Page 112 of Hostile Secret
Her expression changes as if she’s realizing this is how it would always be with me.
I’m one of the most dangerous men to walk this planet, which should give me the power to do whatever the fuck I want. And now that I’ve told André about our relationship, I’m going to escort her through the crowd at prom.
I let her hurry along Blackwater’s hallways, my purposeful light-footed approach one step behind her. Of course, I want to catch my beautiful little whore and do bad things to her all night. But granting her wish is my way of showing her how our future together could be.
This thrill of ownership is more rewarding than any bullseye I’ve ever hit. It’s a toxic blood rush.
She palms the electronic screen by the front door and bursts into the coastal air. I’m quick to follow, taking a few long strides to catch up and then easily seize her waist.
Moving my mouth to the side of her face, I fully encircle her with my arms. “It’s impossible for you to get away from a man like me. Don’t ever try to leave me for someone else because it won’t end well.”
After I speak, I grab onto her wrist and spin her around so we’re both inhaling and exhaling the same salty air. Her narrowed gaze finds mine. Enchanting blue to serious green. “Comprendes, baby?” I add.
Her piercing gaze sharpens and the right corner of her mouth lifts ever so slightly. “I think you’re forgetting something, Maverick.” She smirks, having finally thought of a stupid name for me.
My girl slides her hands to my biceps and elevates to her tiptoes to gain more height—and courage. Even at that, she’s still petite next to my six-foot stature. “You’re not the only sharpshooter in this relationship. If your dick rises for another woman, even the slightest little jerk, it won’t end well.”
“Are you threatening me?” I say on a rumble, knowing this woman inside out. It's not a direct threat, and I know it.
“I’ll finish any woman who thinks she can takeyoufromme.” She confirms. “And I’m not as discreet as you. There would be blood everywhere.”
Her eyes are shining now, the shade of blue so deep it reminds me of the unpredictable sea protecting Blackwater. I fucking love her for it.
I dip my face to the side of hers, my lips skimming the shell of her ear. “You don’t need to worry about another woman. They are nothing compared to you. I haven't had this much fun…” I thumb her chin and add, “… ever.”
With a featherlight stroke, my lips trace her cheekbone, gently skimming the silky skin. I relish the subtle shiver she expels even though she’s trying hard not to show it.
Energy races through my hot veins, urging me to move. “Let’s go, we don’t want to be late.”
I usher her across the gravel to the new SUV I’d bought for this occasion. She deserves to arrive in style and a luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan is just the vehicle. Opening the passenger door, I hold her hand to help her climb inside and wait as she clips her seatbelt.
“You’ll need this.” I unpocket a glitzy masquerade mask, lean in, and tie the ribbons together behind her head. “Don’t lose it. I want you to wear it later when I’m taking you from behind during our after party.”
“An after party? Where?”
I shut her in and jog around the hood, getting in beside her. “We’re having our own intimate party in an exclusive hotel along the coast. I’ve booked the whole top floor… and two floors beneath it. We’ll be able to make as much noise as we want.” I smirk.
India sits quietly beside me, her gaze drawn outside of the moving vehicle. She’s deep in thought, lost in the zillions of stars lingering over the seascape beyond the bulletproof exterior of the vehicle I’m driving.
“What do you think Dré will do when he watches the video?” she finally asks.
I shrug, keeping my eyes on the road. “You know what he’s like. He’ll probably shoot something or kill someone. And he’ll definitely call Tommy.”
“Maybe I should phone him.” She glances over at me. “To smooth things over. I hate the thought of him being angry with me. And I don’t want this to come between you and your brothers.”
“Don’t worry. He won’t be angry at you. I’m the one he’d come for, if he knew how to find me.”
I reach over, take her phone, and slip it in my jacket pocket, then set my hand on her knee. It feels at home there. “This is your night.” My gaze stays fixed on the windshield, doing my best to act unfazed. “Once Dré has had time to process it all, he’ll warm to the idea of having you as a sister-in-law, eventually.”
I hear her quick intake of air and glance over at her, finding her forehead creased. “Did you mean to say that?”
“I rarely say things I don’t mean.”
It’s the truth. In time I’d officially brand her as a Souza, so she could never question her position in my family. She needs to believe my brothers would continue to protect her and that I’d lay my life on the line for her.
I’m wealthy enough and jaded by death to put an end to my regular way of life. It’s time to retire. Hang up my sniper rifle andlive. Especially when I have a kid at home who needs a father.
My own father had groomed me to bend to his will and since the bastard is six-foot under, I’m free to fuck up his expectations and become a better role model than he ever was. Free to be the man Leo deserves.
