27. Him
HIM
I’M GONNA GET WHAT’S MINE
He wasn’t supposed to take her out of the fucking city.
She’s ours.
A low growl builds deep in my chest. My monster rages, surging like a storm that refuses to be contained.
Closing my eyes, I inhale deeply and press my palms flat against the desk. We can’t lose our shit here. No. No one can see us—not the real us. I have to stay diligent, keep this facade in place until I get home. Until I’m back in our safe place.
When I’m confident the hurricane inside me won’t bleed into my voice, I pick up the phone and dial the one person who can get me what I want.
“Good evening, sir. How can I help you?”
“I need an address.” I pull the letter opener from its gilded holder and press my thumb against the blade, watching as crimson pools at the tip.
“Yes, of course, sir. For whom?”
“Maverick Rhodes. He’s part of the RPD-FBI Task Force.”
And he’s in my goddamned way.
“An official request, sir?”
“No,” I snap, setting the letter opener down and sucking the blood from my skin. “I need to speak with him regarding a different matter.”
It’s taking everything I have not to unleash my fury. How dare he question me? He’s beneath me. He does what I ask—when I ask. Without question.
“Understood, sir. I’ll have it on your desk by tomorrow morning.” His voice quavers, but he recovers, waiting for me to end the call.
“Make it your priority,” I command before slamming the phone down.
Playing this role is exhausting. I’m surrounded by peasants. Gullible peasants who are all too easy to manipulate—too blind to see me.
I stand and straighten my tie. It’s been too long since we’ve had a release. We waited. Wanted to save ourselves for her again. To revel in the warmth of her skin.
But we can’t wait anymore.
Slipping on my suit jacket, I adjust my Rolex and leave the office, walking with purpose to the elevator.
It’s when I step outside that I see her. Dark hair swaying behind her in the wind, her face glued to her phone. From her profile, she could satisfy us. Her beauty is close enough to Clara’s—not quite, but close.
We can’t afford to be too choosy tonight .
I let the glass doors close behind me and follow this new beauty to her destination.
Ducking into the coffee shop behind her, I quicken my pace until I’m just ahead—close enough for her to run into me.
“Oh! I’m so sorry!” Beauty nearly drops her phone as she stumbles back. Her dark brown eyes meet mine and widen with recognition, sending a chill down my spine—and blood to my cock.
I reach out and steady her by the waist, my touch light—for now. Reluctantly, I let go.
“Oh my goodness. I am so, so sorry,” she repeats.
Mmm. That voice. Sweet as sugar.
Does she taste sweet, too?
I flash my famous smile and extend my arm, gesturing for her to take her place in line ahead of me. “It’s quite all right. Are you okay?”
She shakes her head, stepping behind me as we inch toward the counter. “No, no. You were here first,” she says shyly. “And I’m okay. Thank you.”
“No thanks needed,” I respond, winking before turning toward the menu.
I wait for it.
It always comes.
Three.
Two.
One.
“Getting your caffeine fix before you head home?” she asks. “I need one, too. It’s been a long day.”
There it is .
I turn just enough to meet her gaze, offering her another well-practiced smile. We know how to play this game.
“A long day, indeed. Sadly, mine’s not over quite yet. The caffeine’s to get me through a few more hours.”
“Oh, that sucks. I’m Marie, by the way.” She offers her hand.
“Nice to meet you, Marie,” I say, gently encasing her hand in mine.
“Can I buy your drink? It’s the least I can do for bumping into you.”
“What kind of gentleman would I be if I let you pay for my coffee?”
At the counter, I place my order. When the barista asks if that’s all, I nod toward Marie. “Add hers to my tab.”
By the time I reach the Pick Up counter, Marie has followed. I want to watch her hips sway, but I force myself to wait. To be patient.
“You didn’t have to do that, you know.”
Her voice.
I want to hear how she sounds when she screams.
“I didn’t have to. I wanted to. Headed home now, Marie?”
“Sure am, thank God. The caffeine will keep me company on my walk.”
“You’re walking?”
“Well, to the bus stop first. Then I’ll walk the rest of the way. It’s not too far.”
“No family to give you a ride? ”
“Oh, no. I just moved here not too long ago. Fresh start, you know?”
“That I do.”
Our drinks are called. I grab them both, handing hers over with just enough of a touch to make our fingers meet.
“I was planning to work from home the rest of the evening,” I say casually. “I’d be happy to give you a ride, if you’d like.”
“I wouldn’t want to impose.” She shifts on her feet, hesitant. Tempted.
“I wouldn’t have offered if it were an imposition, Marie.”
“Well,” she says, eyes lifting to meet mine before flicking toward the window and the downtown chaos outside, “only if it wouldn’t be out of your way.”
Sometimes, it pays to be known in the city.
They think they can trust me.
But this one won’t realize her mistake until it’s far too late.
And tonight, my monster has plans—a message to send.