Page 10 of Queen of Spades

“Yeah, but he had a nice dick.” Grady chuckles. “I remember you raving about it. We’ll get him a muzzle, so he can’t speak.”

“You’re bad.” My fingers dig into his long-sleeve security T-shirt as he grins.

The aching in my chest is a reminder of part of the reason why I haven’t let things progress further between us.

Omegas pick up on the feelings and emotions of those around us.

Grady and I are highly compatible on a biological level, meaning I can pick out his emotions even more than normal. He always plays it off like it doesn’t bother him that we have to bring in other alphas to ride out my heat, but I know it bothers both of us.

It’s got to be a real mind fuck for him, and it’s completely unfair. Especially because I would murder any woman he hooked up with.

My brother was clearly right when he called me out for being more like our family than I was willing to admit.

I know I’m selfish.

I let Grady get close, even with the risks it could pose to his life if one of my family’s enemies found me.

It’s not just the Andrettis.

I was just so tired of being alone. But even now, it’s like I can’t fully let my walls down.

“How about we wrap up things here, and I meet you at your place?” he asks, brushing his lips over mine. “I’ve got the file in my truck.”

I grunt, shaking my head. “I don’t want to have to think about that yet.”

“We know we can’t avoid it, so we might as well make a plan before it’s an emergency.” He’s ever the voice of reason.

It doesn’t make me hate the reality of it any less.

“I’m exhausted. I think I’m going to head home and call it a night.”

He immediately releases me, stepping back and giving a clipped nod. “No problem, Anni Girl.”

Is it wrong that I wish he wasn’t so good at respecting my wishes?

I’d like to see him tell me, too bad, but I’m climbing into your bed one way or another.

Even I can admit, I’m a pain in the ass.

Chapter Two

Grady

Annika is as stubborn as they come, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that’s one of the things that drew me to her so completely.

I never expected to feel the pull toward an omega.

Hell, I spent the better part of thirty years on this earth and never once saw the appeal.

Not until Anni.

She’s feisty but tenderhearted.

It’s a combination that works so well for her, I haven’t figured out how to fight the draw.

Not that I really tried all that hard.

She’s stunning and not afraid to stick up for herself, but not too independent to ask for help when she needs it.

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