Page 59 of Lord of Ruin

“Yes. Oh, my God, yes.”

“Then go before the beast surfaces.”

The look on his face was that of a true savage and I was flushed, butterflies swarming. I backed away, blowing him a kiss on purpose before heading to the doorway, stopping long enough to toss my head over my shoulder. “Where are we going?”

He grinned, this time like some kid. But I could tell he had evil things on his mind. Sinful things. “That’s a surprise.”

“Bad boy.”

“You have no idea.”

As I raced into the foyer, grabbing the bag with that hot little red dress and way too high heels, another epiphany hit me hard.

I was happy. For once I was happy and it seemed so strange that I could say that about being around a family and a man who’d captured me.

And a man who’d save me.

However, I couldn’t get over the feeling that he was the one who needed saving.

CHAPTER 17

Stavros

No one had ever made me that angry. No one.

Or maybe it was just frustration.

I was usually a patient man. Up. To. A. Point.

And no one had ever made me that crazed with hunger. Jesus Christ, I was ready to devour her ten times over. Still, the anger and concern were right there, almost overshadowing the desire.

I’d thought Jenna had understood that I’d given her a gift, a chance to return to some sense of normalcy. Maybe I’d been too presumptuous in believing she would surrender to the most basic set of rules.

What part about returning before dark had she not understood?

How much clearer did I need to make the situation to her?

Christ, I’d been so aggravated I was ready to smash something. Break heads. Hell, that wasn’t usually like me. I was the calm, cool, and collected one.

Except around her.

I’d even paced the damn floor, as if that would make time go faster.

When any of my soldiers had acted as if time didn’t matter, I’d warned them once what the consequences would be. But if they blatantly ignored that for a second or God help them a third time, well, my reactions had been strong.

None of which I’d regretted.

But I’d felt sick inside when I hadn’t been able to reach my sister. Of course, I’d made certain my sweet hostage couldn’t call anyone after she’d made an attempt one single time. I would purchase her a new burner phone that would be used for emergencies only.

As if the most gorgeous, defiant woman on the face of the earth would obey me without reservation.

Jenna had pressed every button in existence.

And I’d fucking loved it.

The entire situation was dangerous. Hell, it was getting serious and in my mind a fool’s game to continue playing. But I was a Brotherhood member by default, my family wearing the same targets on their backs.

God. I needed a break from the constant overthinking. I needed time with the woman who’d ignited my passion. I took a deep breath of her perfume, enjoying the way being this close to her had become so enticing. Who needed alcohol? I was drunk on her fragrance already.