Chapter 2
RIKU
Maryam tries to pull away, but I just tighten my grip. “I can take care of myself,” she insists.
“Not happening.” I guide her through the halls of the compound, ignoring her protests. All I can think about is getting her somewhere safe. Somewhere I can get my hands on her…
A few of the men appear with reports, but I wave them off. My priority is the woman in my arms.
“This is ridiculous,” Maryam huffs. “I was fine.”
“You’re safer with me.”
“Says who?”
“Says the man who runs security for the entire Watanabe organization.” That shuts her up for a moment. I use the opportunity to pull her into my private office and lock the door.
She crosses her arms, drawing my attention to her perfect tits. “So what now? You’re just going to keep me prisoner?”
“If that’s what it takes to keep you safe.” I lean against my desk, drinking in the sight of her. Fuck, she’s gorgeous.
“Why would I be in danger?”
“Because you were there. You might have seen something without even realizing it.” I step closer, drawn to her like a magnet. “Because you’re mine to protect.”
Her eyes go wide. “Yours? I just met you!”
“And?” I’m close enough now to smell her perfume, to see the rapid rise and fall of her chest. “You feel it too. Don’t deny it.”
She bites her lip, and it takes everything in me not to claim that mouth right now. “You’re insane,” she whispers, but she doesn’t back away.
“Maybe.” I reach out to brush my thumb across her cheek. “But you’re still staying with me.”
* * *
MARYAM
Okay, this man is officially crazy. Hot as fuck, but absolutely nuts. And the worst part? My body isn’t getting the memo about how insane this situation is. Every time he touches me, every time his dark eyes lock on mine, I feel like I’m going to combust.
“You can’t just decide I’m yours,” I argue, trying to maintain some sanity. “That’s not how things works.”
“It is with me.” His voice drops lower, sending shivers down my spine. “You know what they call me?”
“The Serpent,” I breathe out.
A dangerous smile curves his lips. “And do you know why?”
I shake my head, mesmerized by how his massive body moves as he gets even closer.
His hand slides to my waist, and my traitor body leans into his touch. “I strike fast, I strike hard, and I always get what I want.”
“And what do you want?” The words slip out before I can stop them.
“You.” Just one word, but it’s filled with so much heat and promise that my knees go weak. “Every.” His lips brush my ear. “Single.” His other hand tangles in my hair. “Inch.”
“Riku…” It comes out as a whimper, and I feel his body tense in response.
“Say it again.” His grip tightens.
“What?”
“My name.” He pulls back just enough to stare into my eyes. “I want to hear you say it again.”
“Riku,” I whisper, and his control snaps.
His mouth crashes onto mine, and holy hell, this is nothing like any kiss I’ve ever had. It’s possessive, hungry, almost desperate. Like he’s been starving for me his whole life. His tongue slides against mine, and I moan, my hands grabbing onto his broad shoulders just to stay upright.
Riku growls - actually growls - and suddenly my feet leave the ground. He sits me on his desk, stepping between my thighs, his big hands gripping my hips. I should be freaking out. Should be pushing him away and running for the door. Instead, I wrap my legs around his waist and pull him closer.
“Fuck,” he groans against my lips. “You taste even better than I imagined.”
“You’ve been imagining this?” I gasp as his mouth moves to my neck.
“Since the second I saw you.” His teeth graze my skin, making me shiver. “Been thinking about all the ways I want to make you mine.”
His hands slide up my sides, thumbs brushing the sides of my breasts, and it’s like every nerve ending in my body lights up at once. “Riku…”
“Tell me you feel it too,” he demands, pulling back to look into my eyes. “Tell me it isn’t just me.”
I should lie. Should play it cool. But with his dark eyes burning into mine, his hard body pressed against me, I can’t think straight enough to be anything but honest.
“It’s not just you.”
His answering smile is devilish. “Good girl.”
I’m so fucking screwed!