Page 2 of King of Sinners

My body starts to hum in a way I’ve never felt before, like tendrils of electricity sparking all through me.

Casually leaning against the bar, he still conveys the sort of power that has my mouth going dry as my gaze moves down the long, hard length of him and then back up to his eyes.

And then he’s off the bar and moving toward us, our gazes still locked. I can barely breathe as he stalks closer.

His body has the natural sway of a lion crossing the savannah, or some other supreme predator that I can’t think of because my brain has ceased working. An ache starts between my legs.

Leo’s hand grasps my elbow, his body moving close to mine, as his lips come to my ear. “We should get out of here.”

I don’t answer, unable to look away, unable to form words. He gives my elbow a tug, causing me to lose my balance in the heels I’m wearing. My dress is knee length, I was going for less available with the length, but it keeps me from being able to widen my stance and I’m falling before I can correct.

Another hand grabs my waist and just like that, I’m straight again. I’m tall for a woman but I’m craning my neck, my chin lifting as I meet Mason’s gaze again.

He’s even better up close. The jaw, the cheekbones, the slash of his brows and the perfect tousled wave of his dark hair.

There is a slight crook in his nose, but it doesn’t come off as a flaw. No, it only makes him look more masculine.

His hand is still at my waist as he quirks a single brow. “Shorter heels next time?”

I know it’s not the heels but the alcohol, but I only give a nod. “Thank you,” I murmur, licking my lips in my nervousness.

“My pleasure,” he answers, his eyes locked on my tongue. I quickly pull it back in my mouth, heat climbing up my throat.

“What do you want, Mason?” Leo sounds pissed. Can’t say I blame him. I haven’t been able to tear my eyes away from his brother. It’s the reason I need to find some strength and end this date.

“I want you to take Charlotte and go.”

“Where?”

“Anywhere,” Mason answers, an ominous note creeping into his voice. “Just not here.”

“Why?”

But Mason doesn’t get a chance to answer. From behind us the lights flicker and then a blast like a gunshot fills the air.

In a second, I’m crushed to Mason’s chest, my body wrapped in his powerful arms. A scream escapes my lips as I burrow into him.

“Close your eyes,” Mason whispers in my ear. Or is he yelling? The noise around is deafening. “And don’t open them.”

I do as he commands, not asking why in this moment, just glad for the protection of his large, powerful frame.

“What the fuck was that?” Leo bellows at his brother.

“Trouble,” Mason answers. “Keep those eyes closed, Charlotte.” And then I’m being lifted into his arms. He’s warm and solid and so strong, he’s like a port in a storm and I absolutely curl into him.

But the comfort of his body doesn’t last long. “Take her,” he says to Leo, “Go to my limo and wait for me there.”

“What are you going to do?” Leo asks, taking me from his brother’s arms.

“I’m going to clean up this mess,” Mason answers. “And Charlotte, don’t forget to keep those eyes closed. You’re far too beautiful to be one more detail we have to clean up.”

My blood runs cold as Leo carries me out of the club.

CHAPTER ONE

Charlotte

“I can’t.”

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