Page 82 of Savage Hunter

Ares nods just as the three men behind him come to a stop.

“You’re a new face.”

Wolfe growls when a man with golden eyes and warm hands takes mine in his. He has a calm smile and a dangerous energy about him that says he will kill you and smile in your face while doing it if you piss him off. I’ve met a lot of men like him and know better than to fall for the smile.

“Easy,” Wolfe warns when the stranger places his lips to the back of my hand.

A flicker of a grin moves over the man’s lips.

“My name is Santiago. But you can call me, Santi.” He points to the men at his sides. “This is Harlon, and that is Cassius.”

The elegantly dressed men to his left and right offer me warm smiles as Santi continues. “I’m sorry we haven’t met until now. We’ve heard a lot about you. Ares brags about you like you’re a daughter. Take it from me. It’s an honor to know you.” His Spanish accent isn’t thick, but it is present. It’s sensual and alluring. Women must fall for his effortless charm in nanoseconds.

I take my hand from his and drop it to my side. Compared to everyone else, my cut-offs and dirty t-shirt is lacking to say the least. Wolfe wanted to go shopping for new clothes, but I insisted we drive straight through. Now I regret not making a quick pit stop. I wanted to get here quickly given the mission at hand.

But no one is looking at my silly shirt that readskiss my assor the soot dirtying my white shoes.

Santi’s eyes haven’t left mine. It feels like I’m being measured by what they might have been told about my past. Ugh. I cringe at the mental images he’s probably conjuring up right now.

“An honor to know me? I’m nobody. I haven’t even given you my name.”

“When angels glow as brightly as you do, they don’t need names.”

That comes from the one Santi said is Harlon. Scars litter the back of his knuckles and there are a few on the side of his jaw. “Everyone thinks they are a poet.” Cassius shoulders Harlon to the side and takes my hand. I don’t need to look to know he’s as armed as his other two friends. Their jackets can only cover so much and the guns tucked under their arms are big.

Dark eyes hold mine. “Don’t listen to those two, Avery. If you need anything, sweetheart, I’m at your service. Welcome to Club Genesis.”

“I’m not sure why I am getting the royal treatment but, thank you.” For a second I wonder if my real identity has no longer a secret. Do they suspect I’m a Primrose? That can’t be. Ares would not look as calm as he does right now. But then again, none of them know it’s Primrose at the head of the Society.

The web I’ve woven around myself is getting more tangled by the minute.

I guess that means they are just being nice. There is no way they wouldn’t be treating me like a queen if they knew who I was. I’d be hauled off to the cells this place no doubt has.

His thumb strokes over the back of my hand. “We like to welcome family personally. Anyone who is at Ares’ side is as good as blood as far as we are concerned.” A genuine smile splays over my lips.

Liars. They are taunting Wolfe hardcore and it’s paying off. I can practically feel him vibrating with the need to throw me over his shoulder and run off with me. I look up to find his eyes cast downward watching me intently. His body heat and undeniable aura of power tangle around me and I find myself caught in his claiming gaze.

Men.

All three playboys play well off each other. After the last couple of days I’ve had, the easy banter and playfulness is a breath of fresh air. I laugh a low sound that has Wolfe’s arm reaching around me and pulling me back. He tucks me into his side and I go willingly.

Ares tracks Wolfe’s arm. Reaper just stands back texting and waiting for the show to end, I guess.

“I see the beast has already marked his territory. Don’t worry, Wolfe. But you let her out of your sight, amigo, it won’t be my fault if her beauty draws me to her side.”

He’s baiting Wolfe. If that teasing tone in his voice doesn’t clue everyone in, the wink Santi throws at me says it all.

Cassius still holds my hand in his when his friends edge in. The one named Santiago places a hand on Cassius’ shoulder and I witness a silent conversation pass between them in that one touch.

Playtime is over.

“Let’s get everyone upstairs. Polaris is waiting for all of us. We have a lot to talk about.”

The ride from the sub-basement to the top level of Club Genesis takes only seconds in the private elevator. When we step out Nova’s sister, Polaris, greets me with a big hug.

“It’s good to see you.”

Her smile warms my heart. Her story is as heart-wrenching as mine. We don’t talk about it, but we both know the other has suffered similar horrors. That’s good enough for us.

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