Page 13 of His Queen

Christian motions to his men, who step forward. They each take one of his handguns as he shrugs off the holster. He remains in phased. I’m sure they meant it to embarrass him, but we all know he has at least one gun stashed somewhere on his body. The server leads all of us to our table and I swear it’s the best table in the entire restaurant. Before I have a chance to admire it, the owner clears his throat.

“Christian, I hope you enjoy your meal. It is truly our pleasure to serve Arkham. I would like to extend an open offer for you and your guests to return again, a standing reservation.” His tone is sincere, not condescending in the slightest. I wonder if I have misjudged his character.

Christian is just as skeptical as I am, and he doesn’t hold back. “What do you seek in exchange?”

“Only the continued protection from Arkham, and for the agreements to remain in place. Others are whispering,” he says with a gulp before dropping his voice lower. “Others are whispering. They are saying you are building an army of men, seeking those with an allegiance and making those who no longer agree to your terms enemies. I want you to know there’s no reason to make us an enemy. We have always complied, and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. I have no desire to find myself on the losing side of this battle, and so I would like to make my intentions clear. We remain pledged to Arkham. I will pay whatever price you see fit to charge. I also offer you the use of my space as needed to conduct your affairs and such.” He bows ever so slightly, dipping his head in a show of respect. I didn’t see that coming at all, and from the look on Christian’s face, neither did he.

Christian nods, “thank you. Arkham appreciates your loyalty, as do I. Clay will be in touch to take you up on the accommodations in the near future.”

The owner smiles, relief washing over his face. “Please enjoy yourselves tonight. I will ensure there will be no further misunderstandings.” He dips his head once more before shaking Christian’s hand and leaving us alone.

Alone again, I think about what Selena suggested. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring it up. “Christian,” I whisper.

“Yes, mon amour,” he replies, eyes blazing sensually into mine.

“I was thinking puddin pop, about what just happened, well maybe you should make everyone declare their allegiance to Arkham. Anyone who doesn’t or anyone who delays falling into line should be considered a threat. Then you can use your new army to show up on their turf, forcing them to bow or face destruction. Teach them a lesson one by one. Anyone who turns their back on Arkham, on the birdcage, is now an enemy and treated as such.” He’s staring at me with his jaw hanging open in awe. I slide a finger beneath his chin, lifting it closed, then sealing my words with a soft kiss.

He kisses me back, his lips land like feathers against mine. He’s absolutely breathless beneath my clutches, and it’s sexy as hell. I want him to kiss me harder. To devour my mouth with his own, to dominate my very soul, but it’s not the place for that kind of behavior. For that reason, he breaks our kiss all too soon, pulling away, leaving us both in a momentary daze. We both struggle to collect ourselves, but then he pulls my hands into his, kissing my fingers lightly as he mumbles an apology for conducting business on our special night. When he’s finished, I stroke his arm for a moment with my fingertips in a show of my affection.

“You don’t need to apologize. I enjoy watching you work.” I say, running my finger down his lips.

He smiles and I can feel the sexual energy continuing to build between the two of us.

The server interrupts our playful exchange. He brings a bottle of champagne to the table, along with water. “No need to order, Monsieur has placed the order for you and covered the bill for this evening. I shall bring you a selection of warm and cold appetizers.” He pops the champagne, then pours two glasses before nestling the bottle into a bucket of waiting ice. “Is there anything I can get for you while you wait?” He asks.

“No, thank you. Please thank him once more for his hospitality tonight.” Christian instructs.

Chapter sixteen

Aboveusachandelierdrips soft splashes of light and on the table the candle flickers. He’s been on his best behavior so far, and it’s giving me chills. Now is probably as good of time as any to spring the possibility of going on a girls’ trip with Selena. I cozy into him, and he drapes his arm around me protectively. My hand lands on his leg. My naughty fingers travel up and down his thigh a few times before curiously venturing to stroke the outline of his cock. Christian’s lips land against my ear. He moans so low I’m the only one who can hear him.

“Keep going, my naughty petit reine,” he rasps.

“Puddin,” I whisper, continuing to drag my fingers across him lightly. “Eisele called. She’s feeling very lonely and begged me to visit next week. Selena was with me when she called earlier and offered to come with me. The two of them are dying to meet. You’ve been so busy lately, consumed by work. I’ve been so lonely. This could be the perfect opportunity for you to get some things done, without having to feel guilty for working.” He’s silent, not saying anything, which makes me nervous. Maybe he’s on to me already. I take a deep breath. “Please, Christian,” I beg. “Let me visit my friend. Trust me enough to give me some of my freedom.”

He drags his fingers down my cheek to rest beneath my chin, then looks me hard in the eyes. His deep, soulless pools search mine for the secret I am hiding. Finally, he speaks. “Non. Mon bijou, t’es dengue ou quoi,No my jewel, what are you crazy?”

I place my hand on his heart, returning his intense stare, “English my love, or I must assume you are saying why yes, of course, and you hope I enjoy myself.”

He throws his head back and laughs. “My love, over my dead body, will I let you out of my sight right now. You heard the man tonight. There’s unrest. You’re the perfect target, my one weakness. If someone wanted to use you to get to me, they absolutely would. No Quinn. I can’t let you leave the country to visit Eisele. It’s dangerous and reckless.”

My face falls with disappointment. He holds me tighter. “Quinn, I’ve told you before. You’re my queen, and a king is nothing without his queen. I need you little bijou. I need you as much as I need to breathe, and I promise as soon as it is safe I will either hand deliver you to Eisele, or I will hand delver her to you here.” He kisses my forehead, indicating our conversation is over.

I had a feeling he would say no, which is why I already planned it. I look down, immediately feeling the familiar tug as the guilt laps at my heels, demanding to be acknowledged.

“Let’s not speak of it anymore. I brought you out tonight to enjoy you. I don’t want you to be upset. Let’s have a good time and we can talk about it again tomorrow.”

I smile at him. He’s taking things a little better than I expected him to.

“That’s my good girl,” his voice is husky and needy in my ear as he drags his thumb down my lip.

Fuck, I am a sucker for when he calls me a good girl. I’m practically dripping for him.

“Not here,” I hiss. “We still have more courses.”

“I don’t need any more courses. The only thing I want to eat is that sweet pussy of yours.” He starts to slide beneath the table like he’s actually doing to do it, right here, right now. Then laughs. “Tell me mon amour, did I just ruin your panties?”

I nod, terrified the server will hear us as he makes his way over with yet another course.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com