Page 80 of King of Malice

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We clear the wooded trail, coming out of thetrees and into another small clearing. Wooded areas like this are rare in this part of Nevada. This little oasis is fed by a river, which wraps behind three cottages that stand in an adorable little line. “What are those?” I suck in a breath as I take in the picturesque view bathed in moonlight.

“The one on the left…” he nods in its direction. “That is where we’ll stay for the next three weeks.”

I stare at the cottage, a calm washing through me. Just me, him, a river, and trees.

As long as I can keep it together for three weeks, this was a good decision, and for the first time tonight, I’m glad I came. Here I just might be able to think. Breathe. Relax.

It’s a state I can’t seem to sustain for longer than a day, so this will really be a totally different experience.

My fingers tighten in his hair. I’m not sure how I’ll keep it together for that long without the restlessness creeping in. But Zane is amazing enough, that I’m going to try.

For the next three weeks, this is…home.

CHAPTER THREE

Cadence

Zane carriesme into the house, kicking the door closed behind him. He lets go of me with one arm, supporting my weight with the other, before he flicks on a light.

I draw in the smallest gasp, as my head swivels around. The place is the perfect combination of homey and high-end.

The furniture looks expensive but comfortable, the kitchen full of top-of-the-line appliances and natural-stone countertops, but it’s small enough to not be overwhelming.

A small hall leads off the main room and that’s where Zane heads, me still in his arms. A door to the left reveals a medium-sized bedroom with a very large bed. Directly in front of us, a bathroom.

That’s where he takes me, turning on another light, before he lowers me to the counter, setting me down on the cool stone. “Open your mouth.”

“What?”

“I want to see what’s bleeding. Open.” It takes me a few seconds to adjust. I don’t do well with direct commands, and my automaticresponse is to argue. But this man just saved me and he’s trying to help me, so I part my lips unlocking my jaw without my usual arguing.

He looks inside, his brow furrowed. “Stick out your tongue.”

I huff the smallest breath before I do as he’s asked, using his inspection as an opportunity to assess the man I’ve agreed to spend the next twenty-one days with.

He’s hot. Like, really, really hot.

Even better looking than I first thought. His dark hair is short on the back and sides, but the top is longer and styled in a side spike that only accentuates the square line of his jaw.

He’s got gorgeous light gray eyes, strong cheekbones, and a crook in his nose that just makes him even more masculine.

I’m still wearing his tank top, so I’ve got a full view of all the muscles that ripple over his arms and down his chest leading to his six-pack abs.

“Your tongue’s tip isn’t severed. That’s good.” His eyes flick to mine and I forget to breathe.

I pull my tongue back into my mouth. “Good.”

“Tongues heal quickly, you’ll be fine.” He reaches up to cup my cheek with his hand, brushing his finger over the bruised skin on my cheekbone. Then he looks at my neck where that fucker tried to bite me. He tips my head, inspecting the damage. “I was worried we’d be spending our first night together in the ER.”

My jaw works as his words wash over me. Would he really have taken me to the ER? It’s a really nice thought, but I doubt my own logic. Wouldn’t he be more interested in collecting the spoils from his win?

I don’t ask as he pushes back from the counter and then opens the shower door, leaning in to turn on the faucet.

The water pours from the rain-head shower, looking so inviting, I sigh. I’m covered in dirt and grime and I can’t wait to wash it off.

Zane moves toward me again, wrapping his arms around me, and lifting me off the counter to bring me to my feet. “I’m going to undress you so I can check for any other injuries.”

I quirk a single brow. “I thought you were undressing me because we’resupposed to fuck.”