my mind. Because we were meant to be together. Because I crave every inch of you. And because you want exactly what I do.”
A full minute ticked by as the rain continued to fall, our clothes and skin now soaked by the steady stream of water. There was no cooling off my hunger, no controlling my monster.
She gave me a smug look before nodding, placing her hand into mine, every part of her body still trembling.
This time from excitement.
I took deliberate steps, moving past the scores of open bars and restaurants, all the while scanning the street for Los Charlines soldiers. While I’d altered my looks in an effort to hunt Alviro, there was always a chance I’d be recognized, even in the darkness. That simply couldn’t happen. A street war I didn’t need.
She remained quiet as I rounded the corner, her long legs able to keep up with mine. Only when I pulled out my key fob did she hesitate again, her gait slowing.
“You’re carrying a gun,” she hissed, struggling to pull away. “Who are you, Rafael, or is that even your real name?”
I merely gave her a stern glance, tightening my grip, I could hear her ragged breathing, could almost feel the wheels of her mind churning as she prepared herself to leave with a stranger. I closed the distance, keeping my voice little more than a whisper.
“I already told you I’m a treacherous man, but I also happen to be the same man who saved your life in the middle of a crime-ridden area in a country where you do not belong. I assure you that if I wanted to harm you, I wouldn’t have bothered intervening.” The words left my mouth before I could stop them, telling her both the possibility of risk and reward.
Swallowing, she inched closer, staring me directly in the eyes. “Oh, my God. It was you. You killed him.”
“Yes, I did. You were right to try and get away from him. Not only was he a heartless pig, but his plans for you would have altered your life forever. And I assure you, you do not want to know the details.” There was no need to terrify her, no desire to drag her any further into the depths of the unknown.
“You sound as if you know the man.”
I snickered, shaking my head. “The bastard was widely known. I make it my business to know every asshole around me. He deserved what happened to him.”
“Interesting. You must live in a brutal world.”
“You have no idea, sweet American. But that world is far removed from what you and I are going to share.”
To my surprise, she tilted her head, giving me a nod of respect. “Thank you for saving my life. I... I appreciate what you did.”
I brushed the backs of my fingers across her cheek, a single growl escaping my mouth. “I refuse to allow something of such great beauty to be tarnished.”
She dragged her tongue across her lips, one hand gripping my arm. “I wonder who you really are, Rafael.” Her words weren’t a question, merely a moment of curiosity.
“For tonight, a man who owns you, a woman of great mystery herself.”
In truth, I hope she never found out.
As I walked into the secure garage, I reached for the key fob, waiting until we were closer to the car before I pressed the button, the chirping sound drawing her attention. As we approached the Maserati, she exhaled.
“You really want me to believe that you’re just a successful musician?” She was shivering from being soaked, her hair hanging in her face. Even her makeup was smudged, but at that moment, she was absolutely stunning, completely unlike the various women who’d escorted me to functions. While there was a hardness about her, my instinct telling me she could very easily take care of herself, there was also an air of vulnerability as well as distrust.
Some asshole had done a number on her. The bastard deserved to be crushed like a bug if he hurt her. I snickered after issuing the jerk’s death in my mind.
Why the fuck did the thought bother me in any way? She wasn’t some puppy I was taking home, nor would she be anything more than a wonderful break in my monotonous life.
A moment of disgust rolled into me. The lovely young woman did indeed deserve better, but I wasn’t going to be that man.
“Among many things, my sweet. I assure you that you don’t want to learn about the