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“What if I get a frying pan and hit you over the head? Do you think that would hurt?” was what I had wanted to ask him next, but I hadn’t felt like watching him get worked up again. You know, for being an FBI agent, he sure was high-strung. I had a feeling it had to do with the Voledetti. Cian had mentioned that Dobbs had sacrificed years of his time trying to bring them down and had always failed. It showed on Dobbs’ face whenever he spoke about them. The fact that I’d caught him constantly pouring liquor from a flask into his coffee was also not a promising sign.
“And what are you looking for again?” Cian walked around and sat on the edge of the table, his arms crossed against his chest. He was so close I could feel the heat rolling off his body. I’d noticed that about him. Always close, never giving me any space. Typically, that would drive me crazy—I was one of those people who hated feeling crowded—but with Cian, it was different. We were like magnets to each other, something that was hard to get used to in my mind, but that my body was loving.
“Nova?” His lips curled at the sides as he followed the path from my eyes to his chest, where his tattoo was peeking out.
“Yes, right, um, muscles… no.” I shook my head and rubbed my hands over my face. “Not looking for muscles.” I wheezed out a laugh, the butterflies in my stomach starting to rage.
He lifted his hand, and I froze as he pushed my hair behind my ear. “Focus, Nova.”
Why did he have to look at me like that? Like he was hungry and had just found his favorite dessert?
“Yes. OK. Documents. Emails.” I counted with my fingers. “Anything from Voledetti, Argins Construction, Flocked Builders or anything from a union president or representative.” There were so many names to remember, I’d contemplated writing them down, but Delove had insisted that I memorize them. “Bank statements, bid documents, cell phone records, any government documents. Basically, I need to take pictures of anything and everything, especially if it’s locked or stashed away.”
“Good girl.” Cian nodded.
My skin tingled at his comment, and I nibbled on my thumb. “I might have to stay the night at Ryzen’s penthouse. That’s probably one of the easiest ways to snoop and go unnoticed.”
Cian was silent for a moment, the air in the room growing thick with tension. We both were thinking the same thing. Knowing Ryzen and his flirtatious ways, he would try something as he had numerous other times we had shared a bedroom at Covington’s.
Cian’s eyes darkened, and I could tell he was holding back. His posture said it all.
“And if he tries to put the moves on me, then I’ll tell him I’m not ready. That being kidnapped has made me a born-again virgin.” I grinned and sat on the table next to him.
Cian gripped the edge of the table, his knuckles turning white. After a moment, he cleared his throat and chuckled. “Born-again virgin, huh?” He quirked his eyebrow and stood, facing me. “Tell me, Nova, what will you do if he grabs you?” He stood between my legs, his hand coming up around the back of my neck, holding me in place.
I gasped as he pressed into me. A never-ending battle of wills was unfolding inside of me. My mind was yellingno, red alert, this is trouble, while my body was screamingyes, you idiot, finally, get your fix, you junkie!
“Tell me,” he purred.
I grinned and bit my bottom lip, trailing my fingers up his shirt to his exposed skin. He narrowed his eyes at me, clearly not liking my answer to his question. I dragged my nails gently against his skin and over his tattoos, his body tensing underneath me. He let out a deep breath as my fingers roamed up his neck until they were weaved into his hair. God, I loved his hair, a dark chestnut color with a splash of gold. It was the perfect length for pulling, which he seemed to enjoy. I tugged his head back and licked my lips as I leaned in closer to him. I kissed the side of his face, just over his scars, then down to his mouth. He froze, his chest rising and falling with each ragged breath he took.
“This.” I dropped my arm and slammed my elbow into the crook of his arm, making him release the back of my neck. His eyes widened with surprise, and I took that moment to wrap my leg around his thigh and push as hard as I could on his chest until he fell backwards and landed on his back with an umph.
I stood over him, my hands on his hips. “Nobody touches me unless I want them to.” I snickered at the surprised look on his face and stepped over him, walking to the living room.
Not more than five seconds later, he was behind me, his arm coming around my waist, and I shrieked. “Let go of me, you big lug.” I beat my fists against his arms, his chest rumbling with laughter against my back.
“Now what, Nova? What would you do?” His breath was warm against my ear, and I had to fight the urge to turn my head and press my lips against his. I struggled in his arms for a moment, but when I realized that there was no way of getting out of his grip, I relaxed my body and let myself hang against him.
“What are you doing?” He chuckled.
“Dead weight. That’s the best way to get loose. Don’t you know anything?” I turned slightly and grinned.
“This is serious, Nova. Jokes aren’t going to help you if he grabs you and won’t let go.”
“Did I not just put your ass on the ground, Cian? I can defend myself.” I huffed, a newfound energy building inside of me at his mocking tone. I jerked again, but he had me pressed firmly against him. We both knew I couldn’t get out of his grip. Granted, he was bigger than Ryzen, with wider shoulders and larger muscles, but Ryzen was still a whole lot bigger than me. Annoyance built in my chest, and I grunted.
“If he grabs you from behind, throw your head back until you make contact with his nose. Then smash your heel into his toe. Understand?” Cian’s tone was serious now, and I knew the funny moment had passed.
“OK,” I breathed, his arms crushing me to his chest. I tapped his hand, and he released me.
Eros and Orin came into the room, both of them raising their eyebrows at us as we faced each other, our breaths ragged.
“Self-defense class, fellas. Wanna watch me kick your brother’s ass?” I winked at Cian.
He pointed his thumb at me and turned to his brothers. “This is what I’ve been dealing with,” he grumbled. I took the distraction as an opportunity to yank his arm towards me, then bend it as I circled around him, pinning his arm to his back. Of course he could have stopped me at any time, but he didn’t.
Eros hooted with laughter, and Orin smiled for the first time since I had met him. “You see that, Cian? You’re not so tough.” I pushed him away from me and wiped the sweat from my forehead.
