Page 16 of Hostile Love
My pulse thrums. I have to work hard not to whimper when his eyes darken, so full of anger and temptation.
“I hope you killed the fucker who did that to you. Or did you leave him for me to sort out?”
His devastating smile gives me butterflies.
A shiver prickles my scalp and I wonder if the slash mark would leave an ugly scar. Yet another reason for my sister to be a better match for this man.
“Not quite. He got the message though,” I mutter, checking over his shoulder.
A tactical vest covers the black base layer stuck to his broad chest and his utility pockets are packed full of replacement magazines.
Jet-black hair hangs over his forehead, draping sideways a little so the tips of his messy bangs are kissing long, inky lashes.
That powerful wave of attraction hits me hard. I’d be a fool to fall right back into his arms again.
Not going to fucking happen.
“Why aren’t you wearing a mask?”
“Because I came here to rescue you…as myself. Dario recognized one of the guys who took you. Eduardo’s nephew was the ringleader. They worked for him––for us. And now everyone will understand they can’t fuck with the Souzas, or you.”
“Those men out there have a video of me stabbing Eduardo…and the two of us hooking up afterward.” I point out, ignoring my dry throat and the magnetic pull between us.
Christ, I could lick his salty skin and have one final taste.
“They figured out I work for Blanco and watched you stand right beside me while I killed him. You’re a target because of it. Now they’re going to ruin your organization from the inside.”
I continue, acting unfazed when I’m anything but.
“Everyone in your family is in danger, because I showed my face, and they caught it on camera. That’s how they found me so quickly. Now they think I’m your woman, or whatever. Which l’m not,” I add quickly.
Matheus frowns at my admission and when he goes to speak, I cut him off.
“They had footage of us fucking, Mat. Eduardo was in the background.”
“Say that again.”
“They had surveillance footage, Matheus. They saw the whole thing. Then followed us to Blanco’s house. Here…” I dig out the SIM cards from my pocket and shove them into his hand. “…you have the resources to make the video disappear. You’re exposed, Mat. Your face could be out in the public domain next to acontract killer. If they’ve already uploaded it to the internet, the police will be all over you as an accomplice.”
He glances behind him when footsteps clatter alongside the truck. Bringing his full attention back to me, he pockets the SIMS and strokes my cheek again, gentle and careful.
The pad of his thumb glides through the trickling blood and then he exhales, a hint of alcohol on his warm breath.
His brow creases and his eyes drill into mine.
“I’ll sort it out. Don’t worry. Now how about you repeat the part about you not being mine,” he mutters.
Heat erupts in my core. All I can think about is kissing his beautiful lips and running my hands over his muscular biceps.
“Come on, Mat. Don’t play dumb.”
His jaw clenches before he narrows his eyes and yanks me closer.
“Youaremine, little firecracker,” he grits out. “I’ve told you that already. You and me. Always and forever. Nothing will ever change that.”
My body goes completely still, and I forget to breathe. Those damn butterflies dance in my belly and my silly crush for this guy blows out of proportion when he wraps his hand around my nape and bumps our foreheads together.
Before I get the chance to challenge his lies, his wet lips are on mine and an overwhelming spark of desire sets my blood on fire.
