Page 17 of King of Ruin

It’s that thought that pushes me up out of the seat, opening the door, and stumbling around the car.

Her door opens too, and she steps out into the lights of the garage.

It’s the first time I’ve really seen her tonight. She stands in a cute strappy dress that hugs every gorgeous curve, her long blonde hair flowing down her back.

Vigo’s comment about her joining him in his bed is making a hell of a lot of sense.

Maddie is a knockout.

She keeps her hand on the frame of the car as she scoots around the door and I step up, placing a guiding hand at her waist, my arm curving around her.

Beautiful and so vulnerable.

She comes willingly into the cradle of my body, her breath catching. “I’m scared.”

“I know, sweetheart.” I tighten my arm which settles her even closer. Every instinct spurs me to protect this woman and my other arm comes around her, holding her close.

I’ve forgotten about Mason, forgot he’s on the phone. “Get her up to the apartment,” he orders. “You’ll be safe there.”

Mason’s words help push me into action as I keep one arm around her, heading to the elevator.

The doors slide open, and I know as soon as we’re inside, no one can touch us. This is the second building Mason and I built to be a fallout shelter.

They cost a fortune, but they’ll withstand a massive earthquake or the blast of a bomb.

I hear another voice and I recognize the voice of my other brother, Leo. He and Mason are both married, and things have been so hot here in the city, they’ve taken their wives to our compound in Colorado.

“I’m coming too,” I hear Leo grunt. Normally, I’d worry about Leo’s temper. Right about now, however, I could use a bit of Leo’s aggression. In fact, I think it might be exactly what this situation requires. I turn off the speaker and put the phone to my ear.

The less Maddie knows about my family, the better. Because as much as my head pounds, it’s starting to work again. I don’t think she realizes who I am. Doesn’t know I’m the man who has been pressing her to sell her house.

Anonymity is a major asset.

“The women…” Mason starts.

“Will have the entire team of security,” Leo answers. “At least for tonight, we’re both going.”

“We’ll be there soon,” Mason says as the elevator doors close. I know the call will cut off any second as I slump against the wall. “Take care of Maddie until I get there.”

“Call Jack,” Leo adds. “He’ll bring the doctor.”

The line clicks. After my father’s death a few years after my mother’s, Mason became my parental figure. Through my teen years, he was the man who sent me to college, who set me up with a job, who taught me how to hold a position of power.

We understand each other in ways most men would not. So I know his last words to me about taking care of Maddie were said for a reason. We both see the truth. She isn’t just a small asset in this war, she’s the key to the Italian’s undoing.

I slide my fingers down her spine. I have always lived in Mason’s shadow. But today…with Maddie…I might have finally made the decisive move that propels us forward.

“No sleeping.” Maddie wraps her arms around me, squeezing. “I don’t have a lot of experience with human medical care, but I know you can’t fall asleep if you’ve got a concussion.”

I lean against the wall, appreciating the feel of Maddie’s body pressed to mine.

My hand settles into the small of her back, the curve perfect under my palm, as her full breasts crush to my chest.

Who knew Vigo and I would have something in common? I pocket my phone, my eyes closing, as I lift my other hand to her hair, running my palm down the silky length. “It was so dangerous to come outside and help me.”

Am I chastising her for coming to my aid? The understanding of the danger she was in tonight settles like a weight on my chest, as I drop my nose to the crown of her hair. She smells like apple blossoms and crisp white wine.

It’s such a strange mix for me. I’m feeling so protective over this woman, even knowing that if ever I was going to become emotionally involved, she is the last person, for several reasons, I should choose.

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