Chapter 12
CHAPTER TWELVE
Malice
I couldn’t believe she was right fucking here in front of me and nothing like I’d imagined. I’d done a lot of picturing too. At first, she’d been almost shy, but now she was showing her fire, and I goddamn liked it.
Tipping her chin up at me, she waited for my answer.
I could give it, but I wanted her to sweat a little and see what she’d do or say next.
So instead, I crossed my arms and admired her gorgeous copper locks, which bounced as she dropped her head back with a sigh.
When she straightened and placed her hands on her full hips, she narrowed those bright emerald eyes on me.
My new favorite shade of green.
This woman was so different from the type of woman I usually went for.
But my attraction had already grown in the short time I’d been in her presence.
This was dangerous.
She was dangerous—especially because she didn’t behave the way women usually did around me.
Most tried to manipulate me in a subtle ways, using their bodies to get what they wanted. It only ever raised my hackles and made me do the opposite, just to remind them who was in control.
But with my doll, I liked the fire burning inside her. I liked that she wasn’t afraid of who I was—or what I ruled.
She was… refreshing.
The only thing she’d asked for was my trust.
No jewelry, house, or car.
It was me who offered her money, just so I could keep her close.
And now she would be even closer.
Her cheeks heated after my long appraisal. “Malice,” she said softly, biting her plump bottom lip.
Fuck, I’d love to take it between my teeth.
My hands itched to touch her.
To run my blood-stained palms, from all the lives I’d taken over the years, over her beautiful body. Then I’d wrap her long locks in my hand and pull her head back to hold her eyes. She’d know exactly who was right in front of her.
Owning her.
In more ways than an employer did an employee.
But that wouldn’t come yet. If at all. If I took her as my woman, the risk to her life would increase significantly.
So why are you moving her?
Because she was mine to possess. No one else would have her skills, her time, her.
Yeah, I was a selfish bastard when it came to my possessions.
“I’ll make sure no one will touch your office.”
A throat cleared. “Well, hell, bitch.”
Gwen spun around to face her friend, giving her wide eyes, the other woman nodded in return.
What was their secret nonverbal conversation about?
Her friend walked closer to Gwen, saying, “Now I know everything’s okay, I’m going to go home.”
Gwen glanced at me. “Should Stasia come with us?”
“Hell no,” Stasia said. “No offense, but I’ll be fine in my own place. I’m in an apartment building on the top floor, which makes me safer.”
I nodded.
Her friend blew out a relieved breath and stood in front of Gwen.
Gwen pulled her into a tight hug. “I’m sorry our trip got cut short.”
“Girl, it’s no stress. Family’s safety first. Besides, I still had a blast. Best thirtieth I could’ve asked for. Well, excluding the ending part,” she said with a laugh.
Gwen grinned. “Love you, girl. And happy birthday one last time, Stasia.”
She kissed Gwen on the cheek. “Love you too.” Then she moved off to hug and kiss the rest of Gwen’s family. Obviously, they were all close.
I noticed Torment watching every step she took.
As she approached my direction, I asked, “Stasia, was it?”
She nodded, then shrugged. “It’s actually Anastasia, but yeah, call me Stasia.”
Before I could say anything, Torment cut me off. “Anastasia. Oh, I like it. Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.”
Stasia sighed. “Not happening, player.”
“Not a golden retriever?” Gwen commented, making Stasia laugh.
“Exactly, girlfriend.”
“The fuck does that mean?” Torment demanded.
Having enough of this chitchat, I said, “Stasia. Torment will give you a ride home.”
She waved her phone in her hand. “I’ll get an Uber, thanks.”
“No. You’ll go with Torment. It’s late. Everyone needs sleep, and we’re not waiting for one to show up.”
Her lips thinned, but she looked at the exhausted children. “Okay,” she said. After a final hug and kiss goodbye, she made her way to the front door. With a flick of her wrist, she called back to Torment, “Come on, then.”
Torment grinned and eagerly followed her out without another word.
“Reaper, I’ll meet you back at the community. I’m taking Gwen and her family in one of the vehicles. Make sure no one enters Gwen’s office.”
Reaper grunted before he walked out. He would see to the men next door.
“Malice, save your assistant from getting my overnight things. I can grab a bag while I’m here,” Greg said as Gwen helped him to stand.
I nodded, and while I waited, I pulled out my phone to message Veronica, ordering her to get things for Gwen and the others only.
Amelia and Felix watched me while Gwen went to help Greg pack.
