Page 63 of Ink Deep Devotion

I know. He got a permit for the gun after the coffee shop was robbed five years ago.

“So don’t try me…Mr. Serial killer.” She raises her brow, still in a playful manner.“I'll kick your ass. A heel up your ass might sound sexy, but how about a good old pair of running shoes? Not as comfortable now, is it?” She spins on her heel, kicking one foot up behind her until it taps her butt, flashing her running shoes at me with a playful smirk.

I can’t help but tip my head back and laugh.“No, it doesn’t; let’s keep your feet firmly on the ground.”While I’m fucking you, that is.

“Damian. My name is Damian.” I want to hear my name on her lips.

“Hmmm,” she tilts her head, looking at me from shoulder to shoulder. She likes what she sees; that much is clear from the now redder cheeks.“That’s a pretty name.” She replies.

My lips turn up.“What’s your name?” I ask her as she pours the hot espresso into the mug that has the bookstore’s logo on it.

She doesn’t answer me at first. She grabs the caramel sauce and swirls it into my latte. Before she sets the caramel sauce, she grabs a plastic spoon and fills it with more sauce. I’m a silent witness as she lifts the spoon to her mouth, enjoying the taste of her mischievous accomplishment.“Shhh, I didn’t have breakfast,” she says, then slips the spoon into her sexy-as-hell mouth, closing her lips around it.

“You’re dangerous.” My cock throbs as it threatens to tear open my zipper and replace the caramel in her mouth.

“Says the man who is a killer.” She playfully giggles as she drops the spoon into the small sink.

I slowly shake my head. She’s naughty, and I want to see how bad she can be for me.

“Your name?”

“What will you give me for it?” She glances over her shoulder, still flirting with me. That’s when I noticed her eyes. It’s a unique shade of mossy green. She slides the hot latte to me as she leans her elbows on the bar. Little streaks of yellow surround her pupils.

“What do you want?” My reply comes out deep and husky. She and I look at each other, both leaning on our elbows. It’s the strangest encounter I have ever had, but I don’t want it to end.

“You can’t give me what I want.” She finally whispers.

“Try me.”

Her lips twitch. She was going to be honest, but she got too scared. She grabs a card and pen and slaps it in front of me.“A good review I can show my manager.” She slides the comment card towards me and then turns her back to me as another customer enters and orders a caramel latte.

I’m completely engrossed in watching her work, especially when she catches my eye. Her face reddens, and she quickly engages in conversation with the customers.

A text from the security team has me standing. Her eyes look up, and I see a flash of disappointment at my departure.“Thanks for the latte,” I say over the morning conversations.

She pauses, her face sad as I prepare to leave. My eyes drift to the card, and she follows my gaze, a smirk playing on her lips.

I push the door open, not feeling the cold air, but warmth instead. I haven’t felt my chest heat in so long. I can’t help it, I look back just as her fingers grab the card. Along with a five-star review, I left her my number, knowing I shouldn’t have. As I walk to the gallery, I feel like a teenager again, hoping she calls me.

Chapter 23

Dash

“I didn’t sign her up for this!” Greg Michelson slaps down half a dozen gossip magazines on his desk. It used to be unusual to have my face on one of these. Kings rule, but we don’t seek the spotlight. We’re above that. But a small bribe was all it took to get my face, with a group of models taking turns kissing me on the cover. I have made it a point to“hook up” with a new girl every time Dad requires me to leave school and attend a business function.

Despite months of pretending to date, Mila still wants me to sleep in her bed instead of on her floor. She saw right through my act. She’s always been smarter than her father.

I wish it were otherwise. Why can’t she be naive and physically push me out of her room instead of looking at me with wide eyes?

No. My little fox is cunning, and she will not give up easily.

Neither will I.

I’ll die inside if it means it will keep her safe. I will continue to make my enemies think Mila means nothing to me but the mere ink of a contractual obligation.

My dad’s eyes shift to my seat, so I lean back casually. My hand goes to my jaw, concealing my smile. Everything is going according to plan. If Greg thinks I don’t give a shit about Mila, the rest of the world will.

I don’t really hook up with the other women. Kissing them fills me with revulsion. All I taste is my regret and self-loathing. But I’ll swallow it down to keep Mila off the radar.

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