Page 37 of Everest

I bite my bottom lip. “What decision?”

Everest thrusts, knocking a cry from my lungs. “That you’remine.”

A shudder passes through my body when he says those three words. Everest must feel it, too, because all of a sudden, his movements intensify. “You like the thought of being mine, don’t you, baby?”

The voice in my head screamsyes, but when I open my lips, a lie escapes. “No.”

Everest smiles in a way I have never seen before, and it is beautiful. “Liar.”

Damn. How does he do that?

“You’remine, London, and one day soon, you’re going to admit it.” Everest slips his hand between our bodies and presses his thumb against my clit, making me see stars. “Now be a good girl and come for me. I want to feel your pussy drench my cock.”

My words are a lie, but my body knows the truth because as soon as the command is spoken, the most intense orgasm wracks my entire body.

11

EVEREST

The morning light slices through the curtain, sharp and unforgiving. The air in the apartment still hums with the tension from the night before, while the scent of vanilla and sin lingers on my skin. And even though my dick is ready for round two, he'll have to wait because I want answers.

London is curled up at the edge of my bed, her back to me, her hair spilling over her bare shoulder like ink on white sheets. I've been watching her for some time, even though she's no longer sleeping.

I see the tension her body is holding.

I know her.

This woman’s holding back.

Holding in what happened between us last night, and then some.

So am I.

Because while she might think last night started here in my bed, it didn't.

It started well before.

Even before I walked into that goddamn strip club and saw her dancing.

The truth is, I've been watching her for days, sitting in the shadows, making sure no one got too close to what'smine. To make sure she was safe. And telling myself I have no damn right to feel the way I do.

Then, a drunk asshole with more booze than brains stumbled to his feet and reached for her. He touched her like he had the right to do so. I was already moving before I realized it, shoving past tables and bodies, ready to break the stupid fuck in two. The bouncer got to London first, yanking her off the stage.

She didn't see the rest.

She didn't see me dragging the son of a bitch out the back door.

She didn’t see the way my fist connected with his face repeatedly until my knuckles were slick with his blood.

I don't even remember if I said anything to him.

The rage took over, and I only wanted to send a message.

I was mid-swing when my phone buzzed in my pocket and I almost didn't answer.

I wish I hadn't.

It was Riggs. He needed me at Kings Tactical. The alarm tripped, and he was en route. So were the others. I cursed, left the bastard I was dealing with bleeding behind the dumpster, and reluctantly headed back to town, thinking I'd be back before the club closed its doors, and I could follow London home.

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