Page 82 of King of Pain

I turn even as his eyes scan down me. “Fuck,” he rumbles as he looks at my neck.

I shake my head. “He wasn’t going for the kill. He was just trying to make me black out. The damage is minimal.”

“It doesn’t fucking look minimal,” he grits out.

“What happened to him? Gorilla?”

“Let me worry about him.”

The phone rings again. Luke looks down at it, his eyes flickering before he dismisses the call.

But it just rings again. I close my eyes. “Pick up.”

A moment of indecision fills his eyes before he answers. “Roman.”

“You’re fucking alive.”

I smile. Roman sounds just like Luke.

“I’m alive. Though Guerriero just tried pretty fucking hard to end Kate.”

“Fuck,” Roman rumbles. “She all right?”

“Still checking.”

“Vincent and Vigo got bailed out yesterday. Came after us last night. We’re all right, but they’re both dead.”

Luke’s shoulders sage. “Thank fuck.”

Our gazes lock. If all three of the Vendettis are out of the picture…

“Roman. I think I might be out. I’ll explain it all later, but I’m not sure I want to work for Kincaid anymore.”

Roman pauses for a moment. “That’s funny. I’ve been thinking the same thing.”

He touches my cheek, giving me a soft smile as he finishes his call.

Then his fingertips skim down my jaw to my throat, assessing my neck. “I’m fine, Luke. Promise.”

He leans down and places a soft kiss on the column of my throat. “As soon as you’re up for it, let’s call your advisor. Where do you want to go?”

That is an excellent question.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Kate

I chewon my nail as the phone in my hand rings. I’m waiting for my advisor to pick up as I stand inside the small Durango hangar.

We flew back this morning. Back to the cabin and to Alice.

First, I wanted the clothes that Luke bought for me. Second… he wants the truck. He says he’s going to have it towed back to Vegas for now, while we’re figuring out where we want to land.

I know he had this plan to go back to New York, but where we go depends on where there is an open internship. This late, I have no idea where or if I’ll be able to find one.

Which is why this call is so important. But on a more personal note, and the last reason we’re here…

I want Mark to meet Luke.

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