His Stolen Princess - MINK Page 0,15

catch her gaze, it’s on my cock, the hard length pressing against my pants, desperate for her touch.

When her eyes snap back to mine, she snatches her robe over herself. “Get out of my room.”

This time, I retreat. This time, I take what was given and don’t push for more. But next time? I can’t promise to be a good man when faced with the devil in female form. A temptress sent to test me, to awaken a need inside me that I’ve never felt before. “I’ll go, but remember what I’ve said. Any punishment you earn from here on out falls squarely on you. And I promise you, Apollonia, I will show no mercy when I exact my vengeance on your body. I will take my time, just as I will take every hole and mark it as mine.”

She reaches for a pillow. “Get out!”

I step out the door, and the fwump of the pillow hitting the wall sounds behind me. “You asshole!”

I would smile, but I’m far too preoccupied with thoughts of her, and the taste of her pussy that even now remains on my tongue.

9

Apollonia

I run my fingers through little Carter’s hair as he naps on my lap. His dark lashes rest against his cheek. So innocent and sweet. I want to protect him from the world, but I feel I might be fighting a losing battle.

We’ve spent most of the day in the pool together. I started teaching him how to swim last week. He was hesitant at first, but then I told him stories of how his dad had taught me how to swim. How I had also been scared at first. Little Carter finally gave it a try. Now I can’t keep him out of the pool. Not that I mind. Out here it’s just the two of us. It also gives me a reason to hold him without making him feel like a baby.

I brush my thumb across his chubby cheek and wonder what he looked like as a tiny baby. I’ve missed so much already. Cato hadn't, though, not if his words were true. He’s been here for Carter more than I have. Cato had gotten to experience all the special moments up until this point. I both want to thank him and smack him for it. What I wouldn’t give to have seen my brother with his son.

Carter loves Cato, and I’m not sure what to do with that. His whole little face lights up whenever Cato enters a room. If Cato isn't around, then Carter is talking about him. About all the things they like to do together. How Cato taught him how to color within the lines and how he sits with him when his dreams are bad. It’s this adoration that both worries me and warms my heart at the same time.

What if the one thing you want to destroy is the same thing the person you love most in the world adores? What am I supposed to do? To accept Cato is to allow my nephew to follow in the footsteps of my brother and more than likely meet the same fate. So here I sit having no idea what I’m doing. I’m once again lost. I should be used to this feeling by now. I’m either lost or losing someone or something.

I can feel him before I see him. It’s his eyes. His steps draw closer. I don’t think he’s allowing anyone else to be out here right now. The pool is always empty when Carter and I are splashing around. With a sleeping Carter on me, I’m trapped under the cabana. No way to escape coming face to face with Cato--which is the one thing I’ve been making sure didn't happen. I’ve been giving him a wide berth since that night in my room.

He doesn't say anything as he sits down on the long pool seat with us, then stretches out. He should look ridiculous in his slacks and button-up shirt out by the pool, but he doesn't. He looks like he always does--too damn sexy for his own good.

“How long are you going to avoid me?” He smirks as he asks the question.

“I have dinner with you every night. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“When you lie, your cheek twitches, lioness.”

“Is there something you need?” Does my cheek really twitch? Shit. Not sure if he’s poking at me or if I really do that. It’s something I need to work on.

“There are