Page 128 of Monsters Wear Crowns
Kieran was gone.
We were home.
Chapter 24
RAFE
(TW: Mild Consensual non consent)
Adela had insisted. “If we’re doing this relationship thing, you need to be more social,” she’d said with that damnable, playful smile. “We’re going out with Laura. I’m not letting you rot in your castle like some moody, reclusive criminal.”
I hadn’t argued. Not really. But it wasn’t like I was thrilled, either. There was a reason I stayed in the shadows. I operated better there. People, noise, mingling…it was a chaotic mess I’d spent my life avoiding. But for her?
For her, I’d make the exception. She could’ve asked me to sit through a dinner party with a room full of FBI agents and I still would’ve said yes. As long as her tight little pussy stayed wrapped around my cock, I didn’t give a fuck what hoops I had to jump through. No other woman had ever made me this unhinged–this goddamn stupid. I fucked her in my head constantly when we were apart. Filthy scenarios. Unholy shit. All the ways I wanted to bend her, break her, make her scream. She’d always be safe as long as she never betrayed or left me. I’d protect her with my dying fucking breath. That was how I ended up in some dimly lit bar in the heart of the city, half-sitting on a too-small stool with my back to the wall, watching Adela and Laura talk at the bar like they hadn’t seen each other in weeks. I sipped my drink in silence, my eyes on herthe whole time.
And yeah, maybe I was moody. Maybe I was reclusive. But I was hers. And I wasn’t going anywhere. Adela tipped her head back and laughed at something Laura said, her bare shoulders gleaming under the low light. That tiny black dress hugged her gloriously, and her legs kept drawing eyes. Not just mine. One guy at the end of the bar was already on his second glance.
The third one would be his last.
I didn’t move. Didn’t speak. I just stared him down, letting the weight of my presence sink in like a blade. I was a big fucking guy with an intimidating stare. It was what contributed to people in our underworld calling meThe Monster.When his gaze met mine, I didn’t blink.
He looked away.
Smart fucker.
Adela turned then, those blue eyes landing on me, her lips curving into a smirk. She could always tell when I was on edge. When the animal in me was starting to stir. She walked toward me with the kind of confidence that made men want to ruin their lives. My life had been ruined the second I laid eyes on her. Once I realized her beauty and interests, she fucking had me.
“You okay?” she asked sweetly, placing a hand on my chest.
“No,” I said, low and dangerous. “That guy wanted to fuck you.”
“Mm,” she hummed, fingers sliding down my torso. “I’m here with you.”
“Barely.” My hand slid up her thigh beneath the hem of that sinful dress. “Keep testing me, and I’ll drag you into the back of this bar and remind you who owns you.”
She inhaled sharply. Her eyes darkened, and she bit that cute bottom lip. Goddammit, my cock was already hardening just looking at her. I shifted, and her eyes picked up on the movement. She grinned and sat to my left at the high top table.My little doe.
Laura appeared beside us. “Jesus, get a room.”
“We will,” Adela said, her voice like silk laced with sin. “Soon.” Butsoonwasn’t enough.
Laura sat beside to my right, her blonde hair spilling over her shoulders like a waterfall. “So,” she started, her voice light and teasing. “Things have been pretty quiet. It’s almost like life wasbeforeshe met you.”
I didn’t flinch. I never did. It wasn’t a surprise that Laura wasn’t entirely fond of me. “I get it. I brought some shit down upon you both, and I am sorry. But I find Adela far too fascinating.”
Laura’s lips twitched into a sly smile, and she shook her head. “I don’t know, Rafe, I’m worried about her. You wanted the protection that we provide and suddenly capture the CEO’s heart? I don’t know.”
Adela shot her a glare. “It’s complicated, I know. But his offer is just hard to turn down.” She winked at me, and I clenched my hand to avoid reaching out and snatching her by her throat.
I gave Laura a controlled look. “She’s not a damsel in distress, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“Mm,” she hummed, raising an eyebrow. “She adores you, so I’ll deal with you. Even if you make our lives a living hell.”
Adela rolled her eyes at her best friend. She leaned closer to me, her hand finding mine under the table. Her skin was warm. “She and I have protected one another for many years.”
“You’ve been stressing her out, Rafe. I hope you know that.” Laura said, glancing at me with an expression of amusement and suspicion. “Even if you laygod-tierdick. Or, whatever the hell she said.”
Adela nearly choked on her drink.
