Page 8 of April 5

But killing Ruger would destroy her. In the end, he couldn't do it to her.

His heart pounded. He owed Ruger, and that's a price that outweighed everything.

He pulled back, panting hard, and stared into her eyes. She was deadweight in his arms, not even attempting to stand up on her own.

He grabbed a handful of hair at the base of her neck and pulled her to a standing position. "Get out of here."

His voice was more a growl of protest than an order. Her taste was on his tongue, coating his lips.

Her gaze flickered side to side as she stared him in the eyes. He watched the moment she snapped back to her senses.

Katrina's hand came up. He caught her wrist before her palm met his face. She knew better than to lay a hand on him.

She jerked her arm, trying to break free. He refused to let her go.

Toe to toe with her, he could feel the warmth coming off her thighs against his legs. He bent her arm, placing it behind her back, and then pulled her even closer until her breasts flattened against his chest.

"You're going to get me killed." He kissed her hard.

He pushed her away before he could toss her down on the couch and do what he wanted with her. The phone in his pocket vibrated, barely distracting him.

He pulled the cell out of his pocket and connected the call without taking his gaze off Katrina—letting her know not to make a sound. No one could find out she was in his room.

"Ruger's pulling up outside," said Bane.

"Where are you?" Jagger's gaze dropped to Katrina's breasts, lifting and falling as she breathed out her frustration with him.

"At the back door."

"Give me thirty seconds." He disconnected the call, grabbed Katrina's upper arm, and led her to the door. "Run to Ruger. He's looking for you."

She hesitated, tottering on the toes of her feet. He opened the door.

Katrina grabbed his vest, kissed him hard, and sashayed into the hallway as if she'd been thoroughly fucked. Ruger was going to look at his daughter's rumbled clothing and know she spent the night in one of the rooms and the first person he'd hunt down was Jagger.

The smart thing to do was close the door and pretend she hadn't been in his room. But he had always lost his mind when it came to Katrina.

He stepped into the hallway and shut the door. There was no way he would let Ruger take his anger out on Katrina.

Chapter Four

RUGER BLOCKED KATRINA'S path. "Let's head home."

"No." Katrina folded her arms across her chest. "I haven't had a chance to talk with Cora—"

"She's on her fucking honeymoon. She's probably going somewhere," said her dad.

Behind him, Cora rushed into the clubhouse, scanning the entire room until she spotted Katrina and her dad. She waved, getting her aunt's attention. Perfect timing.

"Jesus," mumbled Ruger. "Let me know when you're done."

Katrina uncrossed her arms, happy to have her dad's attention off her and Jagger. "You don't want to stay and visit with your baby sister?"

Her dad grunted and walked away from her. Katrina relaxed. She'd successfully avoided a collision between her dad and Jagger.

He passed Cora without even acknowledging her and went back out the door. Katrina looked behind her and found Jagger pouring coffee and staring her way. She raised her eyebrows in success.

"Katrina." Cora walked faster. "Hey, I'm so glad I caught you. I was afraid you'd take off before we woke up." Her aunt stopped in front of her. "Do you want to walk down the street to the coffee shop and get a drink? We can hang out there, or we can stay here. Whatever you want."

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