Page 41 of King of Depravity

“And you.”

He lets go of my hand. “I’m hoping to speak with you as you continue to gather intel on the Russians.”

“What about?”

He leans closer. “There are two factions of Italians. One is willing to work with us, but the other is definitely not friendly. Can we sit down so I can go through the ins and outs?”

“Of course,” I answer. “If you’re inclined, I’d like to learn some basics about your position at Kincaid as well.”

His eyes widen before his face breaks out in a smile. “A man of your skill deserves more than the basics. Come by anytime. As we expand, I could use some help, and with the blending of our families, you’d make the perfect addition.”

Well. How about that? Chloe wasn’t the only one who left today with a new job.

My girl appears, a pleased smile tugging at her lips as she shakes Leo’s hand. She walks toward me, looking light on her feet. “I got the job,” she whispers. “I start the day after tomorrow, just training, but it’s so much money,” she gushes in a whisper.

I return her grin. “Great job, baby girl.”

“Thank you, Killian. For this. I know I wouldn’t be here…”

“No problem,” I take her hand. “Ready to go look at some new places?”

She tugs her hand from mine. “I already told you, I don’t accept favors from powerful men. Well…except for you.”

I shake my head. “This isn’t a favor, it’s payment. You and I helped the Kincaids identify a new enemy before they’d even made a move.”

Her eyes widen in understanding. “And I’ll take the favor if you’re uncomfortable. But the Kincaids have top of the line security and I won’t compromise on your safety. So what do you say? Can we go have a look?”

I see the softness that fills her eyes. “What are you doing to me?”

“Charming you?” I’m joking. Everyone knows I’ve got none.

She leans in and then pushes up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. “That’s it exactly. Who would have believed that you, of all the guys, would be Prince Charming?”

“Let’s not go crazy,” I chuckle, but I’ve got to be honest. I like the way she sees me. I like it a lot.

But hope and happiness are dangerous emotions for a man like me. I try to ignore the voice that warns I wasn’t built for happily ever after. I’ve always known that.

I was born of darkness, and darkness is where I will return…

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

Chloe

We get backto Killian’s in the late afternoon. He immediately orders me soup, which sounds amazing, and I change into comfy leggings and a tank top, then return to my easel.

The place we looked at with the real estate agent was the nicest place I’ve ever seen in my life. A luxury condo with every amenity in the world including vaulted ceilings, high-end appliances, and a shower that had like six heads. I didn’t even know that existed. That doesn’t even include the private elevator that opened right into the place. It was ridiculous.

But I love the light in Killian’s place, and I don’t even turn on the overhead lights as I paint by the rays of the afternoon sun.

Killian doesn’t say a word, just lets me work.

Just like yesterday, he feeds me and sits on the couch, stripping off his shirt before he does.

With a smile, I keep painting.

“Do you want to be a painter, like in your heart of hearts?” he asks as he lounges.

I straighten up, my brush perched over the canvas. “Do I want to sell paintings that I’ve made?”

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