His eyes widen in shock, and just as he starts to relax, I step toward him again. “On one condition. You don’t ever say Luna’s name. You don’t talk to her, you don’t come see her, you don’t even think about her.” I lean in and whisper, “I’ve killed men for less than what I saw you do today, and I’m promising you that if I hear you’re around her again, I will end you.”
The man is holding his breath, and I hover over him. “Do you understand?”
He nods quickly. “Yes, sir, Mr. Kingston.”
I pull the cat out of my jacket, and Leo looks up at me like he’s bored with the whole conversation too. “Leave,” I tell the man.
He walks quickly away, and I take a breath, trying to calm myself before I turn to face Luna. I don’t want her to see the monster I can be.
CHAPTER 2
LUNA
I watch my landlord leave, waiting for Cole to turn around. I can’t believe Cole Kingston is standing before me. I’ve heard of him. Heck, I’ve heard of the whole family, but I’ve also heard that you don’t mess with them. And somehow, I just got all tangled up with the mafia king's son.
I muster up confidence that I’m not feeling and walk over to him, leaving Stone standing on the edge of the sidewalk. I look into Cole’s black eyes. “What just happened?”
He strokes his big tattooed hand down Leo’s back, and the traitorous cat purrs even louder. “I just bought the building.”
My heart is racing. “Why?”
He’s not used to being questioned, that much is obvious. I wait for him to tell me it’s none of my business, but he surprises me. “So you won’t have to deal with that asshole anymore.”
My heart is literally hammering in my chest. “But why? You don’t know me.”
He takes a step forward. His manly scent surrounds me, and my feet are cemented in place. He brushes a stray strand loose from my high ponytail, tucking it gently away from my face. My body trembles at the brief touch, and I bite my lip.
He tilts his head. “I thought this would make you happy.”
I stare into Cole’s black orbs. He’s not just watching me; it’s like he’s devouring me with his eyes, and my nipples harden from his heated gaze. I shake my head, trying to break the connection. “You can’t buy me. I’m not for sale.”
He takes a step toward me, his chest against mine, the cat cradled between us. I suck in a breath on contact. Being this close to him messes with all my senses, and I freeze, looking up at him.
He leans his head down, and his voice is huskier now. “I’m not trying to buy you. I’m making sure you’re safe.”
I clench my hands and step back. “I don’t have money for rent.”
He shrugs. “I don’t want your money.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Well, what do you want?”
A slow smile forms on his face, and he glances down my body and back up again. I should feel dirty or upset or something, but all I feel is hot… in all the wrong places. There’s a pull in my lower belly, and I stutter out the words almost breathlessly. “Like I said, I’m not for sale.”
I wish I could say I said it with confidence, but it comes out more of a question than anything. The smirk never leaves his face, and I see the challenge in his eyes. He strokes Leo’s back slowly. “I didn’t ask you for anything. I bought the building.” He looksbehind us to the brick building. “Is the animal shelter the only occupant?”
I shake my head. “There’s a small apartment too.”
His head jerks back to me. “An apartment? Tell me you don’t live there,” he demands.
I lift my chin. “I live there.”
His face falls, and I see the judgment on his face. Instantly on the defense, I put my hands on my hips. “You arrogant ass… Not everyone has money like you do and?—”
He steps toward me and puts a big, tattooed hand on my shoulder. I see the black lines peeking out his sleeve and the neck of his collar. It makes me want to unbutton his shirt just so I can see the intricate designs, but I fist my hands instead. I’m being crazy now. I’m not going to be undressing Cole Kingston.
His hand slides from my shoulder to the side of my neck. “What was that look? Your cheeks are red. What are you thinking about?”
I feel the heat on my face, but instead of answering, I shake my head.
