Page 48 of Devour

Not in our world. Cleric wanted to choose a friend that Lani could relate to and trust. Someone who wouldn’t question or think anything of having bodyguards with them. Though Maeve hasn’t gotten in the thick of our world, Cleric knows I wouldn’t allow her to go without them.

“Not as much as you think. Besides, I hear that readers meet up at these events as strangers all them and then become lifelong best friends. Would you be willing to go as a favor to me? I know I don’t have any right to ask you. Cleric has done a lot for me over the years, and this is the first time he’s asked for a favor. And I wouldn’t ask if I thought you wouldn’t have a good time.”

Maeve doesn’t look me in the eye. I take her little chin and force her head up to face me. We stare at each other. Her trying to decide if she can trust me while I look back at the most precious person to come into my life. If Trina went to Cleric, who’s to say she hasn’t searched for someone else to ruin Maeve. I need to learn what grudge she holds against Maeve is and why.

“I don’t think so,” Maeve finally says.

It would be all too easy to drug her and drag her somewhere safe, or to lure her to my hotel room and leave her tied up until I took care of this. She would hate me for it, but overtime, she might learn to forgive me. Her trust is so fragile. Am I really willing to gamble it? I need her to go willingly. For that, I’ll have to modify my behavior.

“How about this...” My hand slides behind her neck and holds it in a firm grip. “You do this and I’ll owe you a favor.”

“What if I ask you to leave me alone?”

“Is that what you want?”

“No. I’m trying to see how badly you want this.”

“I don’t want anything as much as I want you, Little Bit.”

“It’s still weird you use my grandmother’s nickname for me.”

“It fits.” I bring my face inches from hers. My words come out harsh and raw. “Make no mistake. You’re mine. And until you understand just how deep my loyalty and obsession goes, I’ll spend every damn day proving it to you.” My hold on her neck tightens as I force her lips against mine.

“Nick.” She pulls back and sighs against my lips.

I pull her back in for another kiss, this time taking it deeper. Sliding my tongue between her lips until all her moans, sighs, and even the fucking air she breathes is mine. Her soft tongue caresses mine, making the urge to consume her beyond manageable. I charge our bodies forward until her back is against the wall. I’ve lost all control. My dick is pressing painfully against my pants, desperately seeking her sweet center.

The ringing of her phone brings us out of our passionate frenzy.Shit.If it was mine, I would’ve ignored it. The world could be burning all around us and I wouldn’t give a shit right now.

“It’s work. I’ve probably been gone too long.”

I bite my tongue before I can suggest she tell them to fuck off.Mustering all my strength, I release Maeve, so she can answer the call. I listen to the sound of her clacking heels as she retreats to speak to her boss.

When she returns to me, I take a moment to marvel at her beauty and the sweet warmth that she radiates. It’s taking all of my control not to scoop her into my arms and run away with her. She’s so fucking precious, and she’s completely unaware of how easily people fall in love with her. Maeve thinks it’s crazy I fell in love with her so fast. I’d be insane not to chase after her. A woman like her comes into my dark world, only a fool would let her slip away.

Her eyebrows pull together. “What? Why are you staring at me?”

“I wasn’t prepared for how good it would feel to be with you.”

She giggles. “Considering you’ve been with a lot of women, I can see how you might’ve had the bar low. Still, it’s kind of rude to tell me that.”

“No. I knew you’d be incredible in bed. I’m talking about us spending time together. Just being. I’ve never dated.”

“Glad I could be your first.”

“You’ll be my last.”

“That sounds creepy. Hey, I need to get to work. Want me to get a rideshare or can you drive me back? I understand if you’re busy.”

The last time she got in a rideshare was how I snagged her. So absolutely the fuck not will she be hopping in a car with some stranger. “I’m not busy.”

“I doubt that, but I appreciate the ride. We can discuss the event more on the way.”

“One question before we go.”

Maeve groans. “No, my boss is going to kill me. Okay, yes, I’ll go to the book event. It actually does sound fun. Let’s go.”

First of all, her boss won’t do a damn thing if she knows what’s good for her. I’ll ruin her reputation, tank her business, and then buy her out of it. Second, I’d already forgotten about that, but great. “That’s not where I was going, but good. I’ll let Cleric know and handle the arrangements. My question is, have you thought about going on your own and creating your own business?”

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