Cataclysm (Four Horsemen #4)(39)

She blinked.

“I told Frankie. He knew I loved West.”

I half-smiled.

“I know that now.”

She put her hand to mine on her cheek and pulled it away. Her eyes went to it as she fit her small fingers between my much larger ones. It reminded me of how she’d said she liked the way my hands fit around her. I had to stop myself from smiling at that little detail.

“I’m sorry I kept all this shit from you, but I meant what I said. You are what I need. Nothing more. Nothing less. Just you.”

My little wisp of a woman stared up at me with conflicting emotions racing across her face.

“Can I ask one thing about you knowing my medical history?”

“You can ask me anything.”

Not like I was planning on keeping anything else from her.

“Is that why all of you decided it was okay to just…” she faltered and looked away.

“What was okay?”

“To not use protection and not even talk to me about it.”

I tried not to smile.

“Yes. You never brought it up either.”

She met my eyes again and gave me a disapproving look.

“Oh yeah, because that was the first thing on my mind when I woke up tied to a bed naked. I wonder if they’re going to use condoms.”

I tucked my free hand around the back of her head.

“Do you want us to use them?”

“No!”

I leant closer.

“So… you like it when we—”

She slapped a hand over my mouth.

“Do not say it.”

I removed her hand and captured her mouth with mine. She didn’t protest. Her body melted into mine as I wrapped an arm around her back. Her fingers clasped the front of my coat. The little moan sounding in the back of her throat made me want to shove her up against a tree and put my hand down her jeans. I wanted to make her come on my fingers whilst she rubbed herself all over me. However, I didn’t think it was a very appropriate thing to do in a cemetery where anyone could come upon us.

“Drake,” she moaned against my mouth.

The temptation was almost too much. I had to pull away and catch my damn breath.

“Take me home,” she whispered, her little fists still clenched around my coat.

“Have you forgiven me for keeping another secret?”

She nodded, releasing my coat and stroking her hands down my chest.

“Then let’s—”

I heard rustling from behind me. My body went on high alert. I whipped around, shoving Scarlett behind me. And for good fucking reason. Three men appeared out of the trees. They did not look like they were here to exchange pleasantries with us, judging by the way one of them cracked his knuckles. One stepped forward, twirling a knife around his fingers.

“What do you want?” I ground out.

Scarlett peered out from behind me. I gave her a warning look before eyeing the men again.

“We want the girl.”

“Why?”

The one with the knife was taller than the other two. He cocked his head to the side. It was shaved, and he had what looked like a tattoo of a bulldog on one side of it. I almost shook my head at his appearance but decided it wasn’t worth it.

“None of your business, mate. Just hand her over and we’ll be on our way.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“If you want her, you’ll have to go through me.”

He scoffed and gave me the once over. I might not look like I could take them, but they had no fucking clue who they were dealing with.

“Three against one, mate. Are you sure you like those odds?”

I felt Scarlett press herself against my back, reassuring me she was right there.

I don’t care what it takes. I will protect you, little wisp. These fuckers aren’t having you. Over my dead body.

“You clearly don’t know who I am.”

“Doesn’t matter who you are. We only came for her.”

I gave them a smile.

“Oh, I see. He didn’t tell you who you’d be trying to take her from now, did he?”

The man with the knife looked a little uneasy at my statement whilst the other two bristled at his sides.

I knew very well who sent these fuckers. It had to be Stuart. If he came himself, he wouldn’t leave alive. Our message had been very clear when we sent them Mason’s head. You fuck with us. We will fuck with you right back. Not to mention he must know by now we’d blackmailed Garrett into backing off.

“You think you know who sent us?”

“I don’t think, I know. Stuart is getting sloppy.”

The way the leader’s eyes widened made it clear I’d hit the mark. Then he shook himself off and glared.

“Whatever. Just give her here.”

“How much is he paying you to take her, huh? Because I’m telling you now, if you don’t turn around and walk away, you’ll be the ones paying.”

One of his men tutted and nudged his friend.

“This bloke thinks he’s tough. Stuck up rich pricks have no fucking idea.”

“Next time, I suggest you do your research before you take jobs from men like Stuart Carver. You would have known my reputation precedes me if you did.”

“What fucking reputation?” the leader spat.