Page 78 of Power of Shadow

“What are you not telling me?” I rest my hands on my hips.

She gasps and blinks several times. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Not a word do I say about having already figured out that her blinking gives her away. It may seem like a minor detail, but I know.

“Don’t mess with me, baby girl, or you might not like the consequences,” I threaten, taking a step closer.

She immediately stands up straight in a defiant gesture. “Let’s get something straight, Ryker. You’re not my boss. Is that clear?”

I love the fire she shows every time she stands her ground. She doesn’t buy my bullshit, and I like that too.

We’re a twisted couple.

The corners of my mouth curl into a smile. “I hope I see those same claws when you’re in my bed.”

Her response is prompt. “I hope you’re not attached to the skin I’m going to scratch with these claws.”

“My back is begging for your attention.”

Ash snorts and shakes her head. “You’re a master of manipulation.”

“Right after you, love. Getting back to work, I treat you as an equal, not a sub. The question is, do you see me in the same way? If you have secrets you’re keeping from me, how am I supposed to take that?” I raise my head, watching her reaction closely.

“You don’t tell me everything either, and do you see me jumping to your throat? No, I have a hunch about that lake house, but when I get more information, I’ll tell you about it. That’s all you need to know for now,” she blurts out and turns away.

My stomach twists. I don’t like it when she walks away from me. My obsession kicks in.

I grab her arm, turn her to face me, and step forward, guiding her until her back hits the wall. Pressing her against it with my hips, I form a cage with my arms so that my little bird can’t fly away.

“I trust you. If you’re going to ask Alex for help behind my back, you’d better think again.”

Ash’s eyes widen and her mouth opens. “Are you jealous?” she asks softly, clearly not believing her own ears. Even as a deadly assassin, Ash is adorable. How is that even possible?

“You have no idea. Don’t take this lightly, or blood will spill in the streets.”

Ash contemplates my words for a moment. Her hard expression softens and she smiles lazily. “I’m not planning on meeting Alex. I have someone else who can help me with that.” A warning growl escapes my throat, so she quickly adds, “Relax. It’s a woman.”

At times, I don’t recognize who I’m becoming around this woman. This is fresh territory for me.

Our lips collide in a crushing kiss. Ash’s hands wander and grab the back of my head. Meanwhile, I slide my tongue into her mouth, craving the taste of her, the softness of her tongue. Grabbing her hips, I lift her up, and she wraps her legs around my waist. It’s no secret that I’m constantly hard for her, and she must feel me getting harder with every second because she moans.

My teenage years are long behind me, yet that’s how I feel when I get a hard-on every day at the mere thought of this woman.

Ash’s lips break away from mine and travel to my neck. She loves to bite, and that turns her on even more. God, the urge to slide into her and fuck her until we’re both too exhausted to move is overwhelming.

Why am I denying us this? Because I want a relationship with her, not a quick fuck against a musty wall. I want to keep her. And after today’s dream, my determination has grown even stronger.

Pulling away, I let her feet touch the ground. I make sure she’s standing steady. Ash’s dilated pupils show how high she is; her cheeks are rosy, her lips swollen and bright red. Jesus Christ.

“I hate you,” she whispers and for a moment, I share her loathing for myself.

“That’s not true. And even if it were, I’d fuck that hatred out of you.”

“Yeah, right. Will you do that before I get gray hair? Or are you one of those who tease because they have little to offer? Size isn’t everything if you can last a whole thirty seconds—”

Speed is my advantage as I turn her around and pin her against the wall a second time. Kicking her ankles, I spread her legs and stand between them. Let her feel my hard cock pressing against her.

“You really like testing my patience, my Little Killer,” I hiss into her ear, and she shivers. Her rapid breathing is like music. “Think what you want, but know that you’ll take it all back and beg me for more. I’m not saying this to sound confident. This is a promise. This is a warning. It’s inevitable. Be prepared.”