I remember the way his mother told me she can’t control him, that he doesn’t listen to her. I’ve heard the way Fabien treats him with kid gloves, like he’s a bomb about to detonate. I’ve evenseen fearless, ballsy Lyam retreat and give him space when he needs it.
Like… now.
And here I am, hidden in a club that may as well be his lair, falling for a man who’s tortured, maimed, and killed people in the name of loyalty and justice. Everyone with half a brain fears him, and yet I’ve jumped into the man’sbed.
“Thayer.”
“Be quiet.”
I clamp my lips shut because I’m thinking this might not be the best time to pick a battle.
Large men, clearly bodyguards capable of inflicting some serious damage, step aside to let us pass. He holds the chain to my collar in his hand. I half forgot about that but remember it vividly when a quick tug tightens the metal at my neck.
The crowds part and hide like they’re running to take cover from an impending volcanic eruption.
And finally, we’re alone.
I don’t know what to expect from him. He’s a savage and he’s ruthless, but hell if that doesn’t make me want him even more. I don’t know why my brain behaves the way it does, but I can’t seem to stop myself.
I want more of him. With every frown, my heart beats faster. With every searing glance, I crave his touch. Thayer Gerard is a tornado, but I know—I’m safe within the eye of the storm.
Or am I?
He opens the door to his room without a word and brings me inside. I stand. My feet planted on either side of me, waiting, while he locks the door and turns to face me.
“I didn’t mean?—”
But I did mean. I’m not going to lie. I shake my head and rephrase.
“I wanted to know.”
Thayer breathes heavily, like a dragon about to blast his fiery breath and burn down full cities. “I know.”
I pause, unsure of how to respond.
“Then why didn’t you askme?” he asks, genuine curiosity in his tone. “I would’ve told you everything.”
I swallow, unsure of how to proceed. “I wanted to talk to my sister. I wanted her opinion.”
He cocks his head at me. “Is that how you make your decisions, Savannah? By committee?”
Ouch.
“There’s a difference between asking my trusted sister who’s practically my guardian for her opinion and asking acommittee.”
“Is there?”
I scowl right back at him, determined to make my point. “Of course there is. My sister and Fabien expressed concern about me being taken into your care and I wanted to know why.”
He takes a step closer to me and grabs my chin, not harshly, but not gently.
“Did you?”
I swallow. “I did.”
“You knew why. You’ve seen who I am. You know what I like. Your questions have nothing to do with me and everything to do withyou.”
What?
