It’s just the fact that I did it with him, at all.
“What happened?”
“We suspect Stonemore rogues, but I don’t have all the details yet. Someone shot out one of his tires when he was driving home, and then got him when he pulled over.”
“Someoneshota prominent member of King’s Trace society and no one was around to witness it?” Kieran huffs, angrily shaking his boxers and stepping into them. “Sounds about right.”
“That’s why we’re thinking it’s mob-related.” Boyd shrugs, running a hand through his curly hair. His eyes slide to me again, narrowing slightly, and I feel myself shrink back reflexively.
We speak at the same time, his voice even, mine frantic.
“You don’t thinkshe—”
“I didn’t have anything to do with—”
“Look at her again and I’ll break your fucking spine.” Kieran’s voice is a vicious snarl, cutting us off; it’s accompanied by an inordinate amount of saliva as he jerks his jeans to his hips, twisting the fly closed. “Actually, get the fuck out. Go wait in the car; I’ll be there in a second.”
Cocking an eyebrow and still defying his friend, Boyd glares at me as Kieran pulls on a bulky military-style jacket. Finally, he turns on his heels and exits the doorway, leaving me alone with my monster.
Walking back to where I’m still seated on the bed, Kieran zips up his jacket and stares at me for a long beat of silence, an unreadable expression on his face. He reaches out after a moment, dropping his gaze down the length of my body—it sends a sharp vibration up my thighs, making my pussy quiver in anticipation.
His fingers glide over my nipple, tugging at the piercing, and I bite back a moan at the sensation that ripples beneath his touch. “Don’t you need to go?”
“Unfortunately.” Closing his eyes, he cups the bottom of my tit and tips his head back toward the ceiling. “Fuck, what I wouldn’t give to spend the night inside of you.”
My mouth dries up, my heart drumming loud in my ears. “Do you want me to come?”
“No, sweetheart. If I take you with me, I’m gonna be tempted to fuck you in every unlocked supply closet at the hospital.”
I lean into his touch, blood humming in my body. “We could check on your father first, then slip away.” I don’t know why I’m arguing, but clearly the idea of getting another mind-numbing orgasm turns my brain to mush.
“As tempting as that sounds, I’m afraid I need to limit distractions.”
“Are you gonna let me go?”
“I don’t have much of a choice, do I?” He sighs, releasing me and taking several steps back. Dragging his hands through his dark locks on a sigh, he bends and scoops a T-shirt off the floor, tossing it toward me. “Wear that home. It’s not much, but it should cover your ass from wandering eyes.”
Yanking it down over my head, I try not to inhale too deeply as it settles over my body, the thin white cotton soft against my heated skin. “Thanks.”
Clenching his jaw, he nods once. “I’m serious, Juliet. That cunt of yours ismine. If I hear anyone else has had a taste or copped a feel or evenlooked, I’ll burn the entirety of King’s Trace to the goddamn ground.”
I don’t think he means it—maybe his emotions are just raw because his father’s been shot, and he’s channeling it into me. Still, I can’t deny that his possession makes my womb clench deliciously. “Okay.”
“I’ll send someone later to make sure you’ve vacated this place properly. And then I’ll come by to collect.”
“Collect what?”
“The rest of your payment.” His eyes glitter, a wicked smile stretching over his face, making him look like the Big Bad Wolf. Like he’d give anything to devour me.
And because I’m the Little Red Riding Hood in this story, I just know this isn’t going to end well.
* * *
I don’t hear from Kieran the rest of the week; after returning to the house and sleeping off my weird drug-and-sex hangover, I mostly mope around while Caroline complains about pregnancy, Elia ignores me, and my friends continually try to get me to go clubbing with them.
Most of my time alone is spent dreaming of Kieran’s dick, and wondering how I could’ve let all that happen andstillnot get my locket back.
Weak and spineless.My father’s mantra, words he branded into my skin, repeat in my head, keeping me awake at night.