So I step closer, close enough that my breath brushes his throat.
“I could make it worth your while.”
Oaks’ mouth works like he’s chewing on a whole damn sin.
Finally, he lets out a crooked laugh.“You’re trouble.”
“Always have been.”
He leans against the doorframe, cocky now, like the devil on his shoulder just won.“You want out that bad?”
“Yes.”
“Then you pay like everyone else pays.”
I arch a brow.“Meaning?”
His eyes drag down me slow enough to be rude.“You get on your knees for me, I’ll open the door.”
Blunt.Filthy.Exactly who I knew he was.
“But,” he adds, raising a finger, “I ain’t promising I won’t rat your ass out after.Fair’s fair.”
I laugh, low, dark, amused.“You’d sell me out?”
“In a heartbeat.”
At least he’s honest.
We stare at each other, two wolves testing teeth.I let the silence stretch until he’s practically vibrating with want.
Then…
A shadow fills the hallway.
Oaks doesn’t even notice at first.He’s too busy staring at my legs.My wrist.The damn chain.
Royal’s voice slices the air apart.
“Get the fuck out.”
Oaks jumps like he’s been shot.
He turns halfway, caught between guilt and denial.“I wasn’t.Royal, I was just checkin’…”
Royal doesn’t look at him.
He’s looking at me.
Only me.
His knife is still clipped at his hip.His hand hovers near it, the muscle in his forearm twitching.
Territorial doesn’t begin to describe the look in his eyes.He steps into the doorway, towering over Oaks without raising his voice.
“Move.”
Oaks backs up immediately, hands raised like he ain’t sure if Royal’s gonna punch him or cut him.
