Page 18 of Queen of Tempests and Sin

I looked to the ceiling when his cold-hearted stare bore into me like the frigid breath of a northern wind.

‘Why don’t you take your attitude and shove it up your ass, so your head has company?’ He released a low growl as his fists clenched.

‘No, you’re okay, don’t worry, I got it.’ I gestured to the door as I opened it myself, beaming at him as I walked past and outside into the Sunset Bar.

I stopped when I saw him… Si. He rose from his seat like a thundercloud parting for sunlight—and smiled. That smile sent hummingbirds into a frenzy in my chest, and I stood there staring like a dope. He was built like a god, and the masculine quality he effortlessly exuded permeated my senses.

His button-up shirt hugged his large, wide shoulders and pecs before kissing his flat stomach, and tapering down to trim hips. Muscular thighs strained against his snug suit trousers in the most delightful way. With his pale blond hair tied up atop his head, he was sleek, sexy, and all man. This guy was… No words. There were no words. He was well off the hotness scale… Super handsome with the ability to melt panties.

I’m not built for a soft man… I don’t listen, I talk back, I have no filter, and I have at least twenty different personalities. I mean, I like to flirt with dangerous guys and have a penchant for bad boys, but holy fuck, this guy was something else. Power, muscle, wealth… He was not someone to be trifled with, and I had to kill him.

Super.

A flicker of a smile danced at the edge of his lips. He knew. He knew I was reacting to him, the smug bastard.

Get a grip, Cordie. You’re an assassin, not a swooning teen.

‘Amelia.’ That commanding, authoritative steely gaze locked on mine as he gestured to a chair. I made my way to him on wooden legs. ‘May I say you look exquisite in the dress?’

‘Why, thank you,’ I said as I sat. ‘You are very generous. It’s beautiful.’

He waved off my statement. ‘Drink?’

‘An Old Fashioned, please.’

Jason, another of his bodyguards, brought my drink and an amber coloured liquid for Si.

‘Thanks,’ I muttered before I took a long draw. ‘It’s quiet in here?’ I said, looking around.

‘It’s closed,’ he replied. ‘They will reopen when we leave for the restaurant.’

I arched a brow. ‘Do you… own the hotel?’

‘I do.’ Of course he did. That steely gaze met mine again, making my insides almost shrivel. He looked away, and I almost gasped for air.

‘Oh,’ I uttered in a wispy voice. Definitely very wealthy.

He reached into his jacket and slid something across the table—my phone—repaired. My smile was genuine, and I fought the urge to check for a message from Guinn.

‘Thanks. Tell Theseus thank you from me,’ I said as I popped it into my clutch.

‘So,’ he sipped his drink, his eyes lifted to mine again; violence danced around him like a promise as unease clawed at my gut. ‘Your passport.’

Shit, I was so busted.

I took a breath. ‘Fine. It’s fake. I’m rich. I’m hiding. My psycho, ultra-wealthy ex-husband doesn’t take ‘no’ well, so I’m incognito. Hoping he’ll lose interest if I stay gone long enough.’

I sipped my drink again, then lifted my chin. ‘Not that it’s any of your business.’ I said sharply, lifting my chin and holding his enigmatic gaze.

‘Very well. If I find out you are lying, the consequences you face will not be pleasant… Amelia. I assume you are called Amelia?’ He asked in a low tone, a tone made of nightmares—born of dark dreams and wickedness. He seemed to stare into my soul again, and that stare made my bones wobble. I nodded mutely as shivers of apprehension snaked up my spine, causing the small hairs to rise all over my body.

Gods help me.

He stood, put on his jacket, and offered his arm. ‘Then let’s eat.’ I placed my glass down, stood on shaking legs, and slipped my arm through his.

Holy shitballs, Batman… I could knife myself for agreeing to this job.

CHAPTER 7