Page 11 of Monster: King of Nevada

“Theias.” She murmurs my name, and my dick jumps with joy. I love the sound of it coming from her lips with her soft voice, like velvet fingers wisping up my spine.

Brushing down her jaw, across her collarbone, and over the buxom cleavage teasing me, I tell her, “I like the way you say it. Pure ecstasy.”

Her breath hitches as a blush works up her chest and throat, blooming into her cheeks like a sun-kissed rose. I’ve never seen anything more radiant.

“Do you plan to keep it a restaurant?” she asks, pulling back, putting unwanted distance between us.

“Actually, I do. However, I plan to expand and rebrand, and I hope that with the help of you and a designer, I’ll have a successful new business venture in a few months.”

“Me?” she gasps, excitement illuminating her eyes. “I’m not qualified for something like this. Menu tasting is more my culinary speed.” Her self-deprecation makes me shake my head.

“I doubt that. I don’t think you give yourself near enough credit.” Her long, unruly auburn hair hides her shy smile, with flecks of gold and caramel shimmering through the strands like spun yarn on a wheel.

“That’s nice of you to say.”I’m sure she wonders about my attitude change.

“I’m sorry for being an ass to you today. I was not expecting you, and after a bad night, I wrongly took it out on you instead. Yelling at you was unacceptable.” I aim for sincerity.

Her fingers reach to touch the bruises hidden by makeup on her cheek. “Will you tell me about it?” I ask her.

Tears well in her eyes as she ducks down to hide her face, and my anger rises because I know it’s a man who put hands on her, and I want to kill him for it. Maybe dismember his body and spread the parts up and down the coast so he’s never found.

“I won’t let him touch you again.” My voice is low and deadly, and I hope she understands my meaning without having to say the words out loud.

“I’m not ready.” Her softened voice is hesitant while she pulls back and lifts the menu, perusing it without seeing a damn word. “What do you suggest?” she asks.

“I’m partial to the carbonara and focaccia.” It’s the whole reason I’m keeping the chef on board as I take over.

“I think I like the sound of the arancini with some bruschetta.” She licks her lips, and I imagine how her mouth waters for a taste.

Raising a hand to get the server’s attention, we place an order with a few things I can tell she’s dying to try, including gnocchi and a Caprese salad to start, with gelato and tiramisu for dessert.

After I’m brought another whiskey, Ella speaks again. “I have a younger brother, Oliver; he’s fifteen. I think he’d like it here.”

“I’m happy to have him come over for you.” A wistful look enters her eyes.

“They can’t know where I am,” she says quietly. “I don’t want them to get hurt because of my bad choices.”

“You’re far too young to carry this on your own, doll. Tell me who he is.” Harnessing my impatience is difficult.

Her head shakes, and she laughs bitterly before meeting my eyes with a strength I didn’t expect. “It’s not just me or them that I’m worried about.” Teardrops slide from her eyes as she places a hand across her belly, the implication crystal clear.

Slackening my posture, I blow out a harsh breath before tossing back my refilled whiskey, allowing the smooth burn to temper my words. “You’re pregnant.” She nods as she wipes the wetness from her cheeks. “And he’s the father.” Another nod.

We sit in silence until the food comes. Our drinks are refilled, and while minutes ago, she’d been so excited to try the food, I see now that she’s reluctant.

Recognizing that she spent all day in her room, not eating, and now she’s lost some of her appetite because of our conversation, I spear a bite of food and offer it to her. Surprised, she opens her mouth, moaning as she chews, and the flavors burst on her tongue. I know from experience that the food is delicious.

Forking another mouthful, I keep feeding her until she’s had several bites of each dish before taking a few of my own. I’m sure she ponders if her being pregnant will be a deal breaker for me after our tender kiss and my constant touching.

I don’t think it is.

Ella is special. The baby is an extension of her. And once I kill her ex, we won’t have to be concerned about another parent trying to take them away from us.

7

ELLA

As we step out of Theias’ Maserati, I’m still laughing in a way I haven’t in so long. He spent some time telling me stories of the rivalry between him and his younger brother from their school days, and I can only imagine the trouble the two of them got into as boys and then teenagers.

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