Blood Ties (Dinero de Sangre #2) - Lana Sky Page 0,40
think I see surprise cross his face for a split-second before his eyes narrow to convey another sentiment entirely. Challenge accepted.
He grabs another morsel of fruit and dangles it just beyond the reach of my mouth. I have to lean forward to take it, biting into the ripe berry dangerously close to his fingertips. At the last second, something makes me swipe my tongue along the pad of one, licking away any remaining juice.
His sly grin falls flat, his chest rumbling again.
The sound does something to me, working with the warm air and the hot sun to make my breathing quicken and my chest tighten. I’m painfully aware of how large he is, and how dangerously close I’m seated near the front of his slacks. The loose fabric conceals any telltale bulge or sign of arousal. I’d have to touch him to be sure.
“You are in a good mood, today,” Domino remarks, though he doesn’t sound as smug about that as he did just minutes ago. “I wonder just what my Ada-Maria is thinking to feel so damn happy.”
I take my time swallowing down my berry. Then I lick my lips deliberately slow, and I don’t miss the way his eyes dart down to track the motion.
“I’m thinking of all the ways I can show my hero how grateful I am for what he’s done to me.”
I’ve gone too far, failing to disguise the hate in my voice behind fake charm. Rather than dwell over the fact, I relish the wary way he eyes me while letting one of his hands slide from my hip.
“Such a bold girl today, as well.” And yet, for the time being anyway, he seems content to grab another offering from the tray and shove it against my mouth.
I eat, and I eat, and I eat, ignoring any discomfort or anxiety building at the back of my mind. This is war, and as such, I have to fight just as dirty as he seems willing to.
“You seem happy today as well,” I remark after taking a blueberry from his hand. “I’m sorry if I interrupted your fun and games.” I soften my voice, posing my lips in a playful pout.
He scoffs. “Simpering isn’t a good look on you, Ada,” he scolds. “I like you better when you run that smart fucking mouth.”
Challenge accepted.
“How do I know I’m not the game being played?” I demand, raising an eyebrow of my own. Our expressions must mirror each other’s now, equally guarded and mistrustful. “You seem to be having so much fun with Alexi. How do I know you’re not setting me up?”
“You don’t,” he replies, snatching a piece of what looks like cheese from the tray next. “Though, believe me, it wouldn’t take nearly half as much effort as you seem to think. Eat.”
I open my mouth, still mulling over his words. He wouldn’t waste the effort to play me, but he seemed unwilling to outright deny that his interactions with Alexi were part of a mind game.
“Don’t tell me that you’re taking advantage of her, Domino,” I murmur after chewing.
It would serve the bitch right. And yet…
I can’t be jealous, so that can’t possibly be the reasoning behind the pang I feel in my chest. Even during his entire tenure as my father’s trusted bodyguard, he never tried so hard with me. He never played “games,” or reminisced about the past or lounged so visibly relaxed in my presence. Most notable of all, I never once heard him laugh.
Never like that.
“Don’t tell me you’re jealous, Ada-Maria,” Domino counters. The amount of genuine disgust in his voice warns that he would disapprove of that scenario.
Rather than take the bait, I shrug and dutifully sample the food he’s holding before me. “Why would I be? You cared for me enough to bring me here, and protect me from the big bad men who tried to kill me. I’m the fool who would willingly stay here, gladly accepting whatever lies you told me to explain my parents’ supposed deaths and everything else going on. Damn. I know you think so little of me, but I must be known for being quite the dumb bimbo for even your accomplices to buy that.”
His eyes flash in a subtle warning. “I don’t think you should go around pontificating on what those big, bad men might want to do to you, Ada. You’ll give yourself nightmares. I suggest you continue to be so damn accommodating and keep your mouth shut.”