Page 49 of King of Ruin

I hate it, but I know my role. I’ve always supported my brother. He’s the man who picked up the pieces of my life when no one else would or could. I trust him. Which means I’ll do what he’s asked. No matter what it costs me.

I walk back into the bedroom, Maddie sound asleep in my bed.

My chest fucking aches as I stare at her. I trust her too. I know Mason thinks she might be in league with the Italians. But the only person she cares about talking to is Lucia. Who is also Italian….

Shit.

I switch the phone to silent and fire off a text to Mason.

Have Lucia followed.

Lucia isthe one who forced Maddie to go on that date. Maybe Lucia is responsible for all of this. My gut clenches. I will end anyone who tries to hurt Maddie…

The sheet is pulled up to just over her pubic hair, her torso on full display. She’s so beautiful, she steals my breath.

I have this moment where I’m overwhelmed by this one driving thought. I don’t want it to cost me her. I want her.

In my bed now, later. I want her to be happy. To trust me.

I don’t say I want a future. I know I’m not the man who signs up to take care of Maddie. But another voice fills my thoughts.

I’ve been trained for someone like Maddie. Equipped to meet a woman’s most intimate needs.

And it’s not like she doesn’t give back. The sex alone…

But I can’t forget, this is the woman who came out to help me when I’d collapsed on the street. She would give to me what I needed, when I needed. And that makes her different. Special.

It makes me crazy to think of her putting herself in danger like that. Which is so fucking telling.

But also, she isn’t like my mother. I know that. Still. How could I ever really let my guard down with anyone? The only person I’ve ever truly trusted is Mason.

I let out a long, frustrated growl.

Tom growls back.

I look down at the cat. “I know what you’re thinking. Maddie deserves better,” I whisper to the cat. He’s right.

He gives a small hiss.

In her sleep, Maddie’s hand rests on the cat’s body, her fingers gently curling into Tom’s thick fur.

Is that what’s it’s like to give yourself over to a woman? Tom instantly begins purring again.

I climb into the bed, pulling Maddie against my body.

She curls into me, Tom readjusting to press his length against her leg.

I bury my nose into her hair, closing my eyes and inhaling her scent.

My hand wraps around her ribs, my thumb just brushing the underside of her breast. Much as I said I didn’t want to get involved in a relationship, I’d never want to hurt Maddie.

I’m so torn my chest aches.

But my brother is my brother. And Maddie is someone I’ve known for all of thirty-six hours.

So. Yeah. The path is clear. I just fucking hate it. I hold her tighter as I whisper. “Don’t hate me for what I’m about to do.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN