Page 45 of The Savage King

“A few hours. No longer.” I want to kiss her, even though it feels like the intimate moment has now passed and it’s inappropriate if I do.

Instead, I tweak her nose like a fucking idiot. Cursing inwardly, I make my way to the bathroom.

Tweaking her nose. Jesus. What am I? Her uncle.

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IRETURN THREE hourslater with my backpack full of money and weapons I’ve had stashed for my imminent evacuation.

I stopped at the warehouse to see if I could get any information about where and when the shipment was arriving, but all I got wassoon.I’m not surprised. Shit can change in an instant with this business and timelines move.

Plus, no one tells anyone except Pablo and his second, Jose, the details. Then, he will send out a senior team to monitor the next stage of the transfer—usually, Diego and me.

So I know thatsoonmeans we can’t tell you.

I just jutted my chin at him in response and carried on as if it was no big deal.

Isabelle and I eat dinner downstairs and a few of the men make some crass comments in Spanish. I smirk and run my hand along the back of her neck.

She glares at me.

The men laugh and carry on.

Miguel joins us, and we make small talk. I’ve never liked the guy—I don’t like any of them, honestly—but there is genuinely no love lost between us.

“The boss will be home tomorrow. Have her ready by noon. A buyer is coming to check out the goods,” he says.

Isabelle gasps.

“No,” she cries, abruptly standing in legit horror.

“Good one, asshole. Now look what I have to deal with tonight.” I climb to my feet and take her arm. “Come on. Let’s get some cock in your mouth to keep you busy until then.”

Miguel snorts as he shovels food into his mouth.

When we reach my room, she collapses into my arms and bursts into tears.

“Hey,” I say softly. “It’s not happening, Iz. Let’s go over my plan and focus on getting you home.”

Her tiny frame shakes against my solid body, and I hold her for a few more moments until she calms.

“Okay.” Isabelle wipes her tears with her arm. “Do I get a gun?”

I smile. “No, darlin’.”

For the next few hours, we go over and over the plan. I want to tell her I got some condoms, but she seems withdrawn and scared. Aside from that hug, she doesn’t come near me, so I give her space.

Nonetheless, I still want my cock inside this woman, and the thought of not having her completely makes me a little fucking crazy.

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ITUCK ANOTHER guninto my black jacket, taking the total count to four. Two more are in the holster over my t-shirt and one is in the back of my jeans. Two knives are strapped to my ankles.

I stuff my fake passport, wallet, and keys into my pocket, then glance around the room one last time, saying goodbye.

I hope I’ve made you proud, Dad. I saved as many girls as possible, but I need to get Isabelle home.

My time here is up.

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