“He seems…” I trail off, not knowing how to finish. How do I describe the way he made me feel, like I was his prey, and he was a creature of the darkness, a snake ready to strike.
“Like a complete asshole, Pretty Girl,” Loki says in that delicious drawl of his. It's completely different from Julian’s which was cold, lacking any human warmth.
The door opens before I can think of a response, and Ash walks in, looking at me held in Loki's arms. He walks right up to me with something like concern in his grey eyes. They're the exact same colour as his father's, yet couldn't be more different.
I always thought Ash was the ‘Ice Knight,’ but meeting Julian shows me that Ash has a fire which burns in the depths of his grey orbs that his father lacks. He feels things passionately, even when it was just his dislike of me, or getting so cross when I’d taken too much Molly at the party in the woods. He may keep his feelings hidden from outsiders, but those he lets in, see how deeply he cares.
“You okay, Princess?” he asks gently, scanning me from top to bottom.
“Of course. Why wouldn't I be?” I question back, my brow furrowed as I lean back from Loki’s grip.Why is he so...worried?
“Because his dad, Mr CE-fucking-O, just hit on you, the motherfucker,” Loki interjects angrily before Ash can say anything, and I can feel a slight tremble in his muscles, like they’re itching to go after Julian.
Ash glares at him but doesn't argue with what Loki's just said.
“What?! No!” I splutter out, stepping out of Loki's arms to look him in the eye.
Why would he hit on me? And ewww!
“He did, Baby Girl,” I hear Jax rumble before he pulls me into his chest. I can feel his rapid heartbeat through my palm, and it’s instinctual for me to snuggle into his warm embrace.
“Why are you guys acting so strange?” I ask, looking up into his blue eyes. “His behaviour was a little odd and creepy, but harmless. Right?”
I hear a cruel bark of laughter sound out behind me and turn my head to see Ash shaking his own.
“Myfatheris anything but harmless,” he practically spits the word out, like he can't stand him. “He's fucking dangerous, and you won’t be meeting him again,” he says in a hard voice, determination in his gaze that lets me know that his will is law as far as he’s concerned. “We have to go out tonight, Princess, business stuff,” he continues. “Don't forget to lock the door.” And with that, he heads off upstairs.
“Well, that wasn't cryptic at all,” I say sarcastically, stepping away from Jax. “What time do you guys need to leave?” I ask.
“Oh, not until after dinner,” Kai answers, getting up from his seat and coming towards me. “Wanna help me make lasagna?” he asks, a smile on his face.
“I'd love to.” I smile back. Before I can take a step towards Kai, Loki has grabbed me again and spun me round, his arms wrapping round my waist.
“You'll be okay by yourself, Pretty Girl?” he asks with genuine concern in his voice, his own forehead creased with wrinkles.
“I'll be fine,” I say, my own hands smoothing up his bare arms.Why are guys’ arms so fucking sexy? All the better to pin you down with, duh.
“Anyway, the next book in this crazy awesome series I'm reading has just come out,” I continue, getting excited. “It's about a girl and four guys, who are all epic as fuck dancers. They've spent years apart, and I'm hoping they arefinallygetting back together. I hear the sex scenes are hot as sin, so I think I'll take my Kindle and have a long soak in the bath,” I tease, grinning wickedly, the tension inside me releasing as his gaze turns lustful.
Loki groans and I hear Jax growl, stepping up behind me and caging me in between them.
“Tell me you're not gonna touch yourself in the bath,” Loki pleads huskily.
“I can't make any promises,Pretty Boy,” I sass back at him as I feel Jax moving closer from behind. They're both growing hard against me, and my smile turns evil.
“Uh uh, boys,” I say, stepping out from between them. “I've got to help Kai with dinner.”
“You’re seriously gonna leave us with blue balls, Pretty Girl?” Loki whines, an incredulous look on his beautiful face.
“Yes,” I say. “It's punishment for leaving me all alone with only my fingers for company,” I tell him, wiggling my fingers as I step backwards. Heat flares in their eyes as they stand shoulder to shoulder, looking a little like they're thinking about just hauling me upstairs.
“But you can relieve them as soon as you get back and find me warm, naked, and wet in Loki's bed.” I smile sweetly, laughing at the matching looks of frustration on their faces.
* * *
LOKI
The meaty sound of Jax’s fist hitting Brandon Franklin, CEO of Florence Pharmaceuticals, in the jaw sounds loud in the bright underground room at the cabin. An arc of crimson blood splatters across the floor, the contrast to the white tiles fascinating me for a moment.