“You’re a billionaire, you can get more.”
Seriously, the man could buy anything he wanted. And he did if memory served.
“I don’t want more. I need those. Now, just fucking hand them over and no one has to get hurt.”
“Interesting.” Clea mused aloud, wondering what he’d need with her earrings specifically. “Now you threaten bodily harm. You know,” She pulled a forty from the saddlebag, slipping the safety off. “I think my friend has the right idea.”
She lifted her firearm, aiming at Kluge’s bodyguard and shaking her head as Kluge lost his shit and stumbled backward.
“Don’t even think about Muscles.” she warned, knowing the goon was about to pull another weapon. “We’re all just going to go our separate ways and pretend like this never happened, aren’t we, Jeff?”
“You fucking bitch.” He smoothed his suit coat. “Why can’t you just give me the damn earrings?”
“Because they’re mine. I’ve grown rather partial to them. After all, it was their brilliant gleam that got me through that horrible ordeal in Seattle. You remember that one, don’t you? The time I told you we were done, and you locked me up and refused to let me leave?” Fucking bastard and his biometric locks. “Talk about domestic abuse. I could haveyouarrested.”
At least he had the grace to pale at her comment, but the terror in his eyes probably had more to do with Blaze’s low growl than anything else.
“Lower your weapon.” Blaze ordered Muscles, keeping his piece trained on Kluge. “Sounds like the lady has a claim, and I’ll back her. At your detriment if need be, but it doesn’t have to go like that.”
Kluge’s eyes darted between her and Blaze, and Clea could just see him mentally struggling over what to do.
“Fine,” he huffed, straightening his tie and calling off his goon. “But this isn’t over, Aëtos. You owe me—”
“I owe you nothing. Especially not after all the shit you put me through.”
“Best you be heading out.” Blaze gruffed, motioning with his gun.
She and Blaze covered the assholes as they loaded into their ride. And they kept their forties high as Muscles pulled the SUV alongside them with the window down.
“I’ll be seeing you.” Kluge hissed at her as they rolled by.
Great, more threats.
Clea didn’t give him the satisfaction of a response. She just lifted her chin and lowered her weapon, knowing Blaze had her covered. She didn’t know what Kluge wanted with her earrings, but she sure as hell wasn’t going to just hand them over.
“Have a nice day, Kluge.” She called after the SUV as it turned onto the highway.
“It’s Kluge.” He shouted back, making Clea chuckle.
God, that never got old.
9
Well,thissucked.
Asher stared at the bedroom bench, marveling at the care Duchess had taken with his treasures. Every single piece he’d adorned her with was laid out beautifully, as though on display.
Well, almost every one.
His black gold and black diamond bracelet was missing. She’d left her hair tie in its place.
And fuck him, but he didn’t even mind. He’d loved the way the dark gems had glittered against her fair skin last night and the thought of her wearing something of his out in the world lit him up inside in a curious way.
And how messed up was that?
She’d stolen from him and here he was getting all sappy about it.
Daydreaming about the way his gems and gold had caressed her perfect skin as she’d cried out his name in pleasure. About how fucking incredible she’d looked adorned in his jewels. His heart actually physically ached at the loss of her, the longing to hold her again nearly overwhelming.
