Page 9 of Shifting Hearts

My thoughts turn to Korvin, and I know he is the man I want.

“Yeah, Doll. But sometimes love isn’t enough to overcomethe fundamental differences between people.”

Malichai drops a bill on the counter before taking his drink and moving into the throng of people. I want to call him back and talk some more, but my attention is drawn to the longing scrolled across my friend’s features. My heart hurts for her but I don’t know either of them well enough to meddle in their affairs.

Maybe we can talk about it tomorrow night.

****

Just like every night, the hours pass in a blur. “Last round” has been called and only a few stragglers remain inside The Gin Room, finishing off their drinks before they will make their way through the city that never sleeps.

Korvin stands in one of the corners, watching over the entire place. He frowns when another man approaches me, even if it is just to order a drink, and looks like he might hit someone if they stand around making small talk too long. But he doesn’t move.

Ari never introduced me to him, so I didn’t catch his job description, but I assume he is one of the bouncers or some other form of security. His size alone is enough to intimidate most people, and no one dares to approach his scowling form. He is such a sweetheart when it’s just the two of us but has put off heavy “fuck around and find out” vibes once other people are around.

A scuffle breaks out, drawing my attention away from him. At the door, one of the twins—I still can’t tell them apart—is holding a man by his throat, his frame pressed against the wall.

“We don’t hurt women!” he roars.

I watch his face shimmer and distort, and I swear I see a bull. But the image is gone in seconds. Korvin is beside him, whispering in his ear. Slowly he releases the man beforemaking his way to his brother where a short but curvy woman is wrapped in his arms.

“Akasha.” Turning to the unknown voice I stare at the man before me. I know him from my interviews. He is Aldron, the owner of The Gin Room, and my boss. “I need to see you in my office when you’re done. And bring Korvin with you. The grumpy old bear should be present for this conversation.”

I want to laugh at his description of the man I am quickly falling in love with, but I don’t. For some reason I feel trepidation, like a child being called to the headmaster’s office. I wonder what he could want to discuss with me, but I have a feeling this could change everything.

Chapter Eight

Korvin Slater

The Box

“Aldron wants to see us,” Akasha says as she walks up to me.

Deep inside, my bear bristles. He has been on edge all night, wanting to rip every male in this building limb from limb. Any and every man that has passed through The Gin Room tonight should thank whatever deity they pray to that they are still alive. If I wasn’t terrified of scaring Akasha, I would have gone on a rampage tonight.

“Okay.” I don’t know what else to say.

“You’ll have to lead the way,” she says, looking at her feet. “I don’t know where his office is.”

Nodding, I lead her to the elevator, pushing the button for the seventh floor. Aldron may live in the penthouse, but he doesn’t conduct business in his home. For a moment we travel in silence but the sound of metal scraping on metal cuts through. With a shudder the elevator comes to a complete standstill, the lights flickering off before the emergency light kicks in.

Akasha grabs my arm, clinging to me. Slowly, I disentangle us before pulling her against my side.

“Don’t worry. It’s an old building,” I say, pressing the alarm button. “It’s probably just a power outage.”

“Okay,” she replies. There is a tremble in her voice, and I wish I could say something more reassuring. “I’m just happy you’re here. I wouldn’t be able to handle this alone.”

I gently cup her face, tilting her chin up so I can look at her. In her tear-filled gaze, I see nothing but trust. For long moments we simply stare at one another, the stress of being stuck in an elevator completely forgotten.

“Are you going to kiss me now?” she whispers, licking her lips.

I thought I was in control. I was under the illusion that I could spend time with her, protect her, without being affected by her presence.

I was wrong.

Pressing my lips against hers is the biggest mistake I could have made. It is also the greatest moment of my long, lonely life. She sighs, wrapping her arms around my neck and standing on her toes. Her curvy body presses against mine and any control I had slips into oblivion.

I push her back against the wall as my tongue licks at the seam of her lips, they part instantly, allowing me access. Her taste explodes across my senses and my bear purrs like a fucking cat. It’s something he has never done but I know he is happy. My bear and I are finally on the same fucking page and the violence that has ruled our lives for so many years falls away.

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