Page 36 of Pretty Vengeful Queen

His strong hands are surprisingly gentle as he works the shampoo into my hair and massages my scalp. I know the kind of violence these hands are capable of, but the simple gesture is full of so much care and tenderness that I can’t help feeling my throat start to tighten as he works his fingers from my scalp through the long waves that spill down my back.

I don’t say a word. I don’t want to risk opening my mouth and spoiling the moment we’re sharing. It feels inevitable and almost sacred, reminding me of the way Logan bathed me and took care of me after Frank died.

Once, I never would have imagined that any of the Reapers were capable of making me feel safe, protected, or cherished, but that’s exactly what Logan gave me then, and what Maddoc is giving me now. It’s what I’ve found in Dante’s art studio too. These men take care of me, always. It’s never happened before, not really, and it feels really fucking good.

I lean into Maddoc’s touch, watching his stern face as it softens, his focus completely on me.

I know him better now, and I can see right through that mask he wears as the Reapers’ leader. I know his heart—all of their hearts—and they know mine. And it doesn’t matter that we haven’t exactly put those feelings into words yet, I—

No, it does matter.

Suddenly, itreallymatters.

Life’s too fucking short, and these men mean everything to me. When I sacrificed myself by going with Austin, there was too much still unspoken, and in their world—my world now, too—everything can change, or end, in a moment.

Maddoc tips my head back and turns on the water, rinsing my hair and giving me no choice but to look up at him.

He smiles, a private one meant just for me.

I hold his gaze, my heart fluttering. “Why did you do what you did today?”

“You didn’t want me to wash your hair?” The corners of his mouth twitch. “You didn’t seem to mind while I was doing it.”

I laugh and it feels good to let go for a second, but then I shake my head, my heart too full to stay silent about this right now.

“You know that’s not what I meant.” I swallow, then let myself fall into the black-ringed-gray of his eyes as his face gets serious too. “Earlier,” I whisper. “Why did you risk yourself to get me free?”

He goes still for a moment, his hands a comforting weight as they rest on my shoulders. “You know why.”

My heart beats faster. The look he’s giving me is so intense I can practically feel the air crackle between us, but I need to hear it. I need the words.

“Tell me.”

The silence stretches out, and the sound of my heart beating like a frantic, insistent drum in my ears is all I can hear. I know Maddoc isn’t used to opening up like this any more than I am. He didn’t flinch from the bullets flying around us during the exchange with West Point, but somehow, this feels riskier. More dangerous. Terrifying and exhilarating all at once.

“Tell me why,” I repeat, the request more breath than air. “I want to hear you say it.”

Finally, he speaks, his voice low and quiet, gravelly with emotion. “I did it because I couldn’t stand the thought of you being hurt. Held captive. Kept from me.”

A warm flush moves through my body.

For a moment, I think that’s all he’s going to give me, and it’s… enough. It’s not everything, but I know it’s the truth, and itisenough.

“Thank you.” I cover one of his hands with mine, holding his rough palm against my wet skin. “I—”

“Riley,” he says, cutting me off. A muscle in his jaw works, and his eyes practically bore a hole through mine. “I did it because I’m falling in love with you.”

I suck in a quick breath, and he catches my chin between his thumb and finger, pinning me in place more effectively than any captivity.

“Your turn. Why the hell did you sacrifice yourself to that son of a bitch?”

“Because I’m falling in love with you too,” I whisper, the words hovering in the air between us. I swallow and, before he can say anything, before I can lose my nerve, I add, “And with Logan and Dante.”

His brothers.

His seconds.

Maddoc’s eyes burn into mine, and my nerves settle down even as passion flares in my blood from the heat in his gaze.

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