Page 15 of Heart of Stone (Dark Billionaires)

Soon, Kate and Warren were being shepherded across the countryside in Rhys’s sleek grand tourer, a Range Rover full of security guards shadowing their every move.

Warren sat next to her, as still as stone. A ticking muscle in his jaw was his only sign of life.

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Kate rasped, when the silence grew too great, wincing.

“Is what a good idea?” Warren murmured, finally looking at her.

She caught Rhys’s eye in the rear-view mirror. “Taking the targets of an assassination attempt to your home.”

“I don’t have a house in the middle of nowhere, Kate. It’s far safer. I live in a penthouse overlooking Regent’s Park,” Rhys explained, his face illuminated by the mood lighting around the dashboard. “There’s security on the ground floor, with private lifts to each of the flats. I have my own private security working in the building, as do several of the other residents. Warren’s guards will be joining them. You’ll be safe there, Kate. I promise. And better dressed.”

“May I ask why you seem to have women’s clothing on-hand at the drop of a hat?” Warren pondered.

“I sent my assistant to Peter Jones to find some clothing for Kate. Hadn’t had a chance to send it down yet.” Rhys turned round momentarily. “Fair warning. She bought more lingerie than expected.”

Her face flamed red, but she managed to mutter a meek, “Thank you.”

The impressive beige façade of Rhys’s apartment building came into view just as the last of the day’s light fell below the horizon. Kate squinted at the bright lights as she was ushered straight towards the correct lift, feeling overly conspicuous in Warren’s overlarge clothing, complete with extensive bruising around her neck.

“Kitchen,” Rhys announced when they entered his vast, airy flat, the white walls stark against the blooming plant life. “Dining room. Living room. Bathroom. Cinema room. The bedrooms are upstairs. Do you want dinner?”

Kate stared at the dining table. That thing alone was bigger than her bedroom. An enormous mahogany monstrosity. “Um…”

“Order a curry,” Warren bit out a curt command, dragging her along with him as he walked. “We’re going upstairs.”

“I… Thank you, Rhys,” she whispered, her throat scraping against itself.

“Clothes are on the bed in the spare room,” he smiled, tapping away at his phone.

Warren led her straight to the bedroom she’d be staying in, clearly knowing his way around Rhys’s lavish apartment.

“Warren, what’s th—?”

He slammed the door shut behind her and threw the lock.

Suddenly, Kate found herself entombed in Warren’s grasp, his body pressed against hers. Placing his nose under her ear, he groaned, letting out a deep exhale that sent sparks travelling down her spine. He leant back, catching her gaze in an iron grip. “You nearly died today.”

Warren closed his eyes with a shudder, as if the thought was too painful to bear. “I nearly lost you again, kitten.” His hand played around her jawline, sinking down to the painful bruising that bloomed on her throat. His nostrils flared in anger, but she lay her hands against his chest, ignoring his jolt.

Going up on tiptoes, Kate brought her hands up to massage the back of his head, revelling in the soft touch of his dark hair, gently scraping her nails against his scalp.

Warren’s lip curled in a blissful, nostalgic smile. “You remember?”

Her grin joined his. She gave him a silent nod, recalling the endless head massages he’d given to her after a stressful day at school. Despite his protests, Kate would always reciprocate, meaning the both of them would come away looking like they’d been in a fight with an electricity pylon.

Chest heaving, he stared at her with heavy-lidded eyes. “You’re not a child anymore.”

Kate shook her head, pulling him closer. Her body egged her on all the way, dazzled by his firm figure against hers. She pressed her hips into his, wanting more.

“My kitten,” he whispered. Warren’s gaze flicked down to her lips, but he yanked himself away with a small shake, going over to the enormous bag on the bed and shuffling through the clothing within it. “Come on. Let me get you settled.”

The first tinges of something rolled through her. Was it hope?

Perhaps that first night wasn’t such a one-off after all.

4

Warren

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