Page 97 of Queen of Spades

I grimace. “How did you know about that?”

“I recognized her from the nationwide newscasts from a few years ago. I only hoped you had more intelligence than to be led around by your cock!”

“So, you knew why we were attacked in Vegas. Why play dumb?” I ask, spinning around to pace the living room.

“You didn’t come to me all those years ago when my former associates were bothering you. Do you think I’m stupid, Cassian? There are only so many for-hire individuals capable of taking out the Maxons. I’ve always known you owed someone a massive debt for that clusterfuck.”

“Enough,” I growl, swiping a hand over my face.

“Not even fucking close,” he says condescendingly. “You’re now tied to the vendetta the Andrettis have with the remaining members of the Cavanaugh family. I thought you wanted a different kind of life?”

God, even the sound of his voice is about to send me over the edge.

“Annika and I are in agreement. We want nothing to do with the kind of life you live.”

“So, you don’t want my assistance in removing the problem?”

I open my mouth, but no matter how much it stings my pride, I know my father has an army of his own. “I don’t want you to fight my battles for me, but if you want to help support your oldest son, then I’m not too proud to turn it down.”

“All you had to do was ask, Cassian.” My father chuckles darkly. “Enjoy your honeymoon.” He hangs up as I’m trying to comprehend what the hell just happened.

Does he somehow know about the falsely filed marriage certificate?

God.

My brain hurts.

I shove my cell phone into my pocket and turn around to head for the kitchen.

Annika leans in the doorway, watching me with a wrinkled brow. She’s still in the same oversized T-shirt that I think belongs to Grady or Kane.

Her head tilts as she smiles softly. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything is just fine.” I stride forward, pulling her into my arms. “Are you done down here?”

She nods and nuzzles her face to my chest. “Yeah.”

“Would you like to head back to the nest?”

“Aww, Cas, do you need a cuddle?”

I chuckle, shaking my head.

She’s very astute.

Or I’m a novice at blocking my emotions in the bond.

“I wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to snuggle with you.”

Annika has sporadic spikes of fever, combined with a desperate need for dick, throughout the evening.

We fall asleep together as a pack in the nest, but I’m not sure what time I wake up with her wiggling on my cock.

“Are you okay?” I ask, running my hand down her back.

She buries her face in my bare chest and groans.

I wait for a while, but when she doesn’t speak, I start to get anxious. “Annika, are you okay?”

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