Page 44 of King of Temptation

He aggressively shifts the car, punching the accelerator. “That Kendall is bad news. Chandra’s OK, but Kendall…”

“I know,” I rub my temples. “Just like I know that Charlotte’s place is a safety nightmare. The point is that we are not some unit, where you make decisions for me, Leo. When you’re gone from my life, I have to live with wherever I am at when you exit.”

He shifts again. “We’re both going to think like Mason for a second.”

I don’t really like those words. Does Leo think he’s less than his brother? I like Mason and all, but he’s a bit cold for me. I know Leo’s got a temper, but I also feel deep in my gut that with him, I’m safe when we’re together. He’s got this warmth that makes me feel…

I leave that thought as Leo continues. “Mason would say that living rent-free would only give you more options. And that pride shouldn’t get in the way of sound financial decisions.”

I harrumph. “I don’t know about Mason, but Leo is giving some sound advice.”

That earns me a half smile, the crock of his mouth only making him more gorgeous.

“What I don’t appreciate is you giving me orders.”

His smile disappears.

“I might be doing a shitty job of running my life, but I have been running it. And believe it or not, some of my principles do keep me from hating myself or getting in trouble. I don’t take charity because men who give it, they frequently have an ulterior motive.”

He slows down to take a right, his lips pressed into a hard line. “That is a really good point. And I’m sorry that I sounded like I was giving you orders.”

He pulls the car over in front of a club I’ve never been to before and turns toward me in his seat. “I promise there won’t be any strings attached if you come live in the building. Or maybe, Mason has another building, because the Italians bombed the one I live in a few months back. If we’re talking safety…”

“Did you say it was bombed?” These are not words one expects to hear, and I think back to his comment about his dad being a gangster. Apparently, he meant legitimate gangster and some details about the power these men carry themselves with makes more sense. They do things other men would not. That’s why they feel deep-down alpha.

And for some reason, that doesn’t scare me. In fact, it makes me feel safe.

He sighs. “Yeah. I put the Italians’ favorite hitman behind bars. Now both Toni Carcetti and his nephew Little Anthony Carcetti want revenge.”

“I’m trying to keep up here. Bombed? Revenge?”

“It’s why Charlotte and Mason moved. And if I’m honest, Mason might not want you there and neither do I. I’ll see what I can work out.”

I shake my head. “Leo…”

“I know. I’m trouble. I get it.” He takes off his sunglasses, his eyes meeting mine. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t put you in a better place, Kim. Because what I do have is money and real estate. Take advantage, Kim. I won’t ask too much and you might be my chance to leave someone better than when I found them. That’s what I’m trying for here.”

I give a tentative nod. Because…those words make me even warmer.

He relaxes as he runs a hand through his hair. “I’m not trying to control you and I won’t ask anything from you. But I meant what I said, Kim. Even after…if you need anything, you come to me. Or if I’m not around, you go to Mason. I promise you, my brother would give you anything you want, with no strings other than being nice to Charlotte.”

Leo really knows how make a girl’s panties melt. He gets out of the car and comes around to my side of the door. I guess it’s “bring your sex buddy to work” day. I know we’re moving into deeper and darker waters, but I can’t seem to stop myself, as I slip my hand in his.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Leo

I look over a row of columns in the accounting books for Regal, one of our smaller clubs, as Kim lounges on the settee in my office. It’s only been a few hours since I came all over her stomach, and yet, I’d love nothing more than to bend her over that little couch and fuck her every which way.

She’s laying on her side, typing something into her phone, the position highlighting the curves of her body.

I look down again, realizing I’ve completely lost my place. At this rate, we’re never going to make it back to Temptation.

But before I can really start again, my phone buzzes, Mason’s number flashing on my screen.

He hasn’t called in a while, and as my gaze flicks back to Kim, I don’t have to wonder what this is about. I’m sure my conversation with the other Kincaids has gotten back to Mason. “Hello?”

“Got a minute?”

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