Page 64 of Mine to Ruin

My head hangs, and he plays with my nipples, and with one last powerful thrust, he comes, kissing down my spine.

He’s ruin and worship in one.

When my breath returns to normal, we rearrange our clothes, and the driver announces through the speaker that we’re almost there.

The limousine halts, and I quickly reapply my lipstick as enthusiastic screams pierce through the tinted glass. Cameras flash on the red carpet, and my heart hammers in my chest.

Kian lifts my chin, pecks me on the lips and says, “You’re safe with me. I won’t leave your side.”

When the driver opens the door, Kian steps out first. He extends his hand, and I take it. We smile for the cameras, and like he promised, he never leaves my side, as we dodge through the doors, and he ignores all the questions being shouted at us.

“Who is the young lady with you, Mr. Reyes?”

“What happened to Melanie?”

“Is it serious, Kian?”

“Yes, it is.” His reply is clear and swift. My heart expands so fast in my chest, it might crack it open.

When we reach the VIP box, Brandon, Kendrick, and Jason are already here, as well as Kian’s grandfather, and a couple I have never seen, but who look similar to Kian and Brandon. They must be his parents. Melanie is here, too, her face in her phone, typing.

Kian greets his grandfather first and Kian’s mother’s face contorts into a fake smile as he air kisses her. But what has my skin crawling is the way his father stares at me, like a hawk, something cold in his eyes.

“Jillian, Richard, meet Ellia Dewine.”

“The flavor of the night or weekend?” Richard asks, and I take a step backwards while Kian’s gaze flashes with anger.

“You’re here because I invited you here. If you can’t play nice, I will have you escorted out.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” his father replies with unmasked cockiness.

“Try me.”

Everyone stills. I believe Kian, and so does his father, because he takes my hand and squeezes it harder than necessary. I force the hiss into silence, while his lips curve into a smile that reminds me of a villain.

“Cut the bullshit, will you?” Kian snarls at him and he lets my hand drop.

From outside, you could see the perfect image of smiling faces and a warm gathering, but inside the tension borders on suffocating.

“Don’t take that tone with your father.”

Kian lets out a low grumble, and Jillian shuts her mouth. Pain etches in Kian’s eyes, and I press my body into his and interlink our hands, wanting to offer him comfort.

Brandon sits next to his mother who beams at him, her hazel eyes sparkling with love. He definitely takes after her. Kian watches the interaction between his brother and mother, looking conflicted. I caress his hand with my thumb, and his body relaxes instantly. Feeling like I’m being watched, I raise my gaze, and catch his father sizing me up.

There is something about him that turns my stomach.

The fight begins, and my muscles strain with adrenaline. I’ve never felt anything like it before. The match ensnares me, the sizzling energy wrapping around me. I find myself clasping my hands together, and shouting with every punch, and kick. In the third round, Kian says, “Still liking it?”

“I’m sweating so much, I think I’m exercising.”

“Only you would think watching a fight is the equivalent of a physical activity.” He chuckles and I playfully smack him on the arm.

“Hey, if I remember correctly, you start training me on Monday.”

He waggles his brows at me, his face a picture of smugness. “You better pack your things, because you’re moving in.”

“Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

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