Page 82 of Savage Desires
“You’re too fucking cute. Like you were made for each other or some shit. I’ll be at the warehouse,” Hera says. She blows us a kiss as the elevator doors close.
“She is one scary woman,” I say.
Kisten chuckles. “She’s a sociopath with a sadistic streak a mile wide.”
“When are we meeting your friends?” I ask.
“They’ll be here in a couple hours. We’re meeting downstairs instead of going to the warehouse in case Nolan has someone watching. I don’t want to tip our hand.”
“You have an apartment downstairs?”
“I own the top two floors of the building. There’s a private gym and a set up kind of like the conference and tech room at the warehouse. Though this is the first time I’ve needed to use it. The warehouse is compromised and will be useless after this. I’ll have to burn it and find a new location.”
“Burn it?” I ask, surprised.
“Can’t exactly sell a property that’s been used for illegal activities. Emptying everything out and burning it down is the only way to get rid of all the evidence.”
“Seems like a waste, but you’re right that it’s not safe anymore. You should look for two properties next time. One for the meetings with everyone and one for your tech people and your inner circle,” I say.
“You’re right. It was easier in the beginning before I brought in so many other people. It was bound to go sideways at some point.”
I kiss him softly. “You do a good thing. Snakes like Nolan should be shot.”
“I have plans for Nolan.”
“Good. He’s a piece of shit.”
“I need to do some work before everyone gets here.”
“You have a job?”
He laughs. “Did you think I was a bum?”
“Well, no… but you said the money from the trafficking rings funds what you do.”
“Yes, it funds Hope House and all the other expenses incurred, but I don’t use a penny of that for personal use. I work with Matthew, and I freelance in cyber security. Plus, I’m damn good with investments.”
“Have I told you how amazing you are?”
He smiles. “Not in at least ten minutes.”
“You’re amazing, Kisten. I love you.”
He cups my cheek and kisses me. “I love you too, beauty. You can watch TV and relax or take a nap while I work if you want.”
I scrunch up my nose. “Can I sit in your office? I can draw. I’ll be super quiet. Unless me being there will distract you.”
“You’re my favorite distraction. Go grab your sketchbook, love.”
Kisten is sitting behind a large modern desk with a glass top. There are multiple screens on top, but little else. I make myself comfortable on the small couch. I have a direct view of Kisten from my spot on the couch which is perfect. I take out one of the fancy pencils and open my sketchbook. The pencil touches the paper and I get lost in my drawing. I thought I would’ve been rusty or maybe even unable to draw since it’s been years, but the pencil is like an extension of my creativity like it used to be.
The only sounds in the room are the scratch of my pencil and the soft tapping of Kisten’s fingers on the keyboard. The quiet is refreshing. I could talk to him all day every day and never get tired of it, but being with him this way is perfect too. I can see our future spread out in front of me and I love what I envision. I pray that tonight goes well because I’m ready to put that part of my life behind me and start a new one with Kisten.
“Gunner just texted, they’re here,” Kisten says making me jump. “Sorry, love. Didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Not your fault. I was kind of absorbed in what I was doing.”
“Can I see?” he asks.