Page 68 of Casino King

I left her before the sun even rose, needing to deal with the Enzo situation while I figured out how I would tell her.

I should’ve just shot him in the head and been done with it instead of giving her hope that he would survive. Tessa needs to learn that I have no mercy when it comes to her and her well-being. I won’t let anything bad from my world touch her. I never want to see her beautiful skin marred again.

Pushing away from my desk, I button my suit jacket and head down to the garage, seeing Enzo’s blood stain has been scrubbed clean.

Arriving at Tessa’s apartment, I take my time walking up to her room. When I first found out where she lived, I had the building manager make me a lobby entrance key and one to her apartment. I knew I’d need to come and go as I pleased at some point, and he didn’t even question me. He wouldn’t dare.

“She’s in there, sir,” Tito, Tessa’s new bodyguard I assigned to her tells me. “She’s been very loud for the past half-hour,” he adds.

“That’s my doing. Enzo’s dead.” Tito’s expression doesn’t change. No reaction. The word has already spread about Enzo. Good. All my men need to know that she’s a priority and I don’t fuck around. Watching her isn’t a job to take lightly and there will be serious consequences if you fuck up.

“I’ll make sure she’s safe, sir,” he tells me with an edge to his voice, letting me know he’s taking it seriously.

I don’t say anything. I don’t have to. Threatening with words only goes so far. It’s when you show what will happen if disobeyed that matters.

Enzo got too close to Tessa. His job was to protect, not befriend her, and because of that, he put her wants and needs above my orders. That can’t happen. Ever. My orders are for Tessa’s benefit. Always for her benefit.

I know Tito won’t make that mistake. He’s a part of my extended crew for when I need more than two guards with me when I go out. I trust him with my life, so I know I can trust him with Tessa’s.

I hear music and the clanging of pots and pans coming from inside her apartment, so I knock hard. The door opens in a flash and I’m greeted to a pissed off Tessa – a sexy fucking site that has my cock turning as hard as her eyes.

“Are you here to fuck the angry out of me again?” she spits. “Because it may have worked a few hours ago, but it sure as hell isn’t going to work now. You killed him. You shot Enzo in front of me, your brother, and your men to make a point. Well, you made it. I’m not allowed to talk to anyone but you. Or are you going to shoot your brother now, too?”

“I might,” I clip. “He shouldn’t have told you.”

“You’re not getting this, Alec,” she starts, gripping the edge of her front door hard.

“No, you’re not getting it, Tessa. You’re mine. And it’s my job to keep you safe. He wasn’t doing the job, so he had to go. He was never meant to be your friend. He was meant to keep you safe. And he failed twice. Tito here”–I nod at him standing a few feet away–“won’t make that mistake.”

Tessa pops her head out to take a look at Tito and her eyes narrow. He’s a big guy – tall, broad, and all muscle. The epitome of a bodyguard.

“I have no doubt,” she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I know I won’t be able to convince you I don’t need him since you think you know everything that’s best for me–”

“I do know what’s best for you,” I cut in.

“You don’t!” she yells. “And you’re not coming in here, so go.” Tessa starts to close the door on me, but I slap my hand against it to stop her.

“You don’t get to slam the door in my face,” I growl.

“I can do whatever I want, Alec. Get out of here. I can’t even look at you.”

My eyes turn to slits. “What are you trying to say, Tessa?” I say slowly, knowing she’s not saying what I think she is.

“I’m telling you I need space right now. I don’t want you around me.” Gritting her teeth, she stands tall with her shoulders pulled back in a stance that’s supposed to make me think she’s serious.

“You don’t get to decide that.”

She barks out a laugh. “You thinking I don’t just solidifies my issue with you.”

I take a step closer to her. “And what’s your issue with me? I didn’t realize you had an issue with me giving you expensive jewelry and the best sex you’ll ever have.”

Tessa’s pouty sex lips separate as she inhales a small gasp. “Get out,” she breathes, blinking rapidly. “We’re done, Alec. Thank you so much for the expensive jewelry and great sex. I guess I don’t need anything else from you.”

She goes to close the door on me again, but I push my way past her and slam it closed behind me.

“Get out!” Her eyes are on fire and her body is wound tight, looking like she’s ready to attack me if I come any closer.

“You don’t get to decide when this is over.” Grabbing her around the waist as she tries to back away from me, I spin her around and pin her against the closed door. “It’s never going to be over.”

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