Page 50 of Devour

Nick comes back to stand between my knees. “Place your arms around my neck and lift yourself up.” I do as I’m told and he pulls my shorts and panties down and tosses them to the side.

I shriek when he sits me back down on the dryer. “Sorry. Even though I was just sitting here the metal is cold.”

He shakes his head again. “It baffles me how you could think someone like that is – She’s not half the person you are.”

Barely above a whisper, I ask the question that plagued my heart for far too long. “Then why did Leo choose her?”

“Because he’s a fucking loser. Did it ever occur to you that he wasn’t brave enough to be with you? Secure enough? It’s him who is beneath you.”

I can’t help but smile. “Does that mean you’re worthy?” I tease.

“Not even fucking close, baby. But I’m a selfish prick. You already know my moral compass doesn’t point north.” Nick gives me a devilish smile that sends warmth throughout my body.

“You said you never wanted to have anyone in your life, that if you lost them, it would weaken you.” I take a moment to study his face. He nods in understanding. “You never wanted to experience the pain like with your father. And that’s how you’ve become so powerful…no weaknesses. Nick, would I be a weakness?”

“Yes. You would be my one weakness. But you should know, if I have a problem, I eliminate it.”

I wait for him to elaborate on that little tidbit. When he doesn’t, I ask, “Are you going to kill me because I’m your weakness? I’d be the problem.”

“What? No. I’m going to simply kill all my enemies.”

“A massacre over one person?”

“Well, when you put it like that it makes me sound quite the romantic, doesn’t it?” His voice comes out deliciously seductive.

I can’t help the wide grin that stretches my face. “You sound insane.”

“If they’re my enemy, I need to dispose of them anyways.”

“So you’re not doing it for me then?” I tease.

“Oh, now you want me to go on a killing spree in your honor?”

“This conversation is insane…like you.”

He leans forward and nips my shoulder and then sucks on it. “You’re the one that’s talking in circles because you can’t make up your mind.” Next, I feel his lips on my neck. “It’s like you refuse to let me make you happy. Is it because I saidmyenemies?” Nick’s face and tone are so innocent despite how dark the topic is. “I mean ours. Your enemies are now my enemies. Give me their names. They’re as good as dead.”

“No.” The word comes out as a strangled laugh. I can’t believe this is our conversation, and it’s happening so casually.

“Always playing hard to get.”

“No. I don’t want anyone to die because of me. Murder is a big one. Hard to come back from that. Besides, I don’t have any enemies. I’m charming and everyone loves me.”

“Leo and Trina?” He cocks his head to the side. Then his eyes become bright with excitement. “What about your boss?”

“You’ve terrorized them enough.”

“Instead of ending their miserable existence, you’d rather we continue with terrorizing them? Prolong torture.” His voice lowers and a mischievous smirk plays on his lips. “You’re dark, my little she-wolf.”

“They’re not a threat. Forget they even exist.”

“Fine. But the offer is there should you require my services.”

“There’s only one service I require.” I place my wrists at the back of his neck. “Come here.”

“Talk of slaughtering and torturing got you wet?”

“No.” She bows her head and sighs. Then she looks up at me with a look of adoration. “But speaking of torture, I’ve been sitting here on this metal dryer wet since you undressed me. But you won’t stop talking.”

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