Page 41 of A Heart So Savage

Ava shot Kingston a heated glare at the glib referral to losing her virginity, but her lips remained pressed tightly together.

Oliver chuckled, cruel cynicism bleeding into his words. Kingston was suddenly glad Ava could not hear him. “Is she that fucking good? To the point you throw common sense to the wind? You’re giving every enemy we possess, including Carson, an opportunity to snatch her back from us. Instead of trotting out our little prize for fucking date night, you should have her chained up in the cell, waiting to be sold for two million.”

A muscle ticked in Kingston’s jaw. “She’s mine now, Oliver. I’ll deal with her as I see fit. Don’t expect us back tonight. I’ve decided we’ll spend a few days in the city.” He ended the call and slid the phone back into his suit coat’s inner pocket.

“We aren’t flying back?” Ava asked in a pitiful attempt at sounding nonchalant.

“Don’t get any ideas about running, lamb. I’ll shackle you to my own wrist to keep you from attempting an escape during this little vacation. Or maybe I’ll just fuck you into a state of satisfied submission.”

Ava slumped against the seat again, her chin back to that mutinous tilt he adored. “One sounds as unpleasant as the other.”

Kingston could not contain the bark of laughter that exploded from him. “Sounds like a challenge. Shall I prove how easily those two ideas can be combined for our mutual pleasure?”

Ignoring the taunting suggestion, Ava stubbornly focused her attention on the bright lights beyond the limo’s window as they eased into heavier traffic. Soon, they would arrive at the elegant building Kingston owned containing the restaurant on the ground floor and the exclusive club below it. High above those entities was the private penthouse used as a base whenever he visited the city. In between were offices where several of his business ventures were conducted behind a shield of legitimacy.

Kingston sighed, regret needling his usually absent conscience. “Apologies, lamb. That was crude of me.”

Ava’s gaze slanted his way, her eyes dark and unreadable. “So, you’re saying you won’t handcuff me?”

“Not without reason.”

She mulled that over, nibbling her index fingernail before catching herself and slowly lowering her hand to her lap.

“I must play this part you’ve forced on me in public. The role of willing girlfriend… lover…companion.” Her voice vibrated with defiance. “But if I did run, begged for help, found someone my brother is not indebted to, or even someone you don’t already own, you couldn’t stop me. This is a public place. Lots of people around. I think I could find someone who would help me.”

Kingston’s gaze softened. “No one would be so foolish, little lamb. Not only would I eliminate the random person you involved in our private business, you would still find yourself in grave danger. Don’t you understand, Ava? I’m the only one standing between you and a life of abuse and torment. Possibly even death.” Lifting her hand from her lap, he entangled his fingers with hers and brought them to his lips. Brushing his mouth over her pale knuckles, he murmured, “But I almost hope you try getting away. I’d enjoy punishing you just for daring to think you could accomplish it. I want you to experience my wrath and my mercy. I want to hear you scream my name when you finally surrender and realize I am your salvation.” His other hand snaked around the back of her neck, pulling her to him until their lips nearly touched.

“Salvation?” Ava breathed unsteadily. “You are my destruction, Kingston.”

His mouth curved slightly. “As you are mine, Ava.”

He claimed her mouth but not in the savage manner she surely expected. No, this was gentle and searching. An assault brimming with persuasive desire and longing. Exploring her lips, the sweetness of her mouth, was an exercise in the kind of patience Kingston never knew he possessed. His instinct was to take and take and take until he ravaged all Ava’s attempts at resistance. Until there was nothing left but complete surrender.

He wantedeverythingthat washer.He wanted her off balance and unsure. He wanted her pain and her joy. Dependent upon him and the pleasure only he could give her. And he would utilize all methods in his arsenal in achieving what he wanted.

Whether Ava recognized it or not, sheneededhim.

Maybe as much as he needed her.

And that was a surprising revelation as she reluctantly relaxed against him and opened further for his kiss. As twisted and depraved as his reasons were for keeping her, he suddenly understood it wasn’t only for her benefit. He would gain something, too.

Maybe it was the promise of his own redemption that lurked within the depths of Ava’s prickly submission. Deep inside her tender body, maybe he could find it. By exploring her quick mind and wit, her innate goodness and purity, he might absorb just enough to save his soul. But it was her elusive wickedness, an element he’d only received glimpses of, that was a temptation he couldn’t resist.

When he finally pulled away, Kingston gave her delectable bottom lip a sharp nibble as a reminder he was in charge. She moaned but did not jerk away. That little exhibition of her trust turned something inside him all warm and melty.

“You’re unhinged.” Ava’s eyes flashed with aroused betrayal at the way he ended the sweetly tender kiss.

“You make me that way, lamb.” Kingston moved her until she was once again sitting upright. “Now, be good and don’t attempt an escape tonight. I’ve neither the patience nor the restraint required for hunting you down.”

“You just said you hoped I tried. These mixed signals you throw out are terribly confusing.”

He grinned at her disgruntlement. “It’s a perplexing situation.” Settling the silvery wrap around her shoulders, he tucked a wayward curl back behind her ear. “Seeing how I’m constantly torn between wanting to kiss you and spank you, it’s understandable.”

“If I did get away and you caught me,” Ava boldly met his gaze. “What would you do to me?”

Kingston did not say anything for a full minute while Ava’s chin tilted higher.

It was a bratty challenge. And so foolishly naïve.

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