Page 40 of Queen of The Reapers
The old Stevie would've attacked. She would've ripped the red hair out of her head and beat her in the face until she felt better. But I've changed a lot since the first time I visited Hell’s Tavern. Violence won’t be enough to deter these women, not by a long shot. They want the money and power that comes along with being with a man like Atlas, and will go through hell to get it.No. To earn my rightful place in this world, I need to show them that Atlas will never choose anybody else but me. That I am the queen he and his brothers have chosen.
“Ladies.” I call out, my voice carrying all the power and exuberance of royalty as I address the room. “It’s time to leave. Now.”
“We aren’t done yet.” The red-head sneers, acting as their spokesperson yet again.
I level my eyes on her and offer her a wintry smile. “You seem like a smart girl… um…” I trail off, signaling for her to fill in the blank.
“Katie.” She finishes for me, wrapping her arms across her chest as her eyes flick back and forth between me and her pack of hyenas.
“Katie.” I repeat back, flashing her a smile. “We haven’t been properly introduced yet, so I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt here. I'm Stevie, and right now, you still being here after I politely asked you to leave is crossing a fucking line.”
The red-head narrows her eyes at me. “I know who you are.” She spouts, shaking her head indignantly at me. “Jessie told us all about The Reapers’ new little toy.” She says, giving the other servers a knowing grin.
I let out a little laugh before narrowing my eyes at her. “I’m so glad she’s kept you in the know. Did she mention the only reason she’s still breathing is because I spared her life?” I ask, cocking my head at her. Katie’s smile falters and a shit-eating grin forms on my face. “How about the fact that after we were done with her and her men, there wasn’t a single spot on the floor not coated in blood?”
Katie’s eyes shift around the room uncomfortably, but she doesn’t say a word.
“I didn’t think so.” I say, shaking my head with a sad smile. “This will be my one and only warning.” I call out, wanting everyone within earshot to hear. “The Reapers are mine and if you or anyone else ever disrespects me again, I won’t have security escort you out. I’ll snap your fucking neck myself, just to prove that I can.”
I shoulder past her, and the other servers scatter the second they see me coming.
Katie stares at us with her mouth agape and her eyes rounded. “You-you can’t just threaten us like that.” Katie huffs, planting her hands on her hips. “We’re his employees. Atlas, aren’t you going to do something about this?”
“You’re right.” Atlas says, as his eyes roam the length of my body hungrily. “I definitely need to do something about her.”
Without bothering to give Katie another glance, he leans back against the blue suede sofa and locks eyes with me. “Come, Kitten.” He orders, patting his muscular thigh with a smirk. “Find out what Daddy thinks about your behavior.”
My face breaks into a smile when I hear my pet name slip from his lips. With anyone else, I’d view it as a slip up and move on, but with him, it’s different. Atlas is a very calculated man. He knows the crowd is watching and is lingering on every word we say. Calling me “Kitten” in front of them isn’t just a cute moment between the two of us, it’s a way of staking a claim on me. It’s showing everyone a glimpse at the deeper connection we have. If anyone was unsure of my importance in his life, calling me by my pet name just clarified it.
I can't help but smile at the hint of a challenge in his eyes. He’s gauging me, seeing if I’ll give in to his temptation. Everything about this moment feels so visceral. The way his intoxicating scent of rich amber wraps around me, the deep bass vibrating through my bones, even the hot sticky heat radiating off of the dance floor.
Accepting his challenge, I crawl into his lap and smooth down the silky blood red fabric of my dress.
Atlas stares at me as he wraps his hands around my throat and squeezes. Not enough to cut my airflow, but enough for my heart rate to kick up a few notches. The possessiveness in his eyes sets me on fire and as he grips my jaw and tilts my head from side to side, anticipation builds inside of me.
“What the fuck am I going to do with you?” He asks, looking deep into my eyes.
I visibly swallow and stare back at him. “Whatever you think is best.”
“Mmm.” Atlas groans, sliding his hand down my throat before pausing at the center of my chest. “Good answer, Kitten.”
He runs his fingers up and down the plunging neckline of my dress and it feels like my chest is going to explode. It’s a harmless touch, but everything about the way he’s looking at me feels so innately sexual that just having his hands on me feels provocative.
“You, in this,” he whispers, pulling me close as he swipes his tongue out to moisten his lips, “the sexiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.” He lets out a deep breath and presses his lips to my ear. “It’s a shame I plan to rip it off of you tonight.” Atlas hooks his finger under my chin and pulls me in for a provocative kiss.
The kiss starts soft, sensuous even, but quickly grows dirtier as the heat between us builds. Atlas slides his hand to the back of my head and gathers my hair into a tight fist. He tugs slightly, and the sweet pain causes a little moan to slip from my lips. I feel him groan in my mouth and I readjust on his lap so we’re chest to chest.
Atlas’ body freezes and without warning, he breaks the kiss. My chest heaves and I search his eyes for some kind of explanation.What the hell, we were just getting started?
“As much as I’d love to continue,” He says, pressing a kiss to my forehead as his hand reaches for my chin and tilts it to my left. “We still have an unwelcome guest in our midst.”
My eyes flash to the server and see the unmistakable look of desire in her eyes as her entire face turns bright red.
“Pride is the crutch of the insecure.” Atlas says, speaking to her but never taking his eyes off of me. “My queen is being gracious enough to give you a second chance. Take it.”
I press my lips into the crook of his neck and try to hide my smile as she clumsily stomps away.
“I can’t believe she stayed to watch.” I say, pulling back to look him in the eyes.
