Page 52 of Revenge

Kai.

It was hard to keep my eyes from greedily scanning his gorgeous face before dropping to that bare-muscled chest.

Bare!

He was leaning against the gym doorframe, and the first thing I noticed was that he was shirtless. Kai stood tall and broad without apology, wearing grey sweatpants that sat low on his hips. He was also barefooted. The casual attiremassivelyamplified his attractiveness.

And OMG. I sure hoped that my mouth wasn’t hanging open. He looked downright sinful. I willed myself not to stare at him like a simpering schoolgirl in the throes of her first crush. Just, like I used to.

Breathe, I ordered myself.

Kai’s arms were folded which bunched up his inked biceps. They were huge and perfectly sculptured. His chest was broad and strong, and I could see a male nipple poking out between his crossed arms and the light smattering of hair there. Kai’s six-packed abs were well-pronounced, and I felt the urge to trail my fingers across the muscles there. The vee that led down into his joggers was almost like an arrow pointing towards his crotch.

Oh, my days.

The silver scar which sat towards his hip was a reminder of everything that was twisted between us. It was from a bullet wound, one that I had put there.

You hate this man. He is stealing your life from you!I reminded myself.

I felt hypnotised by the fierceness of Kai’s shimmering gaze as he stood there in silence, watching me. My throat felt dry as I drew in a jiggered breath. I fell mute and struggled to find my voice. His expression was unlike anything I had ever seen directed at me; almost like he was seeing me for the first time.

Kai saw where I was looking and he glanced down, “Admiring your handy work?”

Swallowing, I shook my head and tugged my eyes upwards, “Not at all.”

I returned to perving over the masculine picture he presented.

“Take a picture, it will last longer,” Kai said with a sexy smirk. That look was a weapon and hit you smack between the thighs. I gave him a brave look and washed a hand across my face remembering his first question.

“To answer your first question, Iwasactually,” I replied, ignoring him outing me for ogling him. He looked as fit as fuck. You’d have to be dead not to.

“Was what?” Kai shot back, lowering his arms, and pushing off the doorframe. I watched his long legs as he paced towards me, and a frisson of heat danced up my spine. I realised in that moment that I had missed this interaction with him, the push and pull between us.

“Imagining the bag was you,” I pointed out as he came to stand before me. His nearness made my breath choppy. I had never been so aware of my body before. This was only the second time I had seen him without a top; the first time was when we went swimming years ago and he hadn’t been half as ripped.

I told myself to get a grip as I raised my chin and looked him in the eye.

Do not allow this man to tie you in knots again, it will not end well.

As Kai stared down his perfect nose at me like a bronzed gladiator, I felt very aware of what I was wearing. My outfit was as tight as a swimsuit would have been except this time, my midriff was showing.

“Why don’t we make it a reality?” Kai husked, his expression switching, almost like he was sizing me up.

My brow threaded, “What do you mean? You want me to hit you?” Part of me wanted to bolt at that point but the other was intrigued by his suggestion. I needed to remind myself that Kai was a ruthless killer and that the mafia lived inside of him; untamed and unconquerable. I hated mafia life, and this man was the epitome of that but I couldn’t draw away.

Something flickered behind his fierce gaze, “No, I want you totry,” he said with a cocksure expression; emphasis on the try. The thought of landing at least one blow on that too-perfect-for-his-own-good face was too enticing.

“OK. You’re on,” I agreed, flexing my arms, and walking backwards onto the matted area.

“But first we need to set the stakes,” he purred.

Raising an eyebrow, I questioned, “What do you mean?”

“What does the winner get?” Kai translated thoughtfully with a grin; his expression now wicked.

“How about my freedom?” My words reminded me that Kai wasnota good man. I was impressed by my strength as I managed to stand before him without shrinking before his large, semi-naked body.

“No can do, I’m afraid.” Kai’s strong torso was warm near my own and I suddenly felt like a bonfire. “Try again.”

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