Dean is much like his brother, younger and without the full beard, more like stubble, but his hair is just as dark and his eyes a similar shade, more storm cloud over steel.
“Hello.” I greet them.
They give me smiles but they’re not warm, curious maybe?
“Get out your head, kitten,” Malakai whispers in my ear. “I just need a night where everyone in the room doesn’t want me dead. You can hate me again in the morning.”
I study his face, noting the crease between his brows, the darkness beneath his eyes.
Something in me softens toward him and I know damn well it’s a mistake. Know it’s the beginning of the fucking end, but I nod.
“Okay,” I tell him in a whisper.
Chapter Twenty-seven
“Ow. Ow. Ow.” Olivia winces with every step she takes at my side. The wind is bitterly cold, howling down the narrow streets of the city and there’s still snow on the ground. She has my jacket over her shoulders, her arms wrapped around herself.
“I don’t know why I fucking do it,” She growls, mostly to herself. “Heels during the day are fine, heels on a night out? Torture.”
Stopping abruptly, I bend, sliding my arm behind her knees, the other around her back and I lift.
She lets out a shrill scream that echoes down the street. “Put me down!”
“No.”
“Malakai!”
“Your feet hurt.”
“So?” She struggles in my arms, but I just tighten my hold, continuing the walk to the Maserati I parkedaround the corner, “You said it was close!”
“It is.” I agree.
“Put me down!” She demands again.
I ignore her, continuing down the sidewalk until my car comes into view.
“Okay, you can put me down now,” she says, eyes on the car and the warmth it promises. But I don’t let her down, keeping her close until I’m at the passenger door. It’s a struggle to get it open but I manage, bending to deposit her in the seat.
“I can get in myself, you know?” She scowls.
“I know, I just wanted to do it,” I give her a quick kiss on the forehead before I can think better of it and then shut the door, her face still slack with shock when I climb behind the wheel.
It takes a good few minutes for the car to warm up and for the shock to wear off.
I feel her stare on the side of my face, but I’m really trying to focus on the road and not on the creamy skin on show, the black dress having ridden up her thighs, barely covering the center of her.
“This is a nice car,” She eventually says. “Can I drive it?”
“No,” It comes out quick and harsh and I wince at myself, “Sorry, no.”
“Men and their toys,” She sighs, “It’s just a car.”
“One, it’s limited edition.” I tell her, flicking my eyes to her face and definitely not her legs, “Two, this entire interior is bespoke and upgraded with the latesttechnology. And three, no one but me drives this car. Ever.”
She rolls her lips, her eyes sparkling before she breaks out into a full grin, giggle and all. I need to focus on the road, but the sound, fuck it’s mesmerizing. Sweet and melodic and that damn smile will be the death of me.
“You should’ve married the car, Malakai,” She giggles, “Since you love it so much.”
