Page 67 of King of Malice

“Yes.” I returned my gaze, studying her reaction.

I could tell the moment when she realized what I was talking about, the stunning light vacating her eyes. “Oh. About me?”

“About the people who tried to kill us.”

“You think there’s a chance I was the target?” She hid behind the apple as she studied me, taking small bites.

“I do.” I pulled the fruit away, dragging my tongue around her lips. “And they will pay for what they did.”

“How long will you be gone?”

“Possibly hours. Don’t wait up.” When I started to back away, she grabbed my arm. The searing electricity we shared bolted to life, the current disrupting my thinking, my anger.

“Don’t die on me.”

I had to laugh. While I sensed how disturbed she was, questions popping in her mind, she knew me well enough not to ask.

Yet.

That would come.

“I have no plans on it.” I kissed her forehead then backed away, grabbing my jacket. “Men will protect you. If anything should happen, they know what to do.” I pulled out a burner phone as well as a credit card. I wouldn’t allow her to be held hostage if something tragic should happen. As I handed them to her, the fear I’d seen far too many times returned in her eyes.

“What are these for?”

“Just in case. My number is programmed. If you’re threatened, call me.”

“Otherwise, leave you alone.”

“Yes.” I noticed disappointment in her eyes, which forced my cock to twitch. “I don’t I think I need to tell you this, but do not call anyone else. Not a friend. Not a co-worker. You’ll risk not only your life but my family’s as well.”

“I won’t call anybody. I promise.”

I rubbed my finger down her cheek. “I believe you.”

“Don’t. I…” She wrinkled her brow, tossing the apple into the sink then sliding off the counter. “I don’t know what this is between us, Phoenix. I’ve tried to figure it out, the push-pull we have, but I know one thing. I don’t want to do this without you.”

“You won’t need to. I promise everything will be alright.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

“I don’t intend to.” As I headed for the door, the warmth I’d felt just by being near her faded almost instantly. I wasn’t the kind of man who deserved second chances, but I was determined to make good on my promise.

Yeah, maybe I was falling in love with her, damning her to a life she’d never wanted.

But she was mine.

Mine.

All mine.

Jonas was waiting outside with several men, Nico included. He was beaming from being chosen, which no longer surprised me. He’d finally learned that by being born into a kingdom of wrath, there were few choices that could be made.

“This should be interesting,” my brother said casually.

Interesting wasn’t the word, defining was. “You’ll be in the SUV with me. Jonas will lead us to our destination.” I glanced at my lieutenant, giving him a nod. The attack would be dicey, a calculated risk, but a necessary one to ensure Zakaryan understood any further attacks would not be tolerated.

“Is there a cleanup crew on standby?” I asked as I opened the rear passenger door.

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