Page 6 of To Claim A King
An unforeseen enemy had struck us, but we remained. We would work together to rid him of the scourge that was Antonio, and bury my father with the same dirt. The two men would share a burial plot under unmarked headstones—a fair tribute to theirvile legacy.
“Where is the woman?” I stared into the green sea of his eyes, needing closure for my attendant’s betrayal. We’d shared our bodies, and I’d protected her from my father, only to discover it was all a ruse to bring me to my knees.
“Dead.” He croaked the word out as if he were ashamed. “I shot her while Kellan carried you out.”
So, he was my savior as well. I felt a twinge within my heart that could not be attributed to my injuries.
He tore his gaze from mine in obvious discomfort, choosing to crack a joke instead of feeling his pain. “We’re going to need another tailor, by the way. None of our suits survived.”
As if summoned, Kellan returned with a whiskey glass filled with ice chips, his suit a painting with what could only be my blood. I accepted it gratefully, eager to rid my mouth of its metallic coating.
“I am sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you, my friend.” I dipped my head in deference as the swirling storm of his stare thoroughly assessed my bandaged torso.
The blond man said nothing to accept my apology, choosing instead to fixate on my wrist, where Lauchlan’s fingers remained, now caressing the underside of soft flesh. I’d done nothing to stop his touch. The warmth of it reminded me I had lived another day.
“You’re in your old warehouse. In case you didn’t recognize it,” he said instead, moving to stand at the foot of the bed and folding his arms across his chest. “Hillary fixed it up and made it another fortress. Given the circumstances, we figured it was the only place that was safe. I had a friend of mine patch you up.”
He andRojoexchanged a dark look, but neither rushed to explain what it meant. They turned their attention back to me.
“Then I am in your debt twice over,” I mused, wishing he were closer to clasp his hand, to demonstrate mygratitude in ways my words could not. Softer, I spoke. “I am not sure I am worthy of your loyalty,compañero.”
“It was my decision to make,” he returned gruffly, his attention on the wall beside my head instead of my face. “But we can talk about the consequences when Hillary gets here.”
Mi Reina.It was a great gift she had not been near us when Antonio sent his assassin. She was more trained in combat than I, but to test her abilities meant she’d also put her life at risk for mine.
I felt the large man’s scrutiny on me once again. Turning into the penetrative stare, I observed the layers of darkness imbued in his irises. I could not read his emotions, but I felt his intensity sear into my skin. His eyes narrowed.
“Do you trust me with those consequences,Guapo?”he said, his tone deathly serious.
Guapo.Another nickname of endearment. This man was becoming much more than a trusted ally. I respected him. I cared for him. I recognized his need to exert control to feel safe. I could give him this, as he’d given me another chance to live.
“I do.”
We exchanged a look, many words within a quick gaze. Loyalty. Attraction. Trust.
Before I could say anymore, a harsh feminine shout came from the corridor behind us. My heart leaped atMi Reina’svoice, knowing she was safe and sound, then returned to my chest with a vicious drop.
Kellan immediately turned on his heel and left the room to address the woman I was certain we all loved. I braced myself for my inevitable punishment and Lauchlan held his breath beside me.
We had endured hell today, four demons preparing to face our devil.
But first, I had to face her.
Stupid, infuriatingfuckers.
It had been hours—hours—since I’d heard from any of these men, and here Kellan was, looking like he’d barged his way through an apocalypse, staring at me through bloodshot eyes like a stunned deer in headlights.
“What in the fuck are you three doing here!?” I hissed, my voice hovering on the border of mania after the living hell of the last few hours.
Imagine my surprise when I finally had a moment to track these three idiots; their glaring blue dots had all congregated in the same place—myplace.
They weren’t dumb men. Mostly. Kellan and Aaron had proven their loyalty to me, and Lucky—well, Lucky had been given an open opportunity to walk away unscathed and pledged his allegiance to me instead. While his options were limited and it didn’t exactly scream ‘undying devotion,’ it meant enough to keep him within this exclusive club. Seeing as Aaron and Kellan hadn’t killed him yet, he had to have some value to them too.
So, I would allow the three of them an explanationbeforeslowly removing each testicle from their whimpering bodies. If this was because of one of Lucky’s tricks or because Kellan went overboard on protection duty, I was going to—
“Oh, thank fuck.” The graveled timbre shocked my anger into temporary submission. Kellan’s broad body dwarfed mine in a crushing hug, burying his face into my hair. He smelled of copper and ash, and the vicious tangy scent of fear.
For the briefest moment, I collapsed into him, letting his heat and tight hold absorb morsels of my grief for Blackbird, and the visceral dread that coated my skin. Before I could escape into the comfort, I pulled back, the geyser of my rage erratically bubbling to the top of my forehead.
