Page 20 of Vicious Kingdom

To my people, that was a sin.

Her lips quirked up. “Anti-pineapple, huh? That’s a strong stance for someone who doesn’t care.”

“I have standards,” I countered, letting my gaze drift deliberately down her body before returning to her face. “About certain things.”

A flush crept across her cheeks, but she didn’t look away. Instead, she leaned forward, elbows on the table. “What are you drinking?”

I lifted my glass slightly. “Scotch.”

“Some things never change,” she mused. Her blue eyes locked on mine, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “And tell me, is it to your…standard?”

“Better than whatever fruity concoction they’ll try to sell you.”

She laughed, the sound like silk against my skin. “You don’t think I can handle thehardstuff?”

Mio dio.

I willed my stiffening dick back under control. To distract myself, I pushed my wounded hand against the underside of the table. The spike of pain grounded me.

Before I could take another sip, Annaliese’s hand shot across the table. She took the glass and in one smooth gulp drained it.

I groaned.

When I formulated my plan to ruin her life and send her running from the city, I failed to take into account how sexy she was. How her every move, even the smallest, was something my focus lasered in on.

“So…how do you two know each other?” Kristy asked, clearly sensing that there was something else fascinating at the table beside her tits.

“Long story,” I bit out and snapped for the bartender. He nodded.

“Tell, tell!” Kevin chirped.

Setting the glass in front of me, the bartender asked for the others’ drink orders. They all chose something fruity—

Except Annaliese.

“I’ll have what he’s having.” She graced the bartender with a glittering smile.

The urge to slice his throat was strong. I took a sip, letting the amber liquid burn down my throat.

“The story?” Dominic pressed. “We’ve been working the Homes for Hope scene for years, and today you show up for the first time.”

“Taking pictures with the media princess,” Kevin added.

Kristy pressed her lips in a tight line. Tonight, she was losing whatever edge she probably always held over this small court.

“Princess?” Annaliese laughed, accidentally leaning closer. The scent of her perfume—something citrus and rich—invaded my senses. “You guys really call me that?”

“Sure, they do,” Kristy purred. “It fits.”

She reached out and flipped Annaliese’s hair.

I resisted the urge to break Kristy’s wrist. But when she continued to pet, the urge was too much. I intercepted Kristy’s hand.

“Careful,” I warned, releasing her wrist. “Some princesses bite.”

Annaliese’s eyes widened slightly, but her lips curved into a slow smile. “It’s true.”

It was. I still had the scars.