Page 15 of Poisonous Savage

"Timeto go,"Huntergrowled, the command rough and low, meant only for my ears.Theheat of his breath fanned across my neck, sending a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with fear.Afinal glance at the sea of faces confirmed it—the envy, the respect, the dread.Theysaw us, truly saw us, as the rulers we were.

Outside, the night air hit my face, cool against the flush of my cheeks.Thecity sprawled out before us, lights twinkling like fallen stars.Wedescended the steps,Marcofalling into step behind us.

"Driveus home,"Huntercommanded asMarcoslid into the driver's seat.Thecar door closed, and the engine's growl was a purr of satisfaction as we drove away.

Inthe leather-scented confines of the limousine,Hunter'shand claimed my thigh, his grip bruising.Werode in silence,Marcodaring to sneak a glance at me once in a while.

Thesolid thud of the mansion's front door echoed behind us.Marbleunderfoot felt cold compared toHunter'sheat radiating beside me.Hisarm snaked around my waist, pulling me closer as if the world outside had no claim on me now.Wewere alone.Marcohad taken his leave.

"Fuck, woman," he growled low, his voice a gravelly sound that vibrated through me. "Tonight, you outdid yourself."

"Theireyes were on us,Hunter.Allof them,"Imurmured.Thisall felt so surreal.

"Let'em stare," he sneered, pride sharp in his eyes as they met mine. "Theysaw the queen you are."

Wemoved through the halls, our shadows entwined, swallowed by the darkness that was our domain.Theclink of my heels against the stone punctuated the silence, a steady beat to the pounding of my heart.Hisgrip tightened, possessive and demanding.

Ourbedroom awaited.Thedoor shut with a click, sealing us from the world.Hunter'shands roamed, peeling layers and dropping them to the floor.

"Somany plans," he said between kisses that branded me his. "Expansion.Retribution."

"Power,"Ibreathed out, lost in the heady mix of ambition and desire. "We'llbleed the city dry."

"Damnright, baby girl."Approvallaced his rough words, igniting a fire that raged beyond control. "Nowcome sit on my dick."

MARCO

Iturned the corner, the dim light casting shadows along the walls of the secluded hallway.TherewasRosalind, her back against the cool plaster, her eyes wide and searching.Theyfound mine, held tight in a gaze that sizzled with something dangerous, something hungry.

Hunter'sabsence was a godsend, the prick off playing judge, jury, and executioner with some rat who had news about theBlackHands.Drawingsome boundaries or something.Goodfor him.Ihad my own lines to redraw now, here with her.

Shewas a goddamn vision—black curls tumbling over her shoulders, those dark eyes that could cut through a man's self-confidence.Shewas everythingHunterdidn'tdeserve, and here she stood a little fly.Waitingto see whatIwould do.

Istepped into her space, close enough to catch the light floral scent coming off of her.Everydamn instinct screamed at me to claim her, to erase every touchHunterhad branded on her skin.Butfuck, she wasn't just some territory to mark.Icouldn't just piss on her and make her mine.Shewas fire and fight wrapped in silk.Shedeserved a choice in all this.Shedeserved to know thatIwas throwing my hat in the ring.

"Comewith me."Itwasn't a question, but it wasn't a command either—it was an invitation, one laced with the promise of whatIcould give her, what we could take from this fucked-up life together.

Herbreath came out shaky, chest heaving as she stared at me.Sizingme up.Shetook a step, her hand brushing against mine, electricity shooting up my arm.Iswallowed down the roar of victory that threatened to tear from my throat.Thiswasn't about winning.Itwas about her, about snatching moments of peace in a war that never ended.

Iwatched her, a fuckin' tempest in her eyes.Shestood there like she was on the edge of a cliff, deciding whether to jump or to turn back to safety—a safety that was just an illusion.

"Marco..."

Hervoice was a whisper, but it hit me hard, straight in the gut.Itwas the sound of chains breaking, of a caged bird thinkin' about the sky.Ipractically see the wheels turning in her mind.

"Fuck,"Ibreathed out, feeling that pull, that fuckin' gravity that always drew me to her.

"Alright," she murmured, finally giving in to the pull, to me.Herfingers slid into mine.Afragile honesty formed with that touch—one that spoke of secrets and the kind of trust that could get us both killed.

Myheart jackhammered like it wanted to break free, butIkept my face stone.Couldn'tlet her see the chaos she stirred up inside me.Wemoved through the empty house towards the front door.

Thenight was cool, air lifting her hair wildly as we exited the house.Mybike waited, all sexy lines and raw power—a beast that roared beneath me, a beastItamed.Iglanced at her and saw the flicker of curiosity in those dark eyes.

"Everbeen on one?"Iasked.

Sheshook her head, eyes wide, lips parted.Fearand excitement danced across her face, a combination that made my blood heat.

"Today'syour lucky day then, sunshine."

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