The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld #3)(69)

"The Darkest Pleasure"

"Hey," he shouted. Whatever he thought to say next died on his lips as Reyes caught up with her and punted the man out of the way.

His arm banded around her waist in an iron lock. She glared up at him but didn't struggle. There was no reason to. Physically, he was stronger than she was. Where's your training? He led her through the crowd. People gasped as he approached and jumped out of his way. If they weren't fast enough, they were sent flying to the ground. None of them demanded an apology or even seemed to mind, she noticed. Some actually smiled when they touched him, as if he were a god, their savior.

"I know Hunters were watching," he said. "In turn, Torin was watching them and called me when there was a problem. He'll call me if there's another. How did you know they were here? Did you see your captor?"

Were, he'd said. Another problem. "What happened?"

"We'll discuss that later."

"I'm not going back to the fortress with you," she told him, ignoring his question.

"No, you're not."

So...what? Where was he taking her? Was he getting rid of her? Kicking her out? "You're a bastard, you know that? But fine. Whatever! Throw me out on the streets. I don't care. I'm leaving tomorrow, anyway, and the journey will be much easier without you."

They reached the side wall, three doors greeting them. Two were marked bathroom - one a man's, one a woman's - and one said Keep Out in big red letters. Reyes didn't slow as he shouldered that door open, shattering the lock and ushering her inside.

There was a desk, several chairs, filing cabinets and a computer. Oh, and four men. All four jumped to their feet, gaping at Reyes.

"Out," he barked.

There was a slight hesitation, but they didn't protest. Once they gathered their wits, they nodded and raced out of the office as if their feet were on fire.

Danika stalked to the desk and whirled. "How dare you!"

His eyes narrowed, homing in on her. "How dare I what? Claim this room? The club was destroyed by Hunters nearly two months ago, and I rebuilt it in three days. Believe me, they are happy to let me use anything I want."

Even the female patrons? she almost shouted, barely managing to contain the words. "No, how dare you force me in here? I'm done with you!" And what did he mean, Hunters had destroyed it? She remembered the aftermath of the explosion, but hadn't realized Hunters were responsible.

He closed what little distance there was between them. His warm breath trekked over her face, and she tried to hold her own breath. She really did. But that lasted only a minute before she was sucking in his scent, her lungs desperate.

"No, you aren't," he said softly, menacingly.

Though she wanted to tear her gaze from his harsh and beautifully angry face, she didn't look away. I'm strong now. I do not back down. Ever.

"Are you angry because I left without you?"

"Please." She raised her chin, squared her shoulders, just like she'd learned in one of her classes. Sometimes appearing confident was enough to send your opponent running. "I'm not angry."

"Liar," he lashed out. His top lashes intertwined with the bottom, blocking even a minute view of his pupils. "Why? Tell me."

"Go to hell."

"How many times must we establish that I'm already there?" He leaned down, a little closer to her.

Another tremor shook her. "There's nothing for us to discuss. I came to warn you about the Hunters, and I've done that."

"I believe I asked how you knew."

"I believe I refused to answer."

His head tilted to the side, his gaze raking her body, lingering in all the right spots. "Are you going to betray me, Danika?"

"I should," she said, practically spitting the words.

"But you haven't." A demand for the truth.

Her lips thinned into a mulish line.

He massaged the back of his neck, looking tired all of a sudden. "What am I going to do with you?" The question was clearly meant more for himself than her.

"Nothing. I'm leaving, and you're going back to your girlfriend. Don't worry. I won't return to the fortress." Cameo's words chose that moment to invade her mind. You want him, you'll have to fight him.

I've already lost, she thought. Keeping her nose in the air, she pushed past him. Or tried to.

His arm snaked out, an unmovable blockade.

Automatically, she gripped that arm, her nails sinking deep in warning. But he closed his eyes and moaned in ecstasy. Her eyes began to close, too; she began to moan, just as ecstatic. Touching him always warmed her, and now was no different. The chill left her blood. Her nipples hardened and her stomach quivered. How can I still desire him?

Danika forced her arms to fall to her sides. She couldn't control the wild thump of her pulse, though. Couldn't stop the dark flood of regret washing through her. Fight him..."Who were you with? You came here to f*ck, didn't you? Don't try to deny it. I've had boyfriends and know how you guys are. Well, who'd you pick?"

Reyes bared his teeth, resembling a feral animal as he leaned the rest of the way in to her. Their noses brushed and he snarled, "I do not want to hear about any boyfriends you've had. Understand?"