Hard to Get (Killer of Kings Book 4)(35)

Riley quickly tugged on her clothes, giving up on seducing Shadow.

“I want to go to my bakery,” she said, her words clipped.

“I already told you that’s not possible. Not yet.”

She frowned. “I just want to stop by and take a quick look. I only remember how it looked that day, and I can’t get the images out of my head. I want to see it without blood and a dead body on the floor.”

“I don’t know.”

“Listen, I haven’t left your house in days. I need fresh air. You’ll be with me, so I’ll be safe … right?”

He sat up on the edge of the bed. “If we’re going to go, it’s best to go now before it gets late. It’ll have to be quick.”

Riley nodded, surprised she’d gotten him to agree so quickly.

Before they left the house, Shadow strapped his body with weapons. Her pussy ached watching his hard body shift, his attention focused. He was danger personified, a skilled killer—and it made her hotter than hell. Unfortunately, she couldn’t even give herself away for free. His sweet words and cold actions didn’t mesh.

They drove in silence, tension thick in the air. She wished things were the way they used to be. She missed baking, missed not being independent. She missed Shadow’s affection most of all. They stopped at a pharmacy and then headed to the plaza.

He parked in front of the bakery. At least it was in one piece, and no broken windows. Shadow came around to her side of the car and opened the door, helping her out. He held her hand as they walked to the entrance. Shadow was on edge, continually scanning the area.

Once inside, he locked the door and pulled down the sun shades.

“Okay, make it quick.”

He stood near the entrance as she wandered around, checking for damage and cleanliness. Everything looked in order. In fact, it was a hell of a lot cleaner than she left it. Boss really was thorough. Riley expected to feel a repeat of that traumatic day, but it was gone. She just wanted to move on.

“Shadow?”

He was by her side within seconds. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Well, nothing’s wrong here. There’s obviously something wrong with us.”

He leaned back, both hands resting on the edge of the counter. “What do you mean?”

“Maybe I’m wrong, but I thought you wanted me to be your woman. Has something changed?” She didn’t want to be played, to be just another number to him. It would break her heart. She’d let him in, and allowed herself to fall in love.

“You are my woman.”

She exhaled, the weight of the world slipping off her shoulders. “Then I don’t understand why you’ve been avoiding me. Are you not attracted to me?”

The corners of his eyes crinkled. “What are you talking about, baby?”

“You. Me. You realize you haven’t even kissed me in days. I feel like you can’t stand the sight of me.” There. She’d put it all out there. He either wasn’t attracted to her or had the willpower of a god.

He hooked his fingers around the side of her waist, pulling her close. “You’ve been through a lot, way too much. I didn’t want to push you. I care more about you than sex.”

She smiled. “That’s good to hear, Shadow, but I promise I’m over it.”

“I know you’re just trying to be strong.”

“No, I’m tired of being rejected by you. The other stuff I can handle, but feeling like my love is one-sided is another thing.”

“Love? I thought Riley Church didn’t do love.” He cupped her cheek, caressing her with his thumb.

“You’re impossible,” she said.

His scruff was growing in, his eyes tired but hungry. He’d been holding back, she could see that now, and she loved him even more because of fit.

“Do you want me to kiss you?” he asked.

“I want a hell of a lot more than a kiss, but only if you want to. I’m tired of being tolerated by men.”

He scoffed. “Tolerated? You’ve been driving me crazy, teasing every chance you get. You make it hard to be a gentleman.”

“So you are attracted to me?”

“My cock’s been stiff all week. I thought I’d lose it this morning when you came in the room with no shirt on. I was seconds away from ripping those panties off you.”

Her pussy became slick, the rhythmic throb almost unbearable. She squeezed her thighs together in a poor attempt to relieve the ache. “I need you, Shadow,” she whispered.

“I’m here, baby. Tell me what you want.” He tugged her flush to his body, his erection proof he wasn’t lying to her.

“I want you to love me.”

“Already done.”

“Then, I want you to fuck me.”

“Are you sure about that? I’ve been pent up all week, so I may be a bit rough.” He slid his hand past the waistband of her pants, squeezing her ass.

“Right now, I could use a lot of that.” She closed her eyes as he nuzzled her neck. His hands were everywhere. She savored his touch, the one she’d been craving all week.

“Take off your clothes, Riley. I want you naked.”

He leaned away, waiting for her to comply. “Someone could peek in the windows,” she said, taking his hand. She led him to the tiny room she affectionately called her staff room. It was where she took a break or nap, and only consisted of an old tweed sofa and an end table.