Page 4 of The Deity of Death

“She’s absolutely stunning.” Nasir is next to speak. His jaw’s practically dropped straight down to the lobby.

“Everything is in order. My short time spent with the Remingtons has given me all the answers I need.” Straight to business. I can’t stand the sight of these two gawking at Melina.

Every time their eyes move, I feel my blood start boiling. I’ve staked my claim on a woman I shouldn’t have, but that doesn’t detract from the feelings it brings.

“As I knew it would,” Omar responds.

The three men greet with handshakes before we all take a seat. Henry finds a place next to Nasir on the other side of the table. I pull out Melina’s chair and tuck her in before falling into mine beside Omar.

She hasn’t said a word since we entered the room, and I’ve got a feeling she isn’t going to either. It’s different now. These men are orchestrating her future, and she doesn’t have a say in it. Melina’s probably nervous, scared, and concerned about what may come next.

But don’t worry, precious little thing, I’m going to help you release all your tension.

“Shall we get into it then?” Henry adjusts himself awkwardly in his chair.

I give everyone a moment to settle in before I make my move. With one hand under the table, I start inching it closer to Melina as inconspicuous as possible. She doesn’t notice at first, perhaps believing it was an accidental graze.

“Please, Mr. Remington, it’s our first meeting. Let’s not sully it by diving straight into contracts and formalities.” Omar waves a dismissive hand over the table.

“But it’s why we’re here, isn’t it?” Of course, her first words after the greeting will exude confidence. Who am I kidding, thinking she’s afraid? When I set up the deal, she was the one who accepted it.

But if I’m not doing this to settle her nerves, if only a little, I’ll be doing it to test her theory from the bar. Soaking wet, and satisfyingly so? I’ll be the judge of that.

My hand glides over Melina’s knee, and her head immediately jolts toward me. The corner of my mouth cracks in a naughty smile. I start slow, with a gentle stroke of my thumb on whatever skin it’s touching.

I miss Omar’s response with how focused I am on my task. My fingers dance up her leg, and to my surprise, Melina doesn’t try to stop me. Instead, I feel her legs part farther, allowing my hand free motion across her.

“And what about you, Malik?” Omar asks. I face him as my fingers glide between Melina’s thighs. Warmth radiates between them, and it seems to transfer through my skin and straight to my aching manhood.

“What about me? My apologies, my mind was elsewhere.” And it still is.

Omar chuckles. “Plotting your next big score already?”

“You don’t know half of it.” Only this one isn’t monetary or a way to feed his empire. It’s all for me and in the palm of my hands. Literally.

“Settle down, son, and enjoy the moment.” Omar pats me on the shoulder.

Oh, I’m enjoying it, alright. Every damned second of Melina’s squirming.

“But I want your thoughts, shall we dive straight into business and hold festivities later or reverse it?” Omar finishes.

“Why not a bit of both?” I answer.

Before either of the men can respond, the double doors swing open again, and a troop of servers enter with silver platters in tow. Some deliver a feast of various meats, vegetables, and sweet treats to the table, while others start preparing a makeshift bar on the far end of the room.

With their entrance, Melina finally gets her chance to speak. She leans in close and whispers in my ear. “What are you?—”

“Like I said in the bar, I’m going to have to put your theory to the test,” I cut her off before raising my hand higher up her thighs and straight against her pussy.

A nearly inaudible squeal of delight floods my ear, and it sends shivers of desire coursing through my body.

4

MELINA

Armed, hulking monsters in every corner of the room. Mr. Omar Ali and Dad discussing my future as if I’m not even here. Nasir Ali staring me down from opposite the table while his tongue flicks over eager lips. And Malik Amine’s hand between my legs.

Maybe I am in over my head on this one.

---