Corbin shook his head. “No, the sheriff is out in the woods. I got the call about the fire. It’s already out; doesn’t look like there’s too much damage.”
“What the fuck is Dec doing in the woods?”
I looked around the room. All my men were here, and Zeus’ men. All but one. When I saw Kyllian talking to Banshee, I looked for Ravage. Him, Eros, Indigo, and Firestride were all absent.
“Where the fuck is my brother?”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Grace
The door closed softly; the barely perceptible snick of the mechanism filled the room like a gunshot.
What the fuck did I just do?
I sat up, holding the sheet against my naked body, and looked around the room. It was the largest room in the clubhouse. Resembling a small efficiency apartment, more than a bedroom.
Aside from the king-size bed, nightstand, and dresser, there was a leather couch, a large flat-screen TV, and a counter along the far wall over a mini-fridge. A small sink was set into the counter and what looked like some kind of small countertop-size oven or air fryer.
None of it looked used.
I stared at the pile of clothing on the floor. There was no turning back now. I brought my knees up to secure my elbows as I grabbed my head.
I was so fucking stupid. When King threw me over his shoulder, I knew exactly where he was taking me and exactly what would happen when we got here.
And I let it happen.
In fact, I craved it. I’d been waiting years for this day. The smell of sex permeated the air, and I hated myself for it. I knew it would be amazing. And somehow, somewhere deep inside, I’d expected him to walk out as soon as we were done.
I also knew I wasn’t being fair. I’d heard what Joey said. The strip club was on fire. Of course, the president of the club that owned The Shadow Box had to be notified. And of course, he would have to leave and check on his business and employees.
But it didn’t mean I had to like it.
I wouldn’t blame him for it, though; it was out of his control. And I hated myself for being angry. I didn’t want to be selfish, but I’d wanted him for so damn long.
It’s my fault really, I thought to myself as I climbed out of bed and walked to the bathroom. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I should have said no, but again, I was being selfish.
I wanted to feel him inside me. I wanted him to make me his. But was I really? He’d called me his old lady, but he hadn’t said a word to me. It didn’t matter anyway. He’d said it himself; nothing had changed.
I used the bathroom and dressed quickly. I left his room and hurried downstairs to mine. Locking the door behind me, I stripped off the dirty clothes and left them in a pile. Turning on the shower, I waited for the water to warm up, and then I stood under the stream and cried.
I didn’t know how long I stood there before the shower curtain slid open, and King stepped in beside me. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me against his warm chest.
“You could have showered in my room.”
“I didn’t have any clean clothes.” It was an excuse. I couldn’t tell him I had to leave. I’d had to get away from his things. His scent was everywhere in his room, and it was swallowing me whole.
“You don’t need any fucking clothes, baby.”
He kissed the side of my neck, and I closed my eyes, leaning back into him. I never wanted to leave his embrace. This was where I wanted to live. After so much wasted time, I was finally here, and I couldn’t even let myself enjoy it.
Because nothing has changed.
His hand traveled up my belly until it covered my breast. He squeezed it in his hand, lifting it and pinching the nipple before moving to the other side as his other hand dipped down between my legs.
“Are you sore?” he asked as he gently trailed his fingers over my sex. I shook my head—no, and his index finger gently probed me until I had no choice but to spread my feet apart, giving him access.
“That’s my girl,” he whispered, and I heard the smile in his voice. A shiver ran through me knowing I had pleased him. I was such a fool. I’d have thought I would have learned something from my mother’s life. But here I was, living the same one she had until we had to run.
