Page 16 of Delicious Prey

“What happens if I don’t want to go with you?” I probably should’ve asked the question before I packed my stuff, but still.

He trails a finger along my neck before hooking it under my chin and meeting my eyes. They aren’t as empty as I’ve seen them in photographs or like they were when I saw him in the courtroom, but they’re not sweet and soft right now either.

“Then I will tie you up and carry you out of here. Either way, you’re coming back with me, zaika. I’ve been without you long enough. I won’t do it again, not even for one night.”

“I’ll get my own room at your house, right?”

He laughs and picks up the duffel bag and tub. “Get Peanut. We need to go.”

I pull my sneakers on and follow him down the hall, hollering for Peanut as I go. When he runs over to me, I put his little halter on and attach the leash. He wiggles his butt, excited for what he thinks is walk time.

“You said you have four Belgian Malinois. Are they going to try and hurt him?”

“I would never allow that to happen. You’ll both be safe around my dogs. No harm will come to you when you’re with me, Lydia, or to your dog. I don’t make a lot of promises, but I can promise you that.”

I nod and hurry up and grab Peanut’s treats, and even though I can feel Kirill watching me, I reach in the cabinet and grab the two bags of licorice I have, because after this night, I’m going to need them. I ignore the soft laugh he gives and take one last look around my house. The only thing I really can’t live without is standing right next to me and wagging his tail. Everything else is just a bonus. Deciding I’ve packed what I want, I turn to Kirill and say, “I’m ready.”

I’m not surprised when he leads me to a sleek black Porsche. Everything about this man screams power and beauty and danger. I study his profile while he loads my stuff in the back and a wave of embarrassment hits me when I think about what we just did in my bed. There’s clearly something wrong with me. In my defense, he’s beautiful. It’s hard to remember what a monster he is when he looks so goddamn sexy.

As if sensing my moral conundrum, he turns just enough to give me a wink before shutting the trunk and opening the passenger door for me, waiting for me to get in. I sit in his gorgeous car with Peanut on my lap and watch him walk around.

“He’s a beautiful monster, Peanut,” I whisper against his fur. “But I’m not going to fall for him.”

He licks my hand, but it feels more like a pity lick. He doesn’t believe me. I’m not so sure I believe myself. Kirill starts the car, and I force myself to look away from his hands while he shifts. I enjoy watching them way too much.

“I can still taste you on my tongue, little bunny.” He says it in a lazy way, like he’s just making some random comment instead of talking about the taste of my pussy still lingering in his mouth. “Fucking delicious.”

I have no idea what to say, so I keep quiet. He gives a soft laugh and reaches over to run a finger down my thigh. That simple touch is enough to make me squirm, even though I try like hell to fight it. He gives another soft laugh, moving his hand so he can shift again. He drives us further out of the city, and once we leave the lights behind, it’s too dark for me to see anything. Sunrise is still a couple of hours away, and all I can see out my window is a line of trees and then nothing.

“Where do you live?” I finally ask after several minutes of silence.

“I have a few places, but the house I’m taking you to is one that I’ve kept very hidden. We’ll be safe there while I sort some things out.”

“Sort what out?”

“Nothing for you to worry about, sweetheart.”

It’s clear that vague answer is the only one I’m getting. For the rest of the drive, I pet Peanut and stare out the window. The quiet interior and the darkness around us lulls me into a light sleep, but my eyes pop open when I feel the car come to a stop. Looking around, I see a large gate in front of us with security cameras mounted along the top of the ironwork. Kirill rolls down his window and types in a code. Seconds later, the large gate opens before us. He starts down the long, paved driveway while the gate swings closed. It’s the longest damn driveway I’ve ever seen. It’s uphill and curvy, and when he comes around the bend, the area in front of us opens up, revealing a large house with dark grey siding and white trim. There’s a matching four-car garage, and when Kirill pulls into the last stall and turns the car off, I sit in stunned silence. I have no idea what to do, I have no idea what to expect, and I’m more confused than I’ve ever been.

“Wait here. I need to introduce you to my dogs.”

“Okay.”

My voice is nothing more than a shaky whisper, and when he hears it, he turns his broad shoulders and leans closer to me, cupping my face in one of his large hands.

“Trust me, zaika.”

“Why should I? You’re a hitman, and I sent you to prison. How do I know this isn’t some elaborate plan to get revenge?”

I’m expecting a lot of things, but his carefree laugh isn’t one of them. His thumb strokes my cheek as he leans closer, keeping only a small distance between our faces.

“Sweetheart, if I wanted you dead, you would be dead. It’s as simple as that. I could’ve killed you so many times and in so many different ways.”

“Are you trying to make me feel better?”

His lips quirk up in a smile. “Yes.”

“It’s not working.”

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