Page 137 of Restless
“You’re a horrible asshole,” Roxy said.
“I make no apologies to you, cunt.”
“Good, cocksucker, because I didn’t ask your fucking ass for one.”
“I like you,” he proclaimed.
“Don’t give a fuck, because the feeling isn’t mutual.”
Laughing, Cee Cee strolled away.
“I’m escorting Dinah back to her hotel,” Joe announced, “to send a clear message. I should be back in a couple hours since you’re determined to see your godsons in the morning.” He grinned at Roxy, then leaned in and kissed her cheek. “See you around, babe.”
“I’m sorry for being so disrespectful toward you,” K-P said once they were seated again, and Joe had guided Dinah out the ballroom. He grabbed another beer from the bucket. The ice was now slush but it still kept the bottles cold.
Roxy thought about his earlier apology. She hadn’t understood the words then. Now, she did. “You gave me a head’s up, although I was so shaken it wouldn’t have mattered if you hadn’t. I thought I would die.”
“If I hadn’t been here, you might have, but hearing Cee Cee and Rack was riding this way, Joe and I decided to hit the road, and attend the party, too. Besides, it gives me a chance to spend time with Luke and Mark.”
“You’re the Banks’ boys godfather?” Roxy asked in surprise. “You don’t seem particularly fond of Reverend Banks.”
“Sharper,” he said flatly. “Call him Sharper. We have a long history, not particularly good. He didn’t ask me to christen his sons. His wife did.”
Roxy nodded. His wistful note softened her. “You sound as if you had a special relationship with her.”
“She was a good girl, babe.” He met her gaze. “Kind of like you.”
Warmth spread through her at his gruff words. “You don’t know me,” she retorted.
“I know enough,” he said with a charming smile; he winked. “Vivian was quite reserved, but very smart. Sharper believed her money would go to charity if she died before her boys reached their majority. Once she discovered the real Sharper, she developed amazing self-preservation.”
“Why didn’t she just leave?”
Even before K-P lifted a brow, Roxy knew the answer. Sharper Banks would’ve killed his wife before he allowed her to walk away. Death lingered in the shadows of the mansion, only kept at bay and away from Roxy because of K-P.
“Never mind,” she muttered. “Although I wouldn’t have faked not leaving anything to that motherfucker. It would’ve been for real.”
K-P smiled. “She left everything to her boys. Sharper’s the executor.” He sighed. “Though I’m sure he’ll find a way around that. The boys are safe because of Cee Cee, so…” Voice trailing, he scrubbed a hand over his face.
“What did he do?”
“Forget I said anything.”
“But—”
“Forget it,” he ordered, harsher. “It’s in your best interest. Fuck, I’m just tired, sweetheart. Running off at the mouth is the quickest way to get us killed.”
Roxy swallowed. “I won’t repeat anything you’ve said,” she swore. “Ever.”
After studying her a moment, he nodded. “I believe you, babe. Now, listen to me. I stay clear of Rack, Cee Cee and Sharper, butespeciallySharper. He enjoys fear and I’m so fucking glad you picked up on what Joe was telling you.”
Sighing, Roxy decided against asking all the questions rolling through her head. Except she had one she needed answered. “What did he mean when he said he paid for my pussy?”
K-P’s gaze flew to hers and his eyes darkened. A different sort of awareness flared in Roxy. She enjoyed flirting and kissing and teasing but had never had a serious boyfriend. She had a wide circle of friends, a big extended family, deep church roots, and a love of life. Though she wanted kids, she wasn’t ready for any and without a serious boyfriend, she didn’t want the responsibility of birth control.
Yet, something about the way K-P looked at her, made her belly clench and heat rise to her cheeks. She lowered her lashes.
“When I meet good girls like you, I can’t tell you how much I regret my allegiances, babe,” he whispered, the intensity in his eyes holding her captive. “I’m a selfish fuck and I understand if you say no, but can I have your telephone number?”
