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The look on Charlie’s face is one I haven’t seen before. “I feel at home,” she breathes.
I lower my head and look at her from hooded eyes. There it is. It’s like something has clicked in her head and she’s coming to terms with it. It’s different from the switch I’ve seen before. It isn’t followed with anger or a need to prove herself. No. Her hair is falling in long waves around her shoulders as her face shows complete serenity. Her body is relaxed, and her hands are loose.
For years I’ve watched her, and for the past month I’ve waited. I knew she had what it takes to reign beside me. Of course, my kingdom isn’t one you find in fairy tales. It doesn’t have lush meadows and a castle. Instead, it’s built on corruption, lies, and murder. To be supreme, you have to fight your way to the top and kill everyone who tries to stop you.
I kiss the top of her head, breathing in the faint smell of her shampoo. “I’ve waited too long for you, Monkshood.”
I want to continue and tell her that although the wait has been long, the short time we’ve had together has been better. I just wish it wasn’t numbered.
“I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere.” She squeezes around my waist, trying to pull herself closer to me even though we’re as close as we can get.
I step back, creating a few inches between us, then tilt her head toward me with my index and thumb. “I think I may love you, and that is a dangerous thing.”
She drops her hands from my waist and leans her head to the side, letting question and confusion shine bright in her eyes.
I kiss her pouty lips softly, forcing myself not to get lost in the feel, then look back at her and continue. “Because I love you, I will kill for you. I won’t hesitate for even a second, and because of that, I may get killed for you. A true king’s death, defending his queen.” I lean into her and kiss her lips again before dragging my lips to her cheek and burying myself in her hair.
I wish I could tell her that will be happening sooner rather than later, but I can’t. Things are already complicated enough, and I can’t let her try to stop me. All she’s wanted was answers to his dad’s murder. To bring down the person who took away the only man she ever loved until now.
Men like me aren’t supposed to feel. We are groomed to be cold, ruthless, and vacant. Having feelings only complicates things, but Charlie was a complication I saw coming and invited. I let my guard down and lured her to me. It was a careless mistake on my end, and now I get to pay the price. I’m going to be the monster and take away another man she loves, a man who loves her. Before this war can rage any further, I’m going to take myself out.
“I’d follow you anywhere, even in death,” she whispers.
I chuckle knowing she doesn’t mean that. I wouldn’t expect anything less than her avenging me, carrying on my name. She is my queen, and long may she reign.
I pull back again and cup her cheeks in my hands, then push my lips to hers. Her tongue twirls with my own as my hands move from her face and down her body. My dick throbs in my pants, begging to be released. As I reach down and lower my zipper, the warehouse door opens swiftly.
I growl and break away from Charlie, then look to the door. Lucas and Julius stroll in casually with small grins on their faces. “We can come back, boss,” Lucas huffs.
“Not necessary.” I slip my zipper back up and curse him in my head for being a cockblock.
They make it to where Charlie and I stand. Julius takes a spot beside me, remaining silent and unmoving, while Lucas stops in front of Charlie.
“Tell me, Flower, ever use one of these?” He looks behind him and pushes the lid to one of the cedar boxes to the ground. He reaches in and pulls out an AR-15.
Charlie lowers her eyes and grins. I think Lucas underestimates her knowledge, and it’s comical. She was raised by a cop who taught her about gun safety and shit, but what he doesn’t know is her weekends as a teen were spent inside the evidence room of the station, not at football games or the mall.
She would teach herself how to disassemble and reassemble every gun that came through, with gloves of course. With her dad on the endless hunt for the cartel leader, she had nothing better to do. Betty, the woman who keeps inventory for the evidence room and watches everyone who comes in and out, is a sweet lady. A sweet lady with an uncontrollable taste for expensive things. Lucky for her, I wanted details of what Charlie did inside the station since I couldn’t waltz right in, and she wanted money to fund all of her expensive shopping. It was a win-win and a little detail I’ve always kept to myself.
Charlie takes the gun from Lucas and makes sure that it is clear. With a smirk of her own, she slides her hand to the butt of the rifle. She removes the rear takedown pin, followed by the charging handle and the bolt carrier. Meanwhile, her confidence exudes, and the smirk on her face withholds the laughter that is on the verge of erupting. She moves on to the last step by removing the buffer spring and buffer. Once she’s done, she takes every piece and slides it back together perfectly, and quickly.
Lucas looks at her with a raised brow and nods. “Okay, you’re a badass. Noted.” He makes a check with his finger. Charlie just rolls her eyes and looks at me with a grin.
“Are you ready to go home?” I ask, hoping like hell she says yes so I can finish what I started before we were so rudely interrupted.
It’s like she can read my mind. Her green eyes light up with mischief as she nods.
I put my hand around her waist and pull her close to me, then start walking out. “I assume Carl is outside for you both,” I shout, directed to the twins. “Go home with him. We will meet you there.”
