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“Why should I believe you? For all I know, you could be a serial killer.” Her defiance was endearing but fake. “And yes, I know what occurred between us. I can never forget that.”
“You’re right. I could be a killer, but you didn’t seem to mind when I was spanking your ass or shoving my cock into your wet pussy.”
Her lower lip quivered as I placed the knife on the stainless-steel table. The intensity of a fire burning in my belly was increasing, leaving my cock pinched. I wanted this woman again and again. There was no rhyme or reason, but there was also no denying the raging hunger feasting on my system. Releasing my hold, I dared to slide the hair from her face, gingerly placing the long strand behind her ear. Just as I’d seen her do. The action was intimate, more so than if I’d crushed my mouth over hers. “I am a very bad man, Crystal and never forgot that, but if my intention had been to hurt you in any manner, trust me, I would have already done so.”
A strangled gasp pushed past her lips. When she spoke, her words were little more than a whisper. “Fine. You’re right and I should have asked then. Who are you? What’s your name?”
“Who I am isn’t important.” I wanted the slight caress to linger, but I needed to get her out of here safely and in order to do that, she would need to place trust in a man who could just have easily killed her. “My name is Blade.”
A snap of surprise was followed by a second’s worth of amusement. “As in the knife?”
I nodded, blinking once.
“O-kay. I suppose you aren’t going to tell me why.”
“There’s no need to. Better you don’t know shit about me.” I let her go, hesitating for only a second more before moving back to the main part of the bar. I sensed she’d followed me. “Is there any other way of getting in or out?”
“No. Just the two doors. Why?”
There was no need to mince words. I gathered she had a true understanding. “One night they’ll return; maybe not tonight, but this is only the beginning and they’ll bring reinforcements.”
“Sounds like you know who they are.” Her words were confrontational.
“I know their type extremely well. Doesn’t matter their name or affiliation. They were nothing more than the lowlife grunts, but they’re still dangerous and now royally pissed off. You’re not safe to drive home alone. You dared stand against them. A sentry will pay attention to every move you make.” I moved toward the window, peering outside before twisting the blinds closed.
“And why shouldn’t I learn anything about you? I would think our level of intimacy would allow me certain knowledge.”
I wasn’t used to women making demands. It wasn’t protocol in the ugly world of the mafia. “For your safety. You’ll have to trust me on that.”
“Trust. Uh-huh.” Crystal allowed a short laugh before cutting off the sound. “Let me guess. You actually think I’m going to allow you to come home with me. That kind of trust?”
I turned my head. “If you want to live.”
She choked on a laugh then snapped her fingers in front of her mouth, shifting her body back and forth. “You’re serious.”
“Yes. I will protect you.”
“All right. Let’s just say I’m stupid enough to allow you. What about tomorrow night and the next? Oh, hell. Next week. Are you going to become my personal bodyguard? Or my indulgent disciplinarian?”
I took decided steps toward her and this time, she didn’t back away. “This isn’t a joke, Crystal, and they aren’t simply criminals that you can hide from. Pricks like that are vultures picking on prey, the bottom feeders of life. They follow orders like lapdogs, advancing in their minute world of violence only by inflicting pain on others. It’s an honor for them. They burn and pillage, rape and murder like they’re playing a video game. You’ve become an issue. You will become a badge of that honor they deem so important in their disgusting little lives.” Hell, yes, she needed another hard spanking. She had no idea what kind of trouble she was in.
Swallowing, Crystal glanced quickly toward the door. “Why did you stop them? Why bother? I’m no one to you. Now, they could be looking for you in the same manner.”
“I can handle any shit that comes my way.” I snorted when I said the words.
She refused to back down. “Tell. Me. Why.”
“Because I’m no coward nor can I stand fucking useless human trash. And because…” I turned away, almost laughing at my own admittance.
“Because why? Tell me, Blade.”
Crowding her space once again, I lowered my head until our lips were almost touching. “Because I believe in innocence lost, in good versus evil, and in protecting women at all costs, especially ones I care about.”
She seemed stunned by my words and tilted her head, leaving our lips only centimeters apart. Her breathing was ragged, the slight whimpering sounds becoming a powerful aphrodisiac.
The overwhelming desire to take her, claim her right here, was strong, infusing every drop of blood racing throughout my system. The concept was barbaric at best, leaving every muscle aching. Her musky fragrance filled my nostrils, wafting into every cell, leaving a permanent scent buried under layers of tissue and skin. This was her indelible mark.
“You walked here from that motel,” she whispered, breaking the almost trancelike state we shared.
