It’s a whole new world. And I plan to fuck her into oblivion every chance I get while exploring just how limber and strong she really is.
That will come later, though.
Today, she’s meeting the family.
Jordan’s fingers weave between mine as I steer one-handed. My knuckles are still bruised from the altercation at Hearst’s estate.
I never drive like this. Everything drilled into me says to always keep two hands on the wheel. Always stay in complete control.
But I don’t let go.
Her fingers squeeze mine, and I glance over to see her waking up. Even with the seat belt on, she stretches like a cat. A wave starts at the neck and slides down her body all the way to her feet until her toes tap against the console in front of her.
Still, she keeps our hands entwined.
Then she blinks and smiles at me. Warm and sleepy.
I force myself to pay attention to the road, let the world roll out ahead. Soon enough, the compound comes into view.
Stone and iron rise from the manicured grounds and imitate warmth, a fortress pretending to be a home. I look at her, hungry for some tell. Does she recognize the threat? The power? The emptiness yawning behind the walls?
“What are you thinking?” With anyone else, I wouldn’t ask. With Jordan, I have to.
She angles toward me. Green eyes, sharp and clear, slide over me like glass catching morning light. “That your world is beautiful and terrifying. Like you. I expected more water features, to be honest.”
When I laugh, her eyes widen. But there’s no time for her to comment as I roll up to the gate and punch in the code.
She peers through the windows, craning her neck in all directions. “It’s as big and fortress-y as Mom’s estate.”
I almost laugh again. “Fortress-y?”
“Technical term.” She shoots me a wink that sends heat to my groin.
I glance at the compound again, suddenly seeing the structure the way she does.
She’s right. The Hearst estate and Roman’s compound are twins in purpose, if not in style. Both were built to keep the world out and to hide what’s inside.
But Hearst’s? That’s tighter. Smarter. Their security systems, with cameras I didn’t spot until my third pass and guards that move like they’ve trained for war, are on a different level. Roman’s setup is a toy in comparison.
We could use an overhaul. If Emil hasn’t already, I should bring that up with Igor or Mikhail.
“Your mother’s place has better security.” I realize how that might come across. Like I’m comparing cages and still scouring for the way out.
Her grip tightens. “Good to know. That means this place will be easy to sneak out of in case I need to make a run for it.” A low chuckle threads through the words. The kind that feels like a dare, like she’s already figured out the joke and is just waiting for me to catch up.
The guards track us as the driveway curves in a slow, deliberate arc toward the entrance, my tires crunching on the gravel.
I kill the engine. For a second, nothing moves. The heavy silence stretches tight. I don’t release her hand. I don’t want to let go. Don’t want to step out and become what I have to be behind these walls. But I promised her all of me. Even the parts forged in places like this.
“You ready?” My voice is steadier than I feel. I don’t think she’ll reject me because of what she discovers inside. At the very least, everyone knows how to use their manners.
Usually. Probably.
I hope Max isn’t here.
Am I worried that my family will look down on me for finding love?
The fact that I’m not sure fills me with anxiety.
