Page 130 of Monsters Wear Crowns
Adela giggled, nudging my thigh with hers. “He’s beenstaringat me like I’m his last meal all night.”
I arched a brow. “Because you are.”
She rolled her eyes, taking another sip, but the way her throat moved as she swallowed–fuck.
Laura laughed, shaking her head. “You two areridiculous.”
Adela leaned into me, her voice low, teasing. “Rafe is just impatient.”
My fingers flexed on my glass.She had no fucking idea.
“Well, I have some work to catch up on. You don’t pay me seven figures to just sit on my ass.”
I raised my brows.Holy shit.I wasn’t aware of the exact profits Sinclair Solutions was bringing in.
“I love you,” Adela hugged her friend, her giggle proving she’d had far too much wine.
Perfect.
“I love you, too,” Laura kissed her cheek before her gaze snapped back to mine. “Be kind to her, okay? She’s everything to me.”
I nodded with a smile. “Of course.”
And as I watched Laura leave, I glanced at my girlfriend. Hunger clawed at me.Jesus, I’d never been so starved for someone before. We’d been fuckinga lot, and itstillfelt like it wasn’t enough.
***
My arm draped over the seat behind her in the car, my fingers clenching the steering wheel too tight. She knew what she was doing. Sitting there, her dress just a little too short, her lips wet from the drink she’d just had. Every shift of her body, every glance she threw my way, was intended.
She laughed at something on her phone, leaning her head back against the seat, her throat exposed, andfuck–I wanted to mark her there, wanted to sink my teeth into that delicate skin until she screamed my name. Until she clawed at me to stop. I almost wanted to be aggressive because she was so goddamn cute.
She turned her head, catching me staring. “What?” she teased.
I clenched my jaw.God, she was beautiful.I slid my hand down to her thigh, squeezing. “You know what.”
Her smile was slow, mischievous. “I don’t.”
Liar.
I leaned in, my lips brushing her ear. “When we get home, you’re going to run. And when I find you, I’m going to fucking ruin you.”
She shivered but tried to mask it with a smirk. And, bold asever, she slid her hand over mine, guiding ithigher.
I gritted my teeth.
Minx.
I pulled up to the mansion, and the second the door opened, she was already moving. She shot me one last teasing glance before stepping out. Then, she ran.
I chuckled, watching as she wobbled on her heels, nearly tripping before she ripped them off and tossed them aside. My predator instincts triggered. “Adela,” I warned, stepping out of the car.
She turned, eyes glittering under the soft glow of the mansion’s exterior lights. “Come and get me,criminal.”
I growled low under my breath.Oh, she was adorable tonight. And she was going to pay for it.She bolted for the front doors, laughing as she fumbled with the handle, then slipped inside. Her footsteps echoed through the grand hall like a siren’s call.
I didn’t rush. I let her think she had a head start. Let her believe she was clever.
I crept up the stairs.
