Page 44 of King of Pain

“Think about it. One, she’d be in danger. Two, if they find her and question her, she’d give away the whole ruse. It’s best if she stays with you.”

My gut twists into knots.

I have to do this for Mason. I should say no for Kate.

Her skin glows in the moonlight as she makes her way to me. Maybe it’s not so bad.

It’s just a summer internship.

“Mason. I can’t fuck with her life like that.”

“You’re not fucking with her life. The Vendettis did that.”

He’s not wrong but still… “I like her. She’s?—”

“Safest with you.” Mason cuts me off. “Luke. I’ll try my damnedest to push the permits through tomorrow. But if I don’t… There is no choice here. We need to keep the Vendettis in jail for everyone’s safety and I need you to stay put. Please.”

I let out a long breath. I can’t say no. “All right. We’ll stay.”

“Thank you,” Mason lets out a long breath. “Are you near the San Juan National Forest?”

“Yeah.”

“There is a bank I can wire money to in Durango. It’s close enough for you to drive but far enough away…”

“No one will find us.” I run a hand through my hair as Kate comes up the steps.

We’re both naked and I turn, pulling her against me. She’s cold, and wrapping an arm around her middle, I pull her close, pressing her skin to mine as I drop a kiss on her shoulder. She nuzzles into my chest as guilt eats at my stomach.

She’s the last person I want to hurt.

Part of me was worried it would come to this. Maybe that’s why I never told her who I am. What my family does.

We are a giant Vegas machine, and we crush everyone who gets in our way.

Even beautiful little doctors with shiny brown hair and soulful eyes.

“I’ll have the package for you first thing tomorrow morning,” Mason says. “I’m glad you’re safe.”

“Yeah,” I say and then I hang up, my other arm wrapping around Kate. Was she worried about being with a bad guy?

I might be the worst. “We should get some sleep,” I murmur into her shoulder. “I’ve got to head out early tomorrow morning.”

“For what?”

“My family is wiring us money.”

“We’re not going back to Vegas tomorrow?” She stiffens in my arms, her breath catching.

The lie I’m about to tell sits bitter on my tongue. “The Italians are turning Vegas upside down looking for us.”

She cries out, pulling back. “But… my internship!”

“I’m sorry, Kate. I don’t think it’s safe.”

She shakes her head, her hair brushing all over my skin. “But, Luke, you don’t understand. This is my chance. I’ve waited forever. Beat out thousands of candidates. I can’t not show up on the first day!”

My eyes close. “Baby girl…”

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