on my Tempest.

"Mine," I growled, the single word laced with venom, my eyes never leaving her.

The final note hung in the air like a promise, and as Tempest's eyes met mine, I saw something shift behind them. Suddenly, her gaze darted to the entrance, and all the colour drained from her face.

"Shit," I muttered, springing to my feet and bounding onto the stage.

"Tempest!" My arms wrapped around her just as she began to collapse, her knees buckling under the terror that gripped her. I shot a glance at the door, where Killer stood – his eyes wide with panic as he looked at Tempest.

"What is it?" I demanded, hoisting her up into my arms and carrying her through the crowded bar. The world beyond us blurred as I focused solely on keeping her safe, shielding her trembling form from prying eyes.

"He's here," she managed to choke out, tears streaming down her pale cheeks. "My brother."

"Your fucking brother?" I said confused.

Chapter 23

Tempest Miller

The heat of the sun pierced through the thick clouds as I slung a leg over the bike, feeling the thrum of its engine beneath me. I removed my helmet, relishing the cool breeze on my face, and handed it to Corvus. Leaning in for a gentle kiss, I murmured, "I'll see you later."

"Later, babe," he replied, his voice low and intoxicating.

I turned and walked towards the front door of the bar, the sound of gravel crunching under my boots barely audible over the distant roar of other bikes. Killer held the door open for me with a broad grin plastered across his rugged face.

"Morning, Tempest," he said, his voice a growl. He winked at me, and I couldn't help but smile back.

"Morning, Killer," I responded, my voice betraying a hint of amusement. I sauntered past him, the scent of stale beer and cigarette smoke enveloping me as I made my way behind the bar.

The clink of coins pulled me towards the bar as I spotted Amanda already at the till, counting. She looked up and flashed me a bright smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Good morning!" I greeted her.

"Morning, sugar! No VP?" she asked, tying an apron around her waist as she gestured towards the door I'd just walked through.

"Nah, he has work. Said he'll be back when I sing." I replied, trying to keep my voice light even though the thought of him watching me perform made my pussy wet.

Amanda laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "I don't think he'll ever miss your singing, sugar," she said, her eyes dancing with amusement.

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