Page 59 of Marked
I look over at him, brow raised. “Yes?”
His empty features twist. “You weren’t at the house.”
“Are we stating things I already know?”
“Have you been here all day?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but no.”
If possible, his scowl grows. “I need to talk to you.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m at work.”
Those full lips curve into a snide smile as he glances pointedly at Larry. “Interesting occupation.”
My eyes narrow, and I push from the stage to stalk closer. “You shut down my last job. I am here,” I motion around us, “hours early to learn my surroundings and get everything in order before my shift. So yes, I’m ... at ... work,” I grind out.
He prowls closer, filling my head with spice until it becomes hard to think past the delectable fragrance of his body.
Obsidian irises glitter as he presses into my front, staring down at me from his over half a foot of extra height. “Have you eaten?” he asks.
I blink. “What?”
He tugs the rag from my hand. “Raina, she’s taking a meal break.”
“Sure thing, love,” Raina calls back, voice way too cheery.
My head whips over. The other woman stalks behind the bar, leather-bound notebook in her hands as she ticks off things with her pen. I start to protest. Ruin’s calloused fingers slide down my forearm and wind with mine.
I stop breathing.
He pulls and I stumble into place behind him. “Come on,” he says, voice milder now. “I’m feeding you before your first day.”
I glance over my shoulder as we crest the wide entrance to the comedy club. Larry waits where I left him, his arms crossed and a frown on his face.
Chapter 27
Ruin
Lilah perches on the edge of her seat, bright blue eyes tracking over every inch of the restaurant. I try not to stare at her, to keep from growling every time a trace of the druid’s scent pours from her skin.
The only fucking one that needs to be on her is mine.
But I had to shut this shit down last night. Shut her down. And judging by how cozy she was with the damn druid, maybe I already did.
My phone ringing at a little after 5 PM kept me from finding Lilah as soon as she woke up. But learning Vic was still in custody took precedence. It seems that Lilah’s guardian is being held in connection to a string of similar enterprises in Tennessee. Along with his loyal cronies. Which means Lilah is safe from him.
For now.
When I got back to the manor this evening to find out she was gone, it was like a fist in my gut. I had every intention of sayingfuck itand taking her anyway I can get her. Though I am no longer sure if I believe she had anything to do with Vic’s work here, I no longer feel torn about wanting her with the local pain in the ass behind bars.
So finding her and fucking her against any surface seemed like the best idea ever.
Gage and Tanner, no-fucking-doubt, caught my inhale and the spike in my scent. My resolution. Smart as they are, both males made themselves scarce while I scoured my rooms and hers. It was only when Maximus said she left with Raina that some of my crazed emotion eased. Only for it to make a grand return when I walked into Underground and found Lilah and Larry side by side at the damn stage.
Fucking druid.
The little punk has never been a problem before now. And he is playing in something he doesn’t understand.