I looked up at them. “What size are you all?”
Felix rattled them off, and when I cocked a brow, he simply said, “I help do the washing and fold clothes.”
“And shop online,” Amelia said as she moved from the floor to sit on the couch.
“Can I ask something?” Felix suddenly said.
“Yes,” I replied after I sent the message off. Veronica had better have everything there by the time I told her, or I’d be furious. I paid people well to get things done instantly.
My lips twitched at the thought of Gwen telling me about her trip and how I didn’t have much of a choice but to accept it.
“Since we helped Gwen give in to moving, can you swear on your life that you’ll keep her safe from anyone else wanting her to work for them?”
Did he not realize I was probably the worst of them?
“I know you’re not… good,” he quickly added.
“But I’ve already seen the lengths you’ll go to help her.
Means you can’t be too bad for her.” He glanced at Amelia.
“We just want our sister safe and not working so hard to where we don’t see her for days.
She thinks she needs to exhaust herself to give us everything, but we just want her to slow down and enjoy life. ”
Amelia nodded.
Obviously, they’d seen the connection I felt for their sister, and they were using it in every way possible.
“She’ll work for no one else, and I’ll make sure she doesn’t work as hard as she used to.”
Felix nodded. “Thanks.”
Amelia pointed at me. “But remember, if you hurt her, Felix will—” Felix pressed his hand over his sister's mouth.
He dropped his hand and glared at Amelia just as we heard Greg and Gwen approaching.
When they rounded the corner, I said, “Let’s go.”
We made our way outside to the vehicle parked in the driveway. I went to the passenger door and opened it. “Gwen.”
“I think Greg should sit up the front. He’s injured.”
“No.”
Her gaze narrowed. “No? He’s sore, Malice. Sitting in the back, all squished in next to everyone won’t do him any good.”
“Oh, look, there’s two rows in the back,” Felix commented before he climbed in, and Amelia followed him to the very back row.
Gwen snapped her lips closed. “Well, I guess since he’s going to have a seat to himself, it’s fine.”
“How gracious of you,” I teased.
She rubbed her cheek with her middle finger. “Come on, Greg. I’ll help you in.”
Once everyone was seated comfortably in the car, I started the engine and pulled onto the street. Silence settled within as we drove. Gwen stared out the window, her leg bouncing. She kept playing with the hem of her dress that sat just above her knees.
Her nerves were back.
Was it the adrenaline of the night wearing off or the silence? Could it be from being next to me in the car?
My lips twitched, hoping it was me.
Glancing in the rearview mirror, I noticed the exhaustion had won out. The kids and Greg had drifted off.
Reaching over, I rested my hand on hers, causing her to still before looking over at me.
“They’re safe and asleep,” I told her.
She relaxed under my touch before nodding. “Right.”
I removed my hand, placed it back on the wheel with the other, and tightened my hold. There was a need in me to touch her again. I was already annoyed at how far this woman had crawled under my skin.
I was also curious to see how she handled living next door to me.
My cock twitched.
Christ.
“Thanks again, Malice.”
“Baby, no more thanks. I’ll protect you and your family as long as you’re under my reign.”
Seriously, I would slit anyone’s throat if they fucked with her or anyone she loved.
“As long as we’re under your reign? What, do you plan to get rid of me?”
Anger flashed through me, and I strangled the wheel at the thought of her leaving.
Made me want to go on a slaughtering spree.
“You’re never leaving,” I said sharply.
When I glanced over, I caught her smirk and eyeroll.
She thought I was joking.
It was probably for the best that she didn’t know just how far I would go to make sure she stayed with me.
Only me.
She shoved at my thigh and said lightly, “Right, because you’ll lock me away if I ever try to.”
Yes. “Don’t tempt me.”
Her cheeks flushed before she snorted. “All right, boss man.”
We sit in silence for a few beats, until I asked, “So, how was your time off?”
“Time off—is that what we’re calling it now?”
“Yes.”
“I thought time off meant no contact with employers, but I seem to recall us talking every day while you barked at me that there wasn’t a new job.”
She wasn’t wrong. But there was no fucking way I was going to let her wander around Vegas with no contact every damn day.
“But,” she added quietly.
“Hmm?” I glanced over.
She yawned and rested her head back. A small smile played on her lips. Eyes closing, she said, “We had fun.”
Sleep took her under as a soft sound fell from her parted lips.
I couldn’t help but keep glancing over at her. I never wanted to take my eyes off her again.