Iwas breaking all the rules.
But the moment I saw her enter, I’d been unconsciously waiting for my chance to intervene, even if I didn’t want to admit it.
We’d been back in the city for a week, but Atticus was still operating on a lockdown mentality, whether he would acknowledge it or not. Immy being in danger so soon after the last incident had been too much for him, and he’d fallen into complete protection mode. So, even though we were back in the city, Immy hadn’t been allowed out yet or given her phone. But Atticus looked to be caving any day now. I was proud of the little dynamo Immy was becoming.
Since we’d been out of the loop for two months, I’d made it my duty to check into all our businesses this week to see how things had fared in our absence. I trusted most of our people, but I wasn’t as convinced the mole situation had been eradicated. Tonight, I’d found myself at Climax, and the reminder of Loren was too powerful in Illusion, so I’d chosen to hang out at Verity instead. Looked like my attempts to avoid thinking about her were thwarted, though.
I’d been doing my rounds when I spotted them, and my breath caught at seeing Loren. She looked better than I remembered, her attire revealing so much of her to me. I had to restrain myself from running up to her right then. I never expected to encounter her here, so the sudden intrusion left me off-kilter. It was good to see her, though. The anticipation and happiness rose up in me until I remembered why I hadn’t sought her out yet.
She’d gotten hurt because of us, almost died even.
When I heard the report of her injuries, I wanted to go on a rampage, killing anyone in my way. Only Atticus had been able to get through to me and calm my anger down. That was when the guilt seeped in. It was like failing Jaz and Immy all over again.
Except, this time, I could do something about it. I could leave her alone.
I was so angry at first, battling with my desires, but once I’d realized the best course of action, I’d been able to commit. Nicco and I didn’t speak of her to one another, nor did Atticus. We all pretended she was safe, happy, and living her life away from the criminal underground.
But like an addict, I checked in with the detail I’d placed on her every night. They were keeping a watch from a distance, giving me updates on her safety. Every night I lived and breathed those few moments where I got to know how she was. I knew she hadn’t been seeing anyone, and I hated how pleased that made me. It was worrisome to think she might be alone, but I didn’t hate it either.
Mostly, I worried whether she would forget about me.
We’d shared a moment, and as dangerous as it was, I wanted her. I was lying to myself if I believed otherwise.
Seeing her so free tonight was too much temptation for me to resist, so I’d hidden away in the security booth watching over her on the camera, hoping to reduce the need coursing through me to grab her up and fuck her against the wall. I was failing my job on all fronts. I wasn’t paying attention to anything else in the club, and hell, I’d failed by not anticipating she’d show up here in the first place. Had I been out of it so long that I couldn’t anticipate the dangers any longer? Or, perhaps I was more affected by her than I wanted to admit.
When she stepped into the private sensation room, the opportunity before me was too perfect to waste, and I let myself zoom into her room, all the other cameras no longer my focus. Here I could have her in a safe and controlled setting and watch. Here, I wouldn’t be tempted to ask for more. Here, I wouldn’t fall under her spell by touching her.
It was all I could have. But I wanted so much more.
I watched her settle into the couch and noticed every movement she made. The voice started telling her what the room was all about, and I snapped. No! He didn’t get to touch her with his voice, getting off on the sounds she was sure to make.
Stepping out of the booth, I knocked on the door for the Sensation room but didn’t wait for them before I stepped in. The man looked up, surprised at my interruption. I could already see his delight at having Loren on the other side of the screen, and possessiveness I’ve never felt before surged through me.
“Break.”
“But it’s not—“
“Did I stutter, asshat? Break. In fact, you have the rest of the night off.”
He looked stunned but stood and walked out immediately, not wanting to test my ire anymore. Smart choice. Not all the employees knew who we were, but I was sure there were rumors, and my reputation always preceded me. I was glad for it if it got me to my spitfire.
Sitting down, I found the controls and changed the camera angle. The sick fuck had it zoomed in on her cunt and nowhere else. I was going to need to talk with Mas about the hiring qualifications for these rooms. There had to be people out there that weren’t perverts. Maybe we needed to do a rehaul of this place too. Dayton’s touch here was still too prominent.
She leaned back and pulled her legs up to get comfortable, looking around at all the lights. I watched her face as the excitement built for her. She looked fucking stunning in her bra and panties, the thigh highs instantly making my cock take notice as it began to stiffen. The action made me suddenly realize how long it had been since I’d had sex. In fact, it was the longest I’d ever gone. I hadn’t been in the mood lately, chalking it up to being sequestered away. But now, taking in my spitfire, I knew the real reason.
“Are you ready to play, Spitfire? Can you handle the truth?”
She sucked in a breath, and it was glorious. Her breathing quickened, and I watched as her skin flushed, a moan escaping me unintentionally at the sight.
“Goddamn, Spitfire. You’re so fucking tempting.”
“Sax?”
“Yes, Spitfire. Do you have multiple men that call you that? I’d like to think I was special.”
“No, I mean, you’re the only one. I’m just surprised. I haven’t seen or heard from you in months. Not since… Anyway, it’s me that should be wondering if I was special.”
She sat up, crossing her arms, and I realized how strong she’d become in my absence, her spitfire surged forward, and I couldn’t help but encourage it, wanting to see more of her fire raging, even if it was at me.