“Well, thank you for that.” That came out more sincere and less sarcastic as I’d intended. “We’ve done our part for this… whatever this alliance is. So, the whole seduction thing you’ve got going? It’s necessary.”
His smile this time is sharp, too many white, even teeth on display. “Oh, darling. Do you really think that was the only time I’m going to fuck you?”
His arms are an impenetrable steel cage, tanned, thick with muscle. I can feel his heartbeat, steady, measured like that little tussle we just had didn’t even raise his blood pressure. And damn him straight to hell, my treacherous lower half shifts. Just shifts subtly on his lap, my thighs pressing together, trying to contain the bloom of heat his words caused.
One big, rough hand slides up my leg, pulling the skirt of my sundress with it. “If I slipped my fingers into this sweet little pussy, you’d soak me, wouldn’t you?” His erection is pressing into my side, it feels even longer and thicker than I remember andthatwas intimidating enough.
“I don’t- I don’t want to have this conversation,” I manage. “Not now, and not here.” Orever,if I get my way.
Shifting me slightly away from his wide chest, my husband I was forced to marry stares at me. It’s painful, that gaze, making me feel stripped bare while he coolly analyzes my feelings, my weaknesses.
It’s the best of timing when his phone goes off, buzzing angrily across the table. Mason loosens his grip. “I have to take this.”
I slide gratefully off his lap and retreat a few steps.
“Devon. This better be for a very good reason.” Mason’s brows draw together and his face darkens.
Apparently, this is for a good reason.
“We’ll be back in twenty minutes, maybe less.” He checks his watch. “Make sure the new landing location is secured.”
He looks at me, and he is cold and contained, his real self again. “We need to leave immediately.”
Chapter Fifteen
In which some gangs just refuse to be dead.
Mason…
Afton moves quickly, without questions, scooping up her sandals and bag and heading for the helipad. I note that she casts one longing glance over her shoulder at the remains of the cake. But she doesn’t hesitate.
I don’t give her a chance to board the helicopter. This time, I’m wise to her tricks so I have my hands around her waist and she's strapped into her seat in seconds.
My wifewilllearn to let me take care of her.
“What can you tell me?” She’s not panicking, her voice is steady.
Such a good girl.
“How much do you want to know?”
“Everything you’re willing to say,” she says.
“Apparently, there was a separate faction that we didn’t wipe out this week. They are understandably upset about the rest of their people being killed and in a profoundly suicidal move, decided to bring the fight to us.”
I’m mentally plotting the route from the new landing area to my house. It’s too far. “I’m taking you to a safehouse in the city. The only disadvantage of sharing a square of real estate with mythree cousins is that it offers an easy target. There’s likely always a MacTavish there. I’m not willing to risk your safety.”
“Where’s this safe house?” Afton is still almost surprisingly calm, given how excitable and emotional she’s been today.
“One of our apartments in the city. It has the distinction of holding my Uncle Dougal and Aunt Isla’s weapons stash. You’ll be better guarded there than at Buckingham Palace. You’re handling this very well, darling.”
“It’s not my first firefight,” she says, gathering up her hair into a loose bun. “Well, we’re not even in that part yet, but this kind of situation means I’ll take orders and keep low.”
Without conscious thought, my hand cups her cheek. “Good girl.”
Her response is fascinating. I can tell by the flaring of her pupils that she loves hearing those words, but her mouth tightens down into a thin line and she turns to look out the windshield.
I’ll have to explore this later.
