Page 129 of Monsters Wear Crowns
I smirked, turning my gaze back to Laura. “Stress is part of the deal,” I said, voice low. “Adela knew what she was getting into.”
“You’re sweet,” Laura muttered, the sarcasm dripping off her words. “I love how you both try to act like it’s all easy. I’m overhere freaking the fuck out. I’m not the one who normally has to deal with our ruthless clients. That’s Adela’s thing. So I don’t appreciate it when I am threatened. She at least gets railed in return. Not me.”
I leaned back in my chair, taking a sip of my drink, and said nothing.
Adela was practically glowing in the dim light, her fingers still wrapped around mine, a subtle show of possession that didn’t escape Laura’s notice. I knew how Adela felt about me–how complicated it all was. I saw it in her eyes when no one else was looking, when she thought I couldn’t catch the tremble in her voice. But tonight was about pretending that life wasn’t always teetering on the edge of destruction.
“So, we’ve upped our security. After recent events, it’s required.” Adela’s voice trailed off, and I felt a sudden tension in the air.
I cleared my throat, forcing the conversation back to safer ground. “Moreau’s an asshole. He does have power, but not nearly enough to take us down together.”
Laura raised an eyebrow, obviously sensing the weight of my words. She clearly didn’t believe I was sincere in my feelings for Adela. Perhaps this all started out as a way to protect myself. I hacked the woman’s account to find what I could offer her for priority protection. Other than money, of course. And, fortunately, it also benefited me. But over time, I’d grown to care for her in ways I hadn’t expected.
“Sounds ominous. So, when should we expect a hit on your life, huh?” Laura teased, but there was an edge to her voice now.
Adela shot her a warning glare, but I didn’t flinch.
“Anytime,” I said bluntly. “When you live like I do, you don’t wait for trouble to come knocking, you make sure you’re ready when it does. Many would like nothing more than to put a bullet in my skull.”
Adela squeezed my hand under the table. “I trust you.”
Her words were simple, but they went straight through me.Adela trusted me, despite everything. Despite the monster I was, despite the dark things I’d done to survive.
Laura, on the other hand, just gave me an almost-nod and took another sip of her drink. “Fair enough.”
Thankfully, Adela steered us into more casual conversations. Another bottle of wine later, they started talking about some mutual acquaintances they both hated or loved. I listened, trying to force myself into the rhythm of their conversation.
But I was mostly thinking about the woman sitting across from me–mygirlfriend. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d allowed someone this close to me. Hell, I’d never even let anyone like this close. Yet here I was, and for all the danger I brought into her life, she hadn’t turned away. She was mine in every sense of the word, and if I was being honest, I was quickly losing my grip on any part of myself that didn’t belong to her.
“With Moreau giving us a little break, I’ve dragged him out on dates.” Adela grinned, seeming entirely proud of herself for pulling the beast out of the shadows.
Laura laughed, leaning back in her chair, unbothered. “It’s weird seeing you in a relationship. I’m glad you’re happy, though. If you were to end up with anyone, it makes sense that it’s with Rafe Vaughan.”
Adela leaned in closer, her shoulder brushing mine as if claiming me in front of her best friend.
I shot Laura a glance, my mouth curving into something close to a smile. “I don’t make a habit of sharing, Laura. No one will touch her. No one will hurt her.”
“Good.” She smirked. “I’m sure Adela loves that.”
“She does,” I replied, my voice low and steady. “She knows exactly what I’m capable of.”
Adela squeezed my hand again, her eyes softening as she looked at me. I had never loved a woman before, but,fuck, this one was different. I had been too scared to tell her. How ridiculous ofme. I was a fucking criminal who has killed more people than I could count. And here I was, nervous about telling a woman I loved her.
For the longest time, I believed love to be a weakness. And in many ways, it was. As the bar became more crowded, the conversation and clinking glasses grew louder, but I barely heard any of it.
Adela was laughing.
That beautiful fuckinglaughwrapped around my throat like a noose. Laura had been going on about an outrageous client, but I hadn’t been listening. Because Adela had leaned in, resting her elbow on the table, her dress slipping just enough to reveal a glimpse of cleavage, and my mind had gonedarkagain.
The way she played with the rim of her glass, dragging her fingers over the condensation, made my blood heat. I could feel the ghost of her touch already.
“Rafe.”
I blinked, forcing my attention to Laura, who was watching me withfartoo much amusement. “Yes?”
She smirked. “Are you even listening?”
No.Absolutely not.
