Page 63 of Hook

He tilts his head. “Why so many questions?”

The fact he dodges my questions only increases my intrigue about Cillian and his past. Ever since I learned he’s missing a hand, it made me wonder how did he lose it?As I don’t buy the crocodile story.

What is his story?

I shouldn’t want to know it, because he’s a psychopath who has stolen me from my fiancé, forced me into marriage, and acts like everything is normal.

Then why the hell do I want to find out what makes Cillian Hook tick?

22

CILLIAN

“Where are you taking me?” Gwendolyne asks, her arms folded across her waist.

“I told you, it’s a surprise.”

Her eyes narrow. “I’m not exactly fond of your surprises, Cillian.”

“You’ll like this one, trust me.”

She laughs. “I’m pretty sure you’re the last man on this earth I’ll ever trust.”

I ignore the pang in my chest. I’m nothing if not determined and I will win her trust. She will come over to the dark side and it doesn’t matter whether I have to drag her into it. Once she accepts that we’re meant to be everything will fall into place.

The rest of the drive to the docks is silent and tense. We pull up to the docks, and I see Gwendolyne’s eyes widen as she takes in the sight before her.

My yacht sits majestically in the water, the sun glinting off its black hull, round windows shining like stars against a dark night sky. I get out of the car and walk around, opening her door and offering her my hand.

She doesn’t take it, opting to get out herself.

“Is this yours?” she asks.

I nod. “Yes, it’s my yacht. Poison.”

“Apt name,” she says, glaring at me.

“Come on,” I say, ignoring the dig and placing a hand on the small of her back. “Let me give you a tour. Then we’ll take it for a spin.” It’s a sleek black vessel that glistens in the sunlight like polished obsidian stone. Poison is the only thing, other than my ma, that I love in this world. Poison has been my refuge for so long, I can’t imagine life without it.

By the look of awe on Gwen’s face, I can tell that she likes the boat even if she wouldn’t admit it. An excited energy radiates from her as we explore each part of the boat from the luxurious open plan living room and kitchen to the hot tub on the top deck, and then a few of the luxurious bedrooms. I notice the way her lips part when she sees the one like the sex room back home, her thighs subtly squeezing together.

It looks like my wife craves sex with me as much as I crave it with her. I’ve never wanted a woman repeatedly the way I want Gwendolyne. She’s pure fucking fire in bed.

“Would you like to take it out on the water?”

She nods. “Yes, I’ve never been out on a boat before.”

I arch a brow. “You’ve lived in San Diego all your life and never been on a boat?” I find it impossible to believe.

“Never,” she confirms.

It’s odd because her father most certainly has been on many yachts belonging to businessmen and politicians, but then he has kept her sheltered. Until recently, I had no idea how beautiful my rival’s daughter was, otherwise I may have kidnapped her years ago.

I steer Gwen toward the captain’s deck and stand behind the wheel.

Her eyes widen. “Don’t you have someone to drive it?”

I shake my head. “Why the fuck would I get someone else to drive this beauty when I can do it myself?”

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