Page 58 of Devils Cut

"Y'know, you're the strongest woman I've ever met," he continued, his voice gruff but sincere. "I had guessed a while ago that your name wasn't your real one. Sometimes you don't answer to it, like the name doesn't register. And you gave me your social security number when I hired you but admitted to being Australian. You're not very good at lying."

I couldn't help but laugh, even if it sounded more like a choked sob. "Why did you hire me then?"

He laughed too, the sound surprisingly warm. "I run an illegal business, sweetheart. Your reasons for lying were your own, and the moment I laid eyes on you, I was a goner." A smirk played at the corners of his lips, making my heart race despite the gravity of our conversation. "It's all going to be okay, Princess. I'm gonna put him six feet under, and you're going to sleep nightmare-free for the rest of your life, alright?"

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I fought them back, determined to hold onto whatever strength I had left. "You really mean that, don't you?"

"Fuck yeah, I do," he replied, his thumb stroking the back of my hand. "You're not alone anymore, Louise. You've got me, and I'm gonna make sure you never have to suffer like that again."

I stared deep into Corvus' dark eyes, his gaze never wavered, and I knew he meant every word he said. "Okay," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Chapter 24

Corvus King

Iwake up to the heavy breath of Tempest on my arm, her body pressed against mine. The warmth is suffocating, but I can't let go. I hold her tighter, feeling the sweat pooling between us.

"Corvus," she mumbles, half-asleep, "you're too hot. I gotta pee. Move, please."

She wriggles out of my hold, her skin sticky with sweat, leaving a cold emptiness behind. I watch her for a moment, appreciating every curve and line of her body.

"Sorry, Princess," I say, running a hand through my hair.

She glances back at me, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's alright. Just... try not to smother me next time?"

"Can't make any promises," I reply, grinning wickedly. My mind races with thoughts of what I want to do to her body.

"Whatever you say, Corvus," she calls over her shoulder.

I hear the sound of water hitting porcelain and decide to join her. She had just started to wash her hands, her brows raised in surprise as I pull my dick out of my boxers and start to pee right in front of her.

"Well, help yourself then," she says, sarcasm dripping from her words.

"Princess," I chuckle, "you're stuck with me now. Get used to it."

Her lips curve into a defiant smile. "Nope, don't think I will."

"You got no choice," I reply, flopping my dick back into my boxers and washing my hands.

As we exit the bathroom, Tempest's hips sway with each step. I can't keep my hands off her. I follow her into the kitchen, wrapping my arms around her while she makes coffee. She smells so good.

"Ugh, Corvus, I need a shower," she complains, her body slick with perspiration.

"Too bad," I replied, licking her neck and tasting the salt on her skin. "I like you like this."

"God, you're disgusting," she laughs, shoving me away playfully.

"Maybe," I admit, grinning at her.

"Corvus?" she asks, pouring steaming coffee into two mugs. "What about work today?"

"Day off," I tell her, taking a sip of the strong, black liquid. "I organised it last night. Just you and me today, Princess."

"Really?" Her eyes widen in surprise. "What about everyone else?"

"Told 'em to take the day off, too. Figured they could use a break." My gaze drifts around our place, noting the empty spaces that still need filling. "Thought we could go shopping for some house stuff if you want."

"House stuff? You do realize you've already bought it all? There's nothing left to buy." She says with raised brows.

---