Page 65 of A King So Savage

Kingston scowled.

He’d conceded this girl would be set free if her brother paid the amount he owed. He’d conceded he would not take her virginity until her brother made his decision. Yes, he’d agreed to Ava’s foolish demands, but would he actually honor them?

He wasn’t sure. This growing possessiveness was adversely affecting his decision-making. He’d thought he’d get what he wanted—either the money or her virginity—and then toss her aside at the end of her usefulness.

But that was not happening.

Invisible threads were being woven, meshing the two of them together. He’d made far too many concessions already. Had overplayed his hand by claiming this girl as his. These lapses in judgment would broadcast his weakness to his enemies, including his own brother.

Ava Bella Blue had become a dangerous liability Kingston could not afford.

But letting her go was not an option.

ChapterTwenty-One

To belong.

To possess.

To stay.

Kingston knewthe moment Ava woke. He knew because he’d lain in a suspended state of agonized arousal for most of the night.

Earlier, he’d breathed a sigh of relief when Ava rolled away from him. The new position meant those firm, perfect breasts of hers were no longer pressed like hot irons against his ribs.

But the relief was short-lived. No sooner did Kingston exhale, a groan of disbelief escaped him when her rounded ass settled against his hip.

As a result of that, he remained on his back until apparently dozing off. But now, as he came awake, he realized he too was on his side. One arm was wrapped around her slender waist, holding her firmly in place.

Which meant her ass was lodged in his groin. As close as close could be. Only the thin, blue silk of her nightgown and the sleep pants he wore separated their flesh from bare contact.

Kingston wanted to rip away the barriers when Ava mumbled in sleepy confusion. Her eyes fluttered open.

Like a band of iron, his arm tightened around her waist while his mouth hovered above her ear.

“Good morning, lamb. Or maybe it’s still night. I’m not sure.”

To her credit, Ava did not react in the hysterics he expected. She lay completely still, assessing this unforeseen situation and how she might have landed in it.

“Did you steal me from my bed?” she finally whispered.

“No. But it was necessary I bring you here.”

“Necessary?” Ava sighed. “The Devil thinks it’s his right to steal souls. I’m not surprised that you believe you can do what you want. Take what you want.”

“Maybe that’s true. Maybe I am the Devil himself, but I’ve not yet taken what I truly want.” Kingston’s lips brushed along her neck. Goosebumps immediately sprinkled her bare arms and shoulders. He smiled at seeing evidence of how he affected her.

“Why am I in your bed, Kingston?”

He nibbled the lobe of her ear. “Are you so certain this is my bed?”

Ava was quiet for a moment, then said, “It smells like you.”

“And how do I smell, lamb?”

Her calm acceptance of her situation amused him. Did she always wake up so complacent after a night terror episode?

He knew she chewed her bottom lip before she murmured, “Like Christmas trees and salty air. And Earl Grey tea. But I’m waking up in your bed, Kingston, when I fell asleep in my own. I want to know why. I hardly drank enough wine to pass out.”

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