“You’re everything, Graciella. You’re the Widow Maker and a beautiful woman.”
“Don’t,” she said.
“Why are you so afraid?” he asked.
She turned in his arms and she wished she hadn’t. He was so … sexy. It was unfair. Even with his scars, rather than disgusting her, he aroused her.
Emotions she’d long ago promised herself she would never feel came rushing to the surface. Men were monsters. Most men, not all, but still, she’d promised herself she’d never ever feel for anyone. It was safer that way.
Boss wasn’t just anyone.
“Why did you have to leave me?” she asked. “I’ve proven myself time and time again. I don’t wear your little groupies’ badge but I’m more than capable of handling myself.”
“I don’t want to talk about this.” His hands slid up and down her arms.
“Tough shit. We’ve all got to do things we don’t want to do.” This was good. Capturing her anger, feasting on it, meant she wasn’t giving in to the need to sink against him. How good would it be to actually let go? To hold on to Boss as if he was some kind of savior? It would be so good.
She wouldn’t allow herself to fall. It wouldn’t end well.
“You don’t trust me, do you? Did you think I was going to run away with the scientist and not let Bain get his precious antidote? You think after all you know about me, I’d do that?” She was under no illusion about her reputation. Ever since this revenge with the drugs had gone horribly wrong, she’d been working her ass off to fix it.
She didn’t want more people to die. She’d been working to make sure they were gone from the country. Her biggest mistake was trying to figure it all out herself, she knew that now, more than ever.
From the beginning, she should have gone to Boss. She’d heard about the Killer of Kings years ago, had even watched them and admired their skillset, but she’d never approached, believing she was better off alone.
“It had nothing to do with that.” Boss cupped her face. Rather than feel threatened by the touch, she felt comforted, special. She couldn’t help but put her hands on his waist, holding him.
Damn it. A simple touch shouldn’t feel this good and yet it did.
“Then why? I wanted to help. Can’t you see that? Don’t you get how important it is for me?” She didn’t get the chance to continue as Boss suddenly slammed his lips down on hers.
Kisses meant nothing.
Normally.
There was nothing normal about her and Boss. Far from it. They were fire and ice, and yet together, they smoldered.
Closing her eyes, she moaned as his tongue traced across her bottom lip. After running her hands up his body, she wrapped her arms around his neck and did something she’d never willing done with any other man, she pressed her body against him. She craved his closeness.
One of Boss’s hands sank into her hair as the other glided down to grab her ass. The hard ridge of his cock pressed against her, and she whimpered, desperate for more. Heat flooded her pussy. Her mind going from pissed to aroused within a matter of seconds. Only Boss was capable of doing that to her.
As she opened her lips, Boss took the invitation and slid his tongue inside her mouth. She moaned his name, asking for more, wanting more, hungry for it.
He moved them until the wall met her back and she lifted up, wrapping her legs around his waist, riding that wave she was desperate for. Even as she hung off him, Boss propped her up with his body right against the wall.
He broke the kiss. They were both panting. She was as hot for him as he was for her.
Graciella didn’t hide her reaction. Didn’t care to. Boss was there with her and she was tired of fighting. Tired of constantly trying to be on top, especially when with Boss, she just wanted to be with him, period. There was no need for arguing, no fighting, just complete and utter peace. They could have that. She had no doubt.
“I left you because I didn’t want anything to happen to you.” He covered her mouth with his hand when she went to argue with him. “You don’t think I know how strong, how amazing, how fucking competent you are? I know that. I know you’re one hell of a woman, a fantastic assassin, and deep down a very caring and loving woman. You hide it all, and I get it. There is nothing weak about you, Graciella. I’m the weak one.”
He removed his hand.
“What? There’s nothing weak about you, Boss. You know that. What the hell do you even mean?” She was more than a little confused.
“I should have known you wouldn’t understand. When it comes to you, Graciella, you make me weak. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing.” He stroked some of her hair back from her face. “I don’t want to be without you, not ever. Yeah, I’ve thought about killing you when you drive me up the wall, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want to protect you, always.”
Tears filled her eyes as she looked at Boss.