Page 24 of The Hermit

She constantly gives me the impression she’s a fighter, but I’m starting to think she’s broken beyond repair. A person only becomes this reckless with their life when they’ve already faced their worst nightmare and it destroyed them.

She doesn’t fight for herself, only for her sister.

“Hmm,” I grumble while taking in every inch of her beautiful features.

Before I can stop myself, I bring my hand to her face and gently nudge soft blond strands away from her cheek. My fingers begin to trace the curve of her jaw until I reach her lips. Softly, I brush the pad of my thumb over the scab, wishing I could wipe it away.

“I’m beginning to think you’re the crazy one between us,” I murmur. “Never thought that would be a turn-on for me, though.”

Shaking my head, I pull away from her and walk to the door, where I let myself out. On my way to the staircase, I lift my hand to my neck again, and my fingers brush over the sensitive spot where I’m sure Grace left a bite mark.

The corner of my mouth lifts at the memory of how she didn’t hesitate to sink her teeth into me.

Knowing she’s marked my skin makes my cock harden as satisfaction creeps into my chest.

I better be on guard around the woman, or I’ll soon find myself in a world of trouble.

Just as I step into the foyer to head toward the French doors, Ian comes out of his office. Looking shocked at seeing me, he says, “I thought you already turned in for the night.”

I shake my head as I change direction and head toward him.

He steps back into his office and waits for me to take a seat before he does the same.

“I have to apologize for Grace’s behavior…” he begins, but I hold up a hand to silence him.

“Stop intervening,” I order.

“But…”

My eyes slant to him with a clear warning not to try and argue, which makes him shift uncomfortably in his chair.

When his eyes lock on my neck, a frown quickly forms on his forehead. “You got hurt?”

I let out a chuckle. “Grace bit me.”

“What!” he exclaims.

“I deserved it,” I tell him so Grace won’t get in trouble.

I watch as Ian’s fear for me wars with anger. “Why did my daughter bite you?”

“I restrained her,” I answer honestly.

“Jesus Christ! I know things have been tense between the two of you, but was it really necessary?”

Knowing I’ll piss him off, I smirk. “It was entertaining.” Before he can respond to what I just said, I add, “Grace would be the better option for me to marry.”

Shaking his head, Ian says, “She’s not an option.”

I lift an eyebrow at him. “Why not?”

He lets out a sigh before admitting, “She’s already carried out her duty to the family. It’s Ciara’s turn.”

Not pushing the subject right now, I change the topic and ask, “Any word from the bratva?”

Ian lets out a sigh while he scrubs his hand over his face. “Pavlov sent a message that he’s far from done with me. He plansto retaliate.” Looking older than the sixty years he is, he adds, “I’ve heard I’m not the only one being attacked. The Italians, Portuguese, and Greeks are being targeted as well.”

“Hmm,” I grumble as I lift my hand to my mouth, rubbing my thumb over my bottom lip while my mind races to form some kind of plan.

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