Page 54 of Pawn

“Until you came along.” My grip releases from one of her wrists, moving a finger to her lips. I trace the outline with the tip of my finger like I do with my cock. “Lea felt threatened when you got close to Allie and even more threatened when you got close to me. You came into Eden and blew our whole shit up. Blew my whole life up.”

“Like with your dad? And Marion?” She nibbles on the inside of her cheek and I know her gears are turning I just can’t figure out what the fuck could be wrong? The last couple of weeks have been perfect. What’s changing now? “Things blow up when we’re together, Damien. And …”

“And what?” Don’t break my heart again, Medusa. Don’t you fucking dare.

“I’m scared,” she whispers against my lips. “I’m scared of another tragedy. I’m scared of getting lost in your world. Collateral damage in this King whirlwind.”

“You think you don’t scare me? You think I’m not risking a ton for this?” My hand slides down her side, gripping her waist. “You’re worth it, Jo. You’ve always been worth it.” Kissing her again, I make sure I reassure her. “You got that?” There’s a tear in her eye when I move my other hand off her wrist to take her face between my two fingers. Her cheeks squish in my hold. “You’re worth it, you hear me? Or do I gotta show you how serious I am?”

A smirk comes across her face and how can she think I’m the only devil in this room?

With her hands coming around my back, a sting where her nails dug into my skin, she gives me the green signal. “Show me,” she says, her legs wrapping around me so my cock sits at her entrance again. “Make me forget all my worries, King. My King.”

Well, shit. I’m a goner.

I spend the next few hours showing her that I’m her king, my cock thrusting her into more cries of pleasure. It’s carnage in my office, more scratches on my back, her ass print on my desk. We fuck like animals until the wee hours. Until we’re exhausted and passing out on my office floor.

Wild.

That’s exactly what it was and that’s exactly what I am. Wild.

About Jo.

* * *

It doesn’t take much to turn the King Mansion into a classy soiree.

Add a few waiters in bow ties with golden trays plus a guy in a penguin suit playing soft piano and you’ve got a party as classy as Bond.

By the time I make it downstairs, Jo is already greeting the other guests arriving, Isobel taking their coats. I nod their way, reaching into my blazer, pulling out two Cubans. Cigars.

Victor sits beside his wife on the white sofa in the living room, champagne in their hands. He has his money in a couple of buildings in The Grove and if I can get his blessing on my plan, it’ll help me win over the others on the board.

If this company is going to last the next few decades I need to right this ship and that’s not just because I like eating at Anansi’s Kitchen. That walk through The Grove with Jo opened my eyes. I don’t want to be the head of a corporation that crushes the little guys. I want to build them up — so we can both be filthy rich.

“Ah, Damien.” Victor holds out his hand when I’m a few feet away. His wife excuses himself and I stop to give her a hello on her way out. “Thank you for having us, I look forward to discussing your plans for my money.”

“Thanks for coming.”

Victor pauses, stroking at his chin. “I didn’t think you’d be jumping into your father’s shoes so soon. While I usually hop on the chance to do business with your dad, you’ll have to forgive me for wanting further discussion.”

“‘Cause I’m a kid?” I cock an eyebrow, trying to get a read on how serious this guy is about actually talking to me about a potential deal.

He chuckles, “No I—”

“Listen, if there’s a chance you’re not serious, Shay, then there’s no need for you to be here.”

This event was his idea when I proposed a rescheduling. With Eden’s elite in attendance, Victor leaving would mean more than having to let the dog out. His brows furrow before he gives me the edge I need. “I take my business very seriously, King. I don’t joke with my money.”

“Great.” I hold out the cigar, a taught smile on my face. “How about we talk out back? We can watch the spring come in under the heaters.” I don’t know what the fuck that means but my dad used to say it.

When I turn around, Jo’s standing in the foyer. I sneak a quick look at her ass but when my eyes follow her frame to her face, she looks a little lost. Her eyes stay fixed on one of the random paintings as if she hasn’t spent the last couple of months here.

The fuck is she doing?

“Is that your …” Victor’s voice trails like he doesn’t know what to call her.

I help him out. “My girl.” It’s like she can’t even hear us. Like she’s checked out. Turning towards the foyer, Victor follows me towards her. “Jo?”

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