Page 62 of King of Depravity

Alexander tugs at Killian’s hands, but Killian doesn’t seem to notice as he tightens his grip, Alexander is making these gurgling noises. “Stop,” he chokes out.

“Mercy? Is that what you’re asking for?” he spits in Alexander’s ear.

“Yes,” Alexander chokes out.

I just stare as Killian drags Alex toward the dumpster, both of them disappearing behind the giant structure.

I hear the crash, the loud sound of something hitting the metal, before Killian appears again. Alone.

He still doesn’t look at me, as he bends down over the dead man and reaches for his hair, pulling a bunch from the man’s scalp. I let out a little yelp and his eyes finally meet mine. “Hush.”

My mouth drops open, my eyes wide. Hush? He takes the hair and walks back behind the dumpster. I see the light of his flashlight on his phone. It must only be minutes but it feels like hours before he reappears.

Distantly, I hear the sound of sirens.

Killian must hear them too. He appears again, coming straight for me. I don’t run. Neither my body nor my brain are working at all.

He saved me, but did I just witness him kill a man?

What does that mean for me? He doesn’t say a word as he bends down, wrapping his arm around my naked ass and lifting me into his arms. I haven’t even pulled my pants up. He doesn’t pull them up either as he starts out of the alley and down the street.

He keeps to the shadows, stopping at the slightest noise. I have no idea how long it takes before we reach his car, but when we do, he drops me into the passenger’s seat and then tosses a jacket over my lap.

He climbs into the driver’s seat and pulls the car out, reversing direction with three quick lefts. He slides into traffic, going exactly the speed limit and I look over at him, the motion of the car turning my stomach. “I think I might be sick.”

My body has started to shake, and I can’t shrink myself small enough for his jacket to warm me.

Killian looks over at me, his eyes filled with concern. “Can you hold it in until we get back? Five minutes, luv.”

“I’ll try.”

He reaches for me then, his hand cupping my cheek. I close my eyes as the tears start to roll down my face. This touch unlocking the fear and revulsion of the past half hour.

I just want to curl into him, and I find myself leaning over the center tray to press my face into his shoulder. “Killian?”

“Yeah, luv?”

“I’m sorry I left,” I sob out, clutching my hands around his bicep. “I’m so sorry.”

He slides his hand to my thigh, in a gentle but firm grip. “I’m sorry that motherfucker touched you.”

Me too. “What does this mean?” I ask, my tears soaking the sleeve of his T-shirt.

“Not sure yet,” he answers quietly. “But I can tell you one thing for certain.”

“What’s that?”

“I will not let anyone hurt you, sweetheart. Not ever. You’re my girl to care for. Always.”

I lift my head. “Would you…would you ever hurt me Killian?” He just murdered a man. “I know I asked yesterday but I need a straight answer. A promise.”

I’m pretty sure he’s killed two men since I’ve known him. “I know how important promises are to you.”

A little sob escapes my lips. He didn’t promise, and that scares me. I know his secrets. Does that mean I’m a problem?

His hand slides across my thigh in a soothing motion as he presses his cheek to the top of my head, kissing my temple. “I told you I was your soldier, luv.”

I look up at him then, my brows knitting.

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