Page 54 of Merciless Heir

There are texts from unknown numbers. They seem boring, but one thing jumps out. Numbers and a word.

I look at Kingston, whose expression can only be described as smug. “Well?”

“I think I’ll let you live.”

Enough time has passed that we can drive off—we leave too soon and we’re a target to be followed—and I do just that.

“Do your windows open?”

“I have a terrace,” he says. We’re in his mansion in the sky. “I’m heavier than I look if you’re thinking of throwing me off.”

“Pity.”

“Besides, kill me and I’ll come back and haunt you.” He isn’t bothered by my inferred threat and his smooth charm tries to win me over.

I don’t want to be won.

I’m still furious. And light murder might be on my mind. It’s either that or shove him against the wall and fuck him.

Both have their merits.

I take a breath and spin to face him, hands on hips, making sure to keep my distance. “What were you thinking?”

“I was thinking we need to do something.”

“That was risky, Kingston.”

He stalks up to me. “You thrive on risk.”

“You don’t know me.”

“Tell me,” he says softly against my ear, closing the gap between us, “I’m wrong.”

“It was a risk.” I glare up at him.

He takes a step back. “A calculated one. I didn’t get to where I am without knowing how to read a room, or people. And I certainly didn’t get here by playing it safe.”

I cross my arms. “And here I thought you got to where you are by virtue of your silver spoon birth.”

“Sadie, you’re trying to rile me up to lead me off the path, aren’t you?”

“No.”

He’s right, I am. Because what I got from those texts wasn’t nothing.

“Liar.”

I breathe out and go to the sofa and sit. And try not to think about last night and what happened against that one. His mouth felt so good, so right, on mine.

Deliberately, I shift my mind from those earth shattering kisses to the phone. Date, time, address.

I know who is at that address, and it wouldn’t take much to tell Kingston. I’m going to have to, because this man has killer instincts. He knows when something is up. “Fine. I just don’t want you taking matters into your own hands.”

“That’s what I have you for.” He smiles. It’s the kind of smile that makes my stomach flip. It’s dark and predatory and it turns me on.

“You don’t have me. I’m working for you.”

“Same thing.”

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