Page 21 of The Darkest King

I let out a quick laugh.

“Yes, but full disclosure. It’s completely selfish. I want to fuck you tonight, and I’m not a man who gives up easily,” I confess.

My eyes drift over her gorgeous features. With her hair down, cascading over her shoulders, she looks older than the twenty-four years she told me in the car. It frames her stunning crystal eyes and those lashes I have no doubt attract the envy of many women.

She blinks when she notices me staring.

My lips curve. “You are very beautiful, Mia.”

“So are you,” she replies, and when my lip twitches, she adds, “Well, youare.”

I can’t help myself; I laugh.

“Come on,” Mia says. “As if you don’t get told that every day.”

Yes, I know.

My body is strong, virile, and muscular. I’ve created every ripple. Not to attract women, although I’m not unhappy about that additional benefit. My physique sends a message to those around me and has kept me alive.

It could still keep me alive if the day comes I need the physical power.

It’s for survival.

“People don’t walk around, telling me I’m beautiful,” I reply, moving us off the bed.

She surprises me by blushing when she glances down at herself, still in just her bra and panties.

“Clearly, I wasn’t expecting the night to end like this,” Mia groans. “I have much nicer lingerie.”

“I have no doubt.” I find myself wanting to see it, but I don’t want her putting on her uniform again, so I lead her into my wardrobe, pull the first shirt off the rack, and hold it up so she can put her arms through it.

“Thanks.” She smiles, doing up a few buttons.

It’s huge on her, and something inside of me tugs at the vision of her in my shirt.

A stupid business shirt.

Jesus. I need to feed her, fuck her, and get rid of her.

Instead, I find myself sitting on the sofa, listening to her chatter while she sips the hot chocolate I made for her.

Who am I?

“I’M JUST SAYING, ifyou added some color, this entire place would feelsodifferent.” Mia is curled up next to me, drinking the last of her second mug of hot chocolate.

I’m drinking whiskey. My arm lies along the back of the sofa, while Mia has her legs tucked up under her. The tail of my shirt exposes her thighs, and while I’ve seen nearly all of her, the desire to see more is growing again.

Yet I’m strangely enjoying just listening to her talk. Mia is smart, animated, and totally unaware of just how sexy she is.

She yawns, and I’m sizing up that mouth of hers.

I haven’t forgotten why she’s here.

Fuck her and send her home.

“I like it just as it is,” I say, then hear myself ask, “What color?”

She turns and grins. “A couple of plants would be a good start. Some throw cushions. Warm colors. Cream, gold, and perhaps a pink throw.”

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