Page 45 of Toxic Temptation
Like he can sense how close I am to crumbling, he leans closer, his hips grazing mine. “This isn’t about charity, Vesper.” His voice drops lower. “You help me destroy my demons and I help you destroy yours. Simple as that.”
The offer hangs between us, tempting as original sin.
I’ve been fighting the good fight for years with nothing to show for it. Maybe there’s no such thing as a good fight. Maybe all fights are dirty by nature.
“I want to help you,” I begin.
“Then help me.”
“… but I don’t know if I can trust you.”
“Playing my girlfriend will give you plenty of time to figure that out.”
My heart skips. “We’d be spending time together?”
“Every day. If we’re going to convince a judge we’re in love, we need to be believable.” His eyes darken as they hold mine. “Convincing enough that no one questions what we do behind closed doors.”
The implication—or if not that, then the suggestion of “closed door” possibilities—makes my cheeks burn. “How convincing?”
“As convincing as it takes.” His gaze drops to my mouth for just a second before meeting my eyes again. “Think you can handle that, Doctor?”
I laugh, but there’s no humor in it. “I couldn’t even convince my ex I was worth staying for when we were actually together.”
He shakes his head like he won’t accept my cowardice for an answer. “You’re perfect for this job, Vesper. Trust me.”
I look down at Luka, so peaceful in sleep. So trusting that his uncle will keep him safe.
“I need time to think.”
“So be it.”
He snaps his fingers and shadows emerge from the darkness—his guards, who I’d somehow forgotten were there.
I clutch my chest. “That’s terrifying.”
“You don’t have to be afraid of me.” His voice is soft now, almost tender. “I would never hurt you.”
I believe him. That’s the most terrifying part of all.
Kovan lifts Luka carefully, cradling him against his chest. The gentleness in his touch makes my throat tight.
The walk to our cars is silent. I keep stealing glances at Kovan, but he’s focused entirely on Luka, checking his breathing, adjusting his position, moving softly and slowly so as not to wake his nephew.
In the parking lot, he passes Luka to one of his men with a whispered threat that makes the guard’s face go pale.If you fucking wake him…
And there it is—the reminder of what he really is. Gentle uncle one moment, violent bastard the next.
Then he turns to look at me. “Let me drive you home.”
I shake my head. “It’s fine. I have my car.”
“One of my men can follow us in it.”
“That’s sweet, but I can manage. I’m fine, I promise.”
He takes my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. I’m keenly aware of everything he is and everything he does to me—the rough calluses, the scarred knuckles, the surprising warmth, the softness of the heel of his palm. Above all, the way his thumb finds my racing pulse at my wrist. “I’m not the monster you think I am. To the rest of the world, I’m just a businessman.”
“Is that right?”
