Page 124 of Queen Of Dark Money

Mylips split in a feral smile, more than eager to be done with this whole chapter of my life.Ipulled the slide back and braced myself, breathing a sigh of relief whenIfelt someone’s strong arms around me, providing a layer of support for my aching body.Then, with my eyes wide open,Ipulled the trigger, placing a bullet right between the eyes of the man whose seed had created me thirty-some-odd years ago.

Ashe slumped forward,Ibreathed a sigh of relief, the first puff of air as a liberated woman sinceIstepped foot in this place.

“Withfucking pleasure.”

CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

RIVER

She’dlooked fucking divine, that gun in her hands, closing a chapter of her life that she’d probably just as soon forget.Andnow she had plans to leave us and run off to her mother, with promises to call and visit when the woman finished her surgery.

Myjob was to distract her for a few days while the rest of them put together a million reasons why she couldn’t go.

Whichwas whyIhoped she was pleased with the hotel suite theKingshad commandeered for us.

“Youready?”Iwhispered against the side of her throat, pleased at the little shiver of anticipation that ran down her spine. “Countto five and open your eyes.”

Iput my hand on the handle and swung it open as she got to one, and when the hands fell from her eyes,Iwrapped mine around her waist and held my breath, prepared for her to tell me it was too much, that she wanted to go, anything but whatIwanted to hear.

Instead, she spun in my arms and squealed, leaving my ears ringing in the aftermath.Iwas prepared for the excitement, butIwasn’t expecting her to plant her lips on mine and drag me into a kiss right here in the hotel hallway, where anyone could see.

“Oh.My.God!Ilove it,River!”

Shegiggled asIpicked her up in my arms and crossed the threshold, my brain giving me ideasIhad no business having after only knowing her for a few months.

Iwandered through the suite, showing off all the fun features and fantastic amenities it had to offer along the way.Ididn’t stop in the bedroom, though–Ihad plans for that part of the suite later.

“Hereyou go,”Isaid, setting her on the counter of the bathroom sink. “Let’sget you out of these clothes so we can wash you up.”

“Idon’t need someone to bathe me,River,” she started to protest, sliding off the sink in defiance.Herknees buckled when her feet hit the floor, andIcaught her before she went down with a knowing look. “Okay,” she chuckled, rolling her eyes asIlifted her back onto the counter. “SomaybeIdoneed a little help.”

Itugged the bloody shirt over her head, tossing it in the corner of the room. “You’llhave to stand up for me to get you out of these jeans.Doyou think you can manage?”

Hersigh asIset her on the floor was filled with dramatic amusement. “IsupposeIcan handle that.”

“Here.”Itapped my shoulders, my head down asIbent at the waist. “Handsup here to keep yourself steady.”

Shehuffed in annoyance but listened, andImade quick work of her pants, letting them puddle around her feet on the floor.Istraightened and leaned back, admiring the beautiful, bruised, resilient woman in front of me.

“Goddamn, you’re beautiful.”

Herblush tinted those pretty cheeks pink, andIbeamed at the sight.Myheart was so full.Ididn’t know what to think; so many emotions were at war inside me: lust, admiration, appreciation, gratitude, and awe.

Love.

Fuck, when had that snuck up on me?

Probablysomewhere between wanting to fuck her so bad it drove me crazy and demanding she take a breath asIpounded on her heart and forced it to beat for me.

“You’renot too bad yourself, cowboy,” she teased, tugging at my shirt. “Youlook a little overdressed for a shower, bud.Wantsome help?”

Iwas out of my shirt and pants so fast she didn’t even have a chance to blink.Mycock sprung up between us, hard and proud, butIignored it, hauling her against me soIcould kiss down the side of her neck.

Fuck, she tasted like the sweetest fucking berry.Itasted the tangy metallic remnants of the blood on her skin and winced, dragging her along to the standing shower in the corner as she giggled and swatted playfully at me.

“River, wait–I’mstill wearing my underwear set!”

Itipped her chin with my hand and pressed my lips against hers, reaching behind her back to turn on the water.Itfell from above like a summer rain, andIswallowed her shocked gasp of approval as my fingers slipped into the back of her bra and pinched the hooks apart, the water dragging it down her body between us.

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