Page 7 of Devotion

I can practically smell the fear on him.

“I… no… I only meant to express how—I’ve defended you."

I cut a look toward him, hearing the sound of rushing blood behind my ears. “Do I look like a man who needs your defense?”

The color drains right out of his soft, disappointing face. “No, Sir. My defense of you was merely an act of loyalty. I’malwaysloyal to you.”

My chest heaves, and my hands are suddenly warm, coated in blood that isn’t actually there. But I crave it. Crave the way it draws the rage right out of me.

Little does Cole know, he ought to be grateful for my measure of restraint. Grateful that I express mytruenature outside of our community, sparing him and the others my wrath. If he were smart, he’d shut down any“concerns”that arise, and thank his lucky fucking stars it isn’thisflesh that I tear into.

A deep breath fills my lungs, then I release it, reminding myself of that damned mantra.

Lean into love, not violence.

It’s utter bullshit, but it works. I’m calm, and I haven’t strangled Cole for stepping out of line.

Not tonight, anyway.

“If someone wants to question my actions, do us both a favor and send them directly to me.”

“Yes, Sir,” he grovels.

I pull my arms free from the sleeves, and Aria lowers to her knees, peering up seductively as she undoes my belt. Her tongue peeks out, dampening her lips while she unzips my slacks, lowering the waistband to the floor, and I step out of them. Her eyes settle on my cock through my briefs, which she removes next. I’m hypnotized, focused on the soft, delicate skin covering the visible hollow at the base of her neck, staring as her pulse hammers against it.

A vision of my cock stretching her mouth wide, taking me to the back of her throat, has me hardening. Which, in turn, has a pleased grin spreading across Aria’s lips.

“Gentlemen, do we have anything else to discuss?” I grind out the question as Aria slides a hand between my legs, lightly cupping my scrotum.

“Uh, yes,” Darwin answers, likely tearing his gaze from Aria and I to glance down at his clipboard. “You’ve committed to morning meditation, which will take place just outside the greenhouse, followed by breakfast with Meal Group A. Based on chatter I heard over dinner, they’re looking forward to dining with you.”

I nod, laser-focused on Aria’s lips, and then her tits when she removes her top. “I’ll be there. Anything else?”

“No, Sir. I believe that’s everything.”

I nod again, moving my fingers into Aria’s red hair. She kisses the head of my cock, leaving a trace of sticky gloss behind, and then takes me in completely.

A breath hisses from my mouth.

“Good. Sleep well then,” I say to the men. Their steps are already shuffling toward the door when I remember something. “You didn’t mention our project. Any updates?”

“Actually, yes. Mira just gave word that we’re all set up and completely functional as of eight this evening.”

“We’re online?” I slip out of Aria’s mouth with a wet pop when I press my palm to her forehead.

“We are, Sir.”

No one seems more surprised than Aria when I reach for the pants draped over her shoulder and slip into them. I secure the tie around my waist before snapping my fingers, pointing toward the dresser. Aria’s slow to rise from her knees, unable to hide her displeasure as she trudges toward the drawer and removes a t-shirt. There’s a look of defiance in her eyes as she hands it over. I’m certain if it weren’t for the fact that she knows not to speak while Darwin, Cole, and I are talking family business, she’d question me. It’s as I pull the shirt over my head that I realize she’s gotten a little too comfortable lately, seeming to have forgotten her place.

“I’d like to go to the screening room,” I announce.

There’s still confusion in Darwin’s eyes when he nods. “Of course, Sir.”

We start toward the door, and I don’t miss Aria’s glare, her frustration that I’d turn down an evening with her in favor of tending to business. And it’s that look she’s giving me that will one day be her downfall.

“Have someone escort Aria back to her quarters. And when I return, see to it that it’s Shelby waiting in my bed. I think I’m due for a change,” I inform Cole. And as we exit the room, I take note of how Aria’s mouth has fallen slack.

The elevator stops in the basement, and the doors part. Cole and Darwin’s steps echo in sync with mine until we stop at a large metal door. Darwin is quick to unlock it, and I step inside alone.

---