Page 28 of Lord of Vice
But still my heart was racing, my cells erupting from the firepower of heat, his skin searing mine. He was exploring my mouth as he’d done before, telling me in his terms he would take what he wanted. As the kiss became even more brutal, some level of common sense finally shifted into my mind. I pummeled my fists against him, but his body refused to budge, the damning kiss continuing for a full ten seconds longer.
The moment he pulled back a few inches, I hissed. I did everything I could to break free of his hold and this time he allowed me to do so.
Far too many seconds later, the ugly realization of just how vulnerable I was prompted me to jerk up my panties and shortsat the same time, fighting the tears that had no place in my ugly little world at the moment.
“Just let me go. Okay?” Apparently, I used the one voice that always got Remington’s attention, the dog springing to life and literally jumping over the back of the couch to come to my defense.
A slight haze of shock tore through me the same way an ugly memory resurfaced. It was the one I’d told myself I never wanted to reminisce over again. It was the last time my puppy had taken it upon himself to protect me, the five-month-old fur bucket doing his best to imitate a huge German Shepherd.
He’d shocked Jake, especially when Remington had snapped his sharp teeth against the asshole’s arm. It had been the one he’d been beating me with, my resolve finally breaking. That’s what prompted the chain of events that would never leave the darkest regions of my mind.
It was the day I’d almost lost my beloved puppy, the bastard tossing him across the room, the bundle of fur slamming against the wall. It was also the day I’d almost lost my mind and my freedom, using everything I could consider a weapon to beat the son of a bitch with.
All the while I’d screamed and told him I hated him.
His roommate had finally pulled me off, the young man kind enough to drive me to the vet’s office instead of caring for his asshole of a roomie. I’d wailed the entire time, my fluff ball remaining unconscious.
Maybe that’s why when Remington lunged toward Kraven, the terrible moment from my past resurfaced, my reaction catchingus both completely off guard. Everything seemed to happen so fast.
Kraven rearing back as if ready to strike the puppy.
My entire body stiffening.
Remington growling.
And the pummeling of my fists hard and fast against Kraven’s face and any other place on his body I could get my hands on.
Then there was my shriek, the horror in my voice. “Don’t you dare hurt my baby. He’s been through too much. He just wants to protect me against predators. Don’t. I’ll kill you. I’ll kill you!”
With my overwrought reaction, I expected him to punch me in return or worse, but never in my mind had I expected a man like Kraven to appear as if the entire situation not only shocked but bothered him. His features softened and I sensed he had no intention of lashing out at my beautiful pup. Instead, he wrapped his arms around me, holding me tightly against his chest. The moment was disarming, yanking some of the anger away.
But not the fear.
“Let me go. Let me go. Let me…” As he pressed my face into his shirt, I was forced to take a series of shallow breaths. I was hyperventilating, the panic remaining, and I continued fighting him as Remington whined, the obvious sounds of his thumping tail an indication he hadn’t felt scared one tiny bit.
“I’m not going to let you go,ideal’naya penni.” With that, he kissed the top of my head before lifting me into his muscular arms, cradling me against him as if I were his long-lost lover. I was shocked at his gentleness in the wake of my terriblereaction, curling my fingers around one edge of his shirt as he shifted around the coffee table, heading out of the room.
Remington dutifully followed, acting no worse for the wear because of his mommy’s outburst.
Kraven seemed to know which bedroom I’d chosen, kicking it open without hesitating. He continued holding me as he moved the things I’d placed on the bed to the floor, finally jerking back the covers. He laid me down on the soft sheet, tenderly placing my legs under the covers and tugging them up to my chest.
Remington huffed and jumped on the bed beside me, immediately laying his soft head on my stomach.
The mystery man’s eyes darted back and forth and he leaned over, rubbing strands of hair from my face before kissing my forehead. There was nothing sexual about his actions, just concern laced with being grateful.
“What little I told you about myself and my world is true, Penny. I’m a man to be feared, especially by anyone daring to cross me. But however badly you think of me because of being drawn into a nightmare, I will never hurt your sweet boy. I’m no monster.”
He didn’t ask me why I’d reacted so badly, didn’t admonish me for my behavior. He simply took his time walking toward the door, flicking out the light. When he stood for a moment, gazing back at me, the strange pull to the man only increased. Maybe for the first time in far too long, I felt safe.
Yet I had no doubt the man was a monster, just in an entirely different way.
CHAPTER 11
Kraven
What in God’s name had snapped deep inside of me that had not only allowed but encouraged me to shove my cock into Penny’s mouth?
Sure, I knew the answer but that would mean I’d need to admit the woman had gotten under my skin. In truth, she had. Her vulnerability and her reaction and anxiety from being certain I was going to lay a brutal hand on Remington was something that had stuck with me.