Page 189 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

It just feels like it’s us.

Amid this forest.

This whimsical moment with nature.

I’ve craved this.

A moment of tranquility with someone who gives a hoot about me. Not just about how I benefit them or what my existence means in this savage world.

Just two people enjoying one another’s company because they care about each other.

28

RUN FOR ME

~GEMINI~

“So, raincheck on getting to tap this ass bare, huh?” Zander groans into my shoulder while sucking that pretty mark on my neck. “Fuck, you can’t be wearing black anything around any other man.”

I giggle at his foolish commentary.

“Black is the most basic color. Why wouldn’t I wear it?”

“It compliments all your curves,” Zander whines. “Gripping this nice ass so perfectly. You’re going to be collecting stares from every fucker with a cock.”

“Hey, I may attract a woman or two.”

“Don’t make the competition bigger than it needs to be, Dolcezza.”

We both laugh at that.

“Alright, I’ll be good. Black leggings only around my Kings. Got it,” I assure him. “Minus combat gear. I can’t get away with that if I end up going back to Fight Club.”

“You weren’t going to return?” He seems concerned about the idea of me not going back.

“Not to say I wasn’t,” I confess. “I figured… well…”

“Well?” He encourages me to continue.

“I assumed you guys wouldn’t let me go anymore because of the incident.”

He takes a moment to analyze my response, as if it’s really important for him to answer me correctly.I admire that.

“Us gatekeeping you from attending a place where you’re able to build yourself physically and be in a good mental space is counterproductive.” He shrugs as he further thinks about it. He looks up at the various branches above us that extend beautifully. I can’t help but follow his gaze and admire the colorful oasis. “Everywhere is dangerous for us. The gym. The courtyard. The parking lot. Anyone can attack us. Can plan for our demise. We just have to be ready and alert. Stopping yourself from going to these places leaves you paranoid and losing out on making yourself stronger and better.” He lowers his gaze and meets my admiring eyes.

“So, I want you to keep going. We just ensure you bring your own water, and if you run out, I’m sure Matteo can get Hannah to bring you some.”

“You trust Hannah?”

“Her loyalty to Matteo is absolute. Proves she wouldn’t have any intentional harm toward you because that would hurt Matteo. Why? Has she shown otherwise?”

“No, I like her. We haven’t really talked, but I’d like to sometime along the line. When things calm down a little, and she doesn’t need to be on high alert to fulfill her duty.”

“Good,” Zander praises. “I think you two would get along.”

“You’re really calm right now, Zander,” I confess and realize how normal all of this feels. “Or maybe this feels like such a normal interaction, it’s odd.”

He chuckles and pulls me back against him.

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