Sighing, I tightened my grip on the wheel when the gates opened, and then I got a text from one of Wolf’s men in the car behind me. I confirmed that Bradshaw was correct with his instructions.
My stomach was a ball of nerves as I parked near the stairs to the front porch. When I climbed out, the front door opened, and my blood pumped harder and faster through my veins when Link stepped out in jeans and a long-sleeved black top.
His smile was sinful, and I watched as his gaze ran over me slowly, spiking the beat of my heart.
“Hey, baby,” he called.
“Don’t call me that,” I told him, walking up the stairs.
“I’ll try to remember that, love.”
I wanted to pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh, but I just stared at him.
Link chuckled and waved a hand toward the doorway. “Welcome to my home, where I hope you’ll spend a lot of time.”
Since I noticed he wore no shoes, I stepped into the entryway to remove my own and then waited for Link off to the side as he shut and locked the front door.
“I know it ain’t as big as what you’re used to—and I’m only talking about the house, not my dick; you can look at that any time you want—but let me show you around.”
This man.
I wanted to laugh but also smack the back of his head.
Instead, I nodded and stayed silent. Link pointed to the left and explained that was where the formal dining room was. To the right was his office. Down the end of a small hall, where an amazing smell was coming from, we walked into the family room and kitchen area that had seating at the counter. I also noticed a wok on the stovetop that held something that made my mouth water. He walked by the stunning black-and-white kitchen and through the large pantry to another hallway. Straight across from it was the guest bedroom and bathroom. Down the left end of the hall lay the lounge room. At the opposite end was a movie room. Over at the other side of the house, across from the kitchen and family room, was where the magic happened—his words, not mine—with his big bedroom, walk-in robe, and bathroom. There were also three other bedrooms, a laundry, and another bathroom.
I would admit I’d read Link wrong. I thought his home would be extravagant, over the top, but this felt humble, sweet, and homey.
I liked it a lot—not that I would tell him, though.
When we made our way back into the main area, he asked, “What do you think?”
“I….” I tightened my jaw at the hopeful gleam in his gaze. I hated that it affected me in a way where I suddenly needed to tell him the truth. With a sigh, I said, “It’s nice.”
He chuckled. “Did that hurt you to say?”
My lips twitched. “Yes.”
He swept in and kissed my cheek before dancing back again. “Thanks, snook.” He went to the kitchen and grabbed some bowls from the cupboard. “I made veggie dumplings. They’re in the steamer, but I’ve also got miso hoikoro Japanese pork and cabbage stir-fry.” He stilled before facing me. “You do like that, right? I should have asked what you like. Shit.”
My heart hammered into my ribs.
“You made this?”
“Yeah. I like cooking. Though, I really would employee Wolf’s chefs if he wanted to get rid of them.”
He’d cooked.
This man who traded in guns, women, and drugs had been at home thinking of me and what I would like for dinner.
Swallowing thickly, I glanced away and said, “I like this dish.” It was one of my favourites.
“Awesome. How many dumplings you want on the side?”
“Whatever you give me.” I pressed a hand to my swirling stomach and watched him dish me up the food.
His large, tattooed hands were works of art and meant to be admired.
I could admit to myself that I wouldn’t mind seeing them glide over my body.
