Page 114 of Imperial: The Corvidae Family
Fifteen minutes later, he pulled up to a taco truck parked near downtown, tucked away on a side street.
I blinked. “A taco truck?”
He cut the engine, turning to me with a smirk. “Not just any taco truck. Best one in the city.”
I wasn’t about to argue, especially when the scent of sizzling meat and fresh tortillas filled the air, wrapping around me like a damn love letter. A small crowd lingered near the counter.
After we were out of the car, I crossed my arms. “Alright, what’s good?”
“Everything,” he said, already moving toward the window. “But I got you.”
Something about the confidence in his voice made me let him take the lead. A few minutes later, he handed me a container stacked with tacos and fresh lime wedges on the side.
I took one bite and my entire world tilted.
“Oh my God,” I rushed out with my eyes fluttering shut as the perfect blend of spice and citrus melted on my tongue.
He chuckled beside me. “Told you.”
I nudged him playfully before dropping onto the curb, settling in with my food. He sat beside me, his long legs stretched out and his presence relaxed. The city moved around us. Cars rolled by, people laughing as they walked past, but all I saw or felt was him. It was just us.
We ate in silence but even that it was comfortable. After a while I glanced over at him, bumping my knee against his. “So this is your idea of a date?”
He licked salsa from his thumb and his eyes locked onto mine. “This is us doing our thing? You want something different?”
I smiled and softly shook my head. “No. It’s kind of perfect.”
His eyes lingered before he dropped a kiss on my cheek and leaned back on one arm, completely at ease. “Good, because so are you, which means it fits.”
I grinned, focusing on the last bite of my taco as my heart did something weird in my chest. Shit, I’m in love with a killer.
Chapter
Twenty-Two
Emir
The room was quiet, the only sound was the soft rhythm of Baylyn’s breathing. Moonlight filtered into the room, painting her skin in shadows. The sheet had slipped low, twisted around her hips, leaving the rest of her bare. After I removed my phone and caught a few pictures, I leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, taking in the sight of her.
Peaceful.
Safe.
Mine.
The thought settled in me heavier than it should’ve been. I spent my life avoiding attachments, keeping my world simple.No liabilities. No weaknesses. But looking at her now, I had to accept the truth.
She wasn’t temporary. This woman was the only thing I had worth protecting outside of my family. I pushed off the frame, crossing the room, drawn to her like I had no choice in the matter. Leaning down, I pressed a kiss to her bare shoulder, letting my lips linger against her skin. She sighed softly but didn’t wake.
I forced myself to pull back, digging my phone from my pocket and leaving the room. The living room was dark, but I didn’t turn on the lights. Moving by memory, I reached for the bottle on the bar and poured a drink before dropping onto the sofa.
I scrolled through my contacts, found the name I needed, and hit call.
It rang twice before Yair picked up. “What’s up, Mir. You good?”
“Yeah, I’m straight.”
“Sis good?”
