Page 80 of Ruthless Savage

When the elevator arrives, I dash out of it and straight for his apartment, knocking on his door just as it opens.

I inhale and hold my breath.

Unable to do much else.

Because…uh… He’s shirtless. Kind of sweaty too, like he’s just finished a workout, which would be insane considering he just got out of the hospital. But this is Devlin, of course.

His palm lands on the doorjamb, the veins in his hand and forearm throbbing, practically ripping through his skin.

My tongue slips past my lips, my body growing taut and warm.

Gray sweats hang low on his hips, exposing a deep V. And his abs… I’m counting eight, and they look like they’re cut from glass.

Am I supposed to talk? Don’t think I can manage that right now.

I’ve never seen him shirtless before, and a shirtless Devlin with those thick veins running up his arms is a sight I wasn’t ready for this early in the morning.

I don’t miss the bandage wrapped around his upper arm. I didn’t realize he had an injury there. And there’s a smaller gauze pad on his forehead too.

My heart tugs, wanting to take care of him.

“Come in.” His smirk drops right into my stomach, heavy and overwhelming, and I know he’s caught me staring.

More like gawking. My cheeks heat up instantly.

Suddenly, his demeanor shifts, and his glare sends a cold shudder down my spine as his attention zaps to the man behind me. He looks like he wants to take his head off.

“This is Rogue.” I quickly glance back at the man.

They both stare at one another, and something passes between them. Nothing good.

Rogue’s mouth twitches, if one can even call it that. “We’ve met.”

I clear my throat, needing to defuse this unfriendly interaction. I start inside, hoping Devlin follows.

“I’ll let you know when I’m done here. Thanks, Rogue.”

Devlin grabs my hand, sending a tingle running up my arm, and pulls me all the way inside, kicking the door closed with his foot.

“What was that about?” I whisper, not wanting Rogue to hear.

Devlin keeps our hands locked as he takes me further into the lavish penthouse apartment he’s rented. It’s a one-bedroom, but the living space and size of the rooms is huge, and I know it costs a pretty penny.

Devlin isn’t the kind of man who acts like he has money, but he’s got a lot of it doing what he does for my father. I’m sure he’s saved most of it too.

“We trained together at your father’s academy. He was always too cocky. Thought he was too good until I beat him.” He huffs a chuckle. “Don’t like him, and I sure as hell don’t like him being assigned to you.”

Nervous butterflies soar in my gut. “Got it. Well, if it makes you feel any better, he’s been nothing but nice, and definitely not cocky. Maybe he’s changed since you knew him.”

He snickers. “Doubt it.”

He winces as he pulls me into the kitchen, and I almost forgot about the bag in my hand.

“What do you have in there?” He eyes the contents, and he gives me one of those Devlin smiles, those tiny flickers into the real man. The one he shows just me.

I’ve missed those smiles.

“I got you breakfast.” I lift the bag and shake it a little. “Did you eat yet?”

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