Page 38 of Elicit (Decadence After Dark)

“I know.” My smirk grows into an obnoxious smile.

“You always were flashy.” He slaps me with an insult.

“I’m a product of my environment.”

“Speaking of environments, I noticed the new addition. Redhead,verynice,” Alistair comments lewdly with a predatory look in his eye. All my defenses go up. If there’s one person more cajoling than I am, it’s Alistair. And I’m not letting him get within ten feet of my territory.

“She’s off-limits. You already have one slain heart blowing in the wind.”

“Whose?”

“Amber,” I remind him.

“Oh, her.” His facial expression freezes over.

“That girl has been pining after you since the moment you left. I’m lucky she isn’t too lovesick to work.”

“Not my fault she got attached. I’m skilled at what I do.” He makes no apologies.

“Just fix it before you disappear again. And stay away from Sugar. You need a fix, pick another girl. Amber, perhaps.”

“Territorial over the redhead, Jetson? That’s new.” He studies me intently.

“I’m not territorial,” I dispute.Bullshit!“Sugar is one of my most profitable girls. I don’t want you fucking that up.”

“Mmm hmm.” He steps closer to me. Closer and closer until he’s practically in my face. “I helped build this empire. Be mindful of who you’re talking to. I taught you everything you know. You have what you have because of me. I have no boundaries or restrictions. And if I want to fuck the redhead, I will.”

Anger sparks within me like an explosion, and with eradicated restraint, I haul off and punch Alistair square in the face.

“You little shit!” He holds his nose as blood trickles down his face.

“No boundaries or restrictions, huh?” I prepare for a backlash.

His hazel eyes flash with malice as he rushes me. It’s on. No more friendly fire. It’s all-out war.

We punch and jab and kick, landing blow after blow after blow. I’m a little faster and much more agile from years of studying Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that has elements of dance and acrobatics. If I wanted to, I could seriously injure Alistair with only a few quick and complex moves. But this is my family, my blood, so I’ll just teach him a lesson he’ll never forget. I attack several of his pressure points in a speedy combination, striking his thigh, ribs, and throat to incapacitate him. Then I sweep his leg, sending him flying to his back.

Thump.

I bow as he chokes and squirms on the floor. “You were saying?”

“If I didn’t love you, I’d fucking kill you.”

“You could try.” I extend a peace-offering hand. “The redhead is off-limits.” I drive the stake into the ground.

“Whatever.” He brushes me off—ego bruised—and stands without my help.

No one comes into my house and stakes a claim. Not even fucking Alistair.

“Is playtime over?” Kayne’s voice travels through my sparring room. We both look over to find him leaning casually against the doorframe.

“How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough to know not to fuck the redhead.” We share a clandestine look.

“Jett has a pet,” Alistair mocks.

Jealous?

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