Page 33 of Meating Dalton

“And you do?” she snaps, but doesn’t back away when I eliminate the space between us, wanting to share the same oxygen as her.

“No.” my head shakes. “I don’t deserve you. And my brain is so fucked up, but Nat, I’ll do anything to keep that smile on your face. When you smile, it’s like the fucking sun comes out, warming me on the inside.” Her mouth drops open and I keep going.

“I didn’t know it, but you mesmerized me from the first moment I saw you, captivating me. When I stood in your bedroom, and saw he didn’t appreciate the fucking gift he had, I decided to kill him, not knowing my reasons were purely selfish. He had you and threw it away on some fucking bimbo.”

My flower stares up at me, wide-eyed, mouth held open as I keep going, completely forgetting the speech I prepared.

“I can’t and won’t promise that I won’t fuck up. I will. But I’m willing to do any damn thing for you.” My hands come up to grip her neck, and she lets me, her breath fanning my lips.

“Anything, but let you go. If you want more space, fine, but know I’ll probably camp out on the lawn just to be close to you.” She laughs, a stray tear falling down her cheek.

“All I’m asking for is a chance. An itty bitty, little chance. Give me that and I’ll try to give you the fucking world.” I wait, staring into the eyes of the woman who’s becoming my universe.

One blink, and more tears escape her eyes.

“Thirty days.” She swallows against the thumbs brushing up and down her throat. “Thirty days, Dalton. Convince me in thirty days and I’m yours.” I yank her forward, our mouths crashing together, tongues tangling, and I’ve never been happier.

This. I’d fucking kill to keep all of this. And I will. Pulling away, something moves in my peripheral and I turn in time to spot Zaine giving me a thumbs up and a wink, an arm curled around his woman, who gazes lovingly down at their child clutched in her arms.

This is my family, and I am so fucking happy to have found them.

EPILOGUE

DEATON

This is stupid. And boring. Music pumps through the speakers of the club, blood filled bodies gyrating on the dance floor. Condensation wets my hands, lifting the glass of whiskey to my lips. I hate that I let Dalton sweet talk me into coming along for his “date” night.

The whiskey burns on the way down, my eyes finding Dalton sitting in a darkened corner of the club, blue eyes frequently reflecting the strobe lights. I follow his gaze to his woman sitting a few chairs down from me at the bar, a backless gown showing off her toffee skin. I like the way her skin holds the light, giving none of it back, a beautiful blank canvas. It’s too bad Dalton is over the moon about her.

It’s still stupid to even pretend to share, both of them hunting for prey with Natalia as bait. My eyes sweep the sheep in the building, but nothing grabs my attention. I drain the last of my drink, standing to leave, but pausing when I notice a blonde man walking up to my future cousin in law. He chats with her, a false smile twisting his lips.

But it’s the man who’s been sitting next to her for the past hour drawing my predatory gaze. While she’s distracted with the blonde, he leans, sprinkling a powdery solution into her drink. My head swivels to Dalton, who’s already cutting a path through the crowd. Well, this is about to get interesting, I think, retaking my seat.

I truly enjoy watching my cousin work, a true protégé. Remorse over Aunt Samantha’s death never arose upon hearing about her “accident.” Eyes riveted to Dalton stalking through the crowd, my instincts scream at me her death was no accident, that I trained a killer.

Good. The world is too populated, anyway. Someone needs to thin the herd.

* * *

NATALIA

My nipples bead with excitement, adrenaline surging through my veins. Who the fuck knew I’d get off on this? Stranger Danger sitting next to me gave off creep vibes from the moment he sidled next to me, trying to make idle conversation. I don’t doubt he’s attempting to tamper with my drink as Mr. Corporate tries to butter me up.

His green gaze keeps wandering down to the deep V of my gown, his attention drawn to all the skin on display, a hint of the curve of my breasts acting as a flashing sign.

“I own a condo not far from here if you want to go somewhere quiet—” He stills before slowly turning to Dalton, a shark-like grin on my man’s handsome face. I can’t see through the press of their bodies, but I’m sure he has a blade pressed to the spine of Mr. Corporate.

“I don’t think she wants to go anywhere with you, so run along before this gets messy.” Dalton’s voice slides over me, teasing my skin. He’s blown my world wide open during the thirty-day deadline I gave him, from edging me in public, a toy nestled within my pussy that he controls, to arriving bright and early to Sarah’s, waking me to his tongue between my legs.

Zaiden had the bright idea of gifting his twin a key, and Dalton took advantage while the couple slept. I spent the past thirty days there, strengthening my bond with Sarah, signing up for coaching classes with her on days Zaiden had work, shopping for baby clothes and everything in between. It’s scary how good things have been going and Dalton’s eyes promise it’ll only get better, stepping back and allowing his prey to scamper away.

“You look fucking delectable, my flower,” he says, coming closer and ghosting his lips across mine, but I know he’s spotted the creep oby the side of me.

“I’ll be right back, baby. I won’t be far,” he whispers, heat simmering in his eyes, filled with sinful promises. I watch him stalk away, disappearing into the crowd.

* * *

DALTON

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