Page 23 of Blazing Joysticks

As Keir made the call, Cat took in her surroundings. The penthouse was a perfect blend of modern luxury and cozy comfort. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline while plush furnishings invited relaxation. What caught her eye, though, was the impressive entertainment system dominating one wall.

“Wow,” she breathed, approaching the setup. “This is amazing.”

Keir appeared at her side, a proud grin on his face. “Like it? I’m a bit of a movie buff. How about we watch something while we wait for the food? Might help take your mind off things.”

Cat nodded gratefully. “I want to take a quick shower if you don’t mind, but that sounds great. What do you have in mind?”

Keir turned on his giant flat screen hanging from the ceiling and browsed through his movie collection. “How about ‘Law Abiding Citizen’? It’s a thriller but with some interesting moral questions. Might be a good distraction.”

“Sure,” Cat agreed. Keir showed her to his bedroom and she didn’t bother asking if she was sleeping with him. She knew full well they were sharing a bed. She’d actually worry if they didn’t. She took a shower and put on a pair of anime pajama shorts and a tank top before going back to the living area and settling onto the plush couch. As Keir set up the movie, she couldn’t help but admire the way his muscles moved under his T-shirt. He’d obviously taken a shower at the same time she had but in a different bathroom. Even in the midst of a crisis, her attraction to him refused to be ignored.

The pizza arrived just as the movie started, and they settled in to watch, the warm scent of melted cheese and tomato sauce filling the air. As the plot unfolded, Cat found herself drawn into the story, momentarily forgetting about the threat that had brought her here.

By the time the credits rolled, Cat and Keir were engaged in a heated debate about the film’s central themes.

“I can’t believe you’re siding with the crazy protagonist!” Cat exclaimed, gesturing emphatically with a half-eaten slice of pizza. “What he did was completely unjustifiable.”

Keir leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I’m not saying I agree with his methods, but I understand his motivations. The system failed him, and he took matters into his own hands.”

Cat shook her head vehemently. “But that doesn’t make it right. Hurting innocent people because you were hurt... it just perpetuates a cycle of violence and pain.”

“What if it wasn’t about innocent people?” Keir asked, his voice low and intense. “What if someone threatened someone you loved? Wouldn’t you do anything to protect them?”

ELEVEN

The shift in conversation wasn’t lost on Cat. She met Keir’s gaze, her heart racing at the implication in his words. “I... I don’t know,” she admitted. “I’d want to protect them, of course, but not at the cost of becoming a monster myself.”

Keir leaned forward, his eyes never leaving hers. “I would,” he said softly, but with absolute conviction. “If anyone tried to hurt you, Cat, I’d tear the world apart to keep you safe. I would burn it down if someone laid a hand on you.”

Cat’s breath caught in her throat. Part of her wanted to be alarmed by the intensity of his declaration, but a larger part found it undeniably romantic. She searched his face, seeing nothing but sincerity and a depth of feeling that both thrilled and terrified her.

“Keir, I...” she began, not sure how to respond. That’s such a turn on did not sound like the right thing to say.

“The thought of anyone threatening you...”

Cat reached out, placing her hand over his. “It’s okay. I understand,” she said softly. “I might not be a fan of violence, but I get it.”

The tension between them was palpable, charged with unspoken feelings and desires.

She didn’t get a chance to say anything. He meshed their lips together into a toe-curling kiss she couldn’t have stopped if she tried. She gripped his shirt, curling her nails into the material and moaning into the kiss. Her body wound tight. She struggled to get oxygen into her lungs. He didn’t let up. He rubbed his tongue over hers, sending heat to her sex.

He cupped her breast over her pajama top, his thumb rubbing over the thin material holding her bound. Her nipples pebbled. She ached from how badly she wanted him.

The kiss deepened. With just a growl, he turned up the heat. Her body shivered from the rampant desire coursing through her. She allowed herself to explore her desires and bit on his lip, loving the sound of his groan. His hand on her breast squeezed, kneading her chest and caressing down to her belly.

Keir made her feel like she was the hottest woman in the world.He shoved a hand down her shorts and slid his hand between her legs. She spread her thighs apart, waiting for a single touch of his hand on her sex. That’s all she needed, and she’d lose it. He grazed his finger over her throbbing sex and continued to kiss her like the world was ending and he needed one more taste of her.

She moaned, shoving his T-shirt over his head and feeling the naked muscles underneath. She’d never wanted him naked like she did that very moment.

He pulled back and gasped for air. Her pussy slickened at the all-too-possessive look he gave her. She wanted him oh-so bad, like the addicted needed a fix. That’s how she felt.

“You don’t understand,” he rumbled. “I’d burn it all down for you.”

He slipped a hand into her hair and cupped the back of her head, bringing his mouth down over hers. Clothes came off, and soon she was naked on the sofa big enough to fit them both, his gaze roaming over her body with indescribable need. He cupped her breast and bit down on her nipple. She moaned, and she was instantly slick from his bite.

“Keir!”

He lifted his head, his bright eyes eating her up. “The whole world, kitten.”