Page 32 of Then We Shatter

“It’s lucky you didn’t wear it before my trip to Vegas or I would never have left.” A small voice in my head tells me that sounds an awful lot like choosing my woman over my family, but I ignore it.

“You shouldn’t have left.”

I run my thumb over my lower lip. “And why’s that, Kitty?”

Her answer isn’t one I’m expecting. “Shelley needed you.” She frowns. “Hasn’t she told you?”

“Told me what?”

“There’s a creep stalking her. He wanted her to give him a shaft, sack and crack wax and wouldn’t take no for an answer. She barred him from the salon, but he found out where she lives and he’s been sending her little gifts.”

My voice lowers to a growl. “Has he now.” I know why Shelley hasn’t mentioned it. I’m supposed to keep a low profile and behave myself, but I can’t let this slide. “And what gifts would they be?”

“Flowers. Chocolates. The underwear he’d stolen from her apartment covered in his cum. The usual sort of thing.” Katarina plays with the hem of her dress, teasing it up. Teasing me. “I was thinking we could deal with him together. Like old times.”

Our one and only joint mission had been less than two months ago, but it feels like a lifetime. Back then we’d had much of the summer to look forward. Not anymore. One day soon this time together will be consigned to the past, and the injustice makes me all the more bloodthirsty.

“As lovely as that sounds, Kitty, stealing you away from your guards to commit murder is a risk we can’t take. You’re going to have to let me deal with him.”

When she sways her hips and pouts, I’m expecting her to push back, but she surprises me. “Thank you.”

She likes that I take care of my people. I like that she cares about my people. It’s hot as fuck. “Show me how grateful you are.”

The object of my fascination plays some more with her hem, lifting her dress to reveal her bare pussy.

“You’re a very bad girl,” I say, but my admonishment comes out as a whimper.

“And I’m about to do some very bad things,” she promises as she straddles my thighs and settles onto my lap. “Tell me you missed me.”

I was in Vegas for twelve days in total, proving I could put family duty before a Barkov, and hating every minute. It’s not just the separation that kills me. It’s knowing she’s been here with Duke.

I’m aware they meet occasionally and call each other regularly, which is more than I get. A whole lot fucking more. She has my number but hasn’t called once, and I don’t have a safe way of contacting her other than through Shelley. Being away was torture, but Katarina’s welcome home almost makes it worth it.

“Damn, I missed you, lovely,” I say, cupping her face and pulling her in for a kiss.

It starts off slow, our tongues gently probing while we get reacquainted with each other. It lasts all of three seconds. When her body rocks against mine, I lose control and slip my hand between her legs, sliding fingers along her center. She swallows my groan as I sink into her heat.

“No need to ask if you missed me,” I say, pulling back from the kiss so I can lift two fingers dripping with her arousal. “Is this what I do to you?”

She kisses a trail along my jaw to my ear as I suck my fingers clean. “Every time I think of you.”

“And were you thinking of me when you put on this fuck-me dress?”

“You and…” She shimmies backwards so she has room to unzip me. Long fingers with sharpened red talons slide into my pants and I thrust against her palm as she explores my length. “And this.”

“Do you want your man’s cock, Kitty?” I shove down my pants so she can wrap her fist around my shaft. “Do you want this?”

“Every inch.”

Back when I’d had my first taste of Katarina, I’d had to approach her with caution, treating her like a wild animal ready to bolt or go for my throat, but I think I’ve tamed her, just a little. She’d kill me for even thinking it so I hide my smug grin by grabbing the back of her head and pulling her in for another kiss. My fingers thread through her hair, but she pulls away.

“You can’t mess up my hair today. It was either book my therapy time with you, or a hair appointment. I don’t have time for both.”

“And what’s keeping you so busy?” I ask, trying to sound casual as I reach for the condom in my shirt pocket.

I feel her tense, and my heart is ready to beat right through my chest. Is she about to tell me it’s time for her to disappear? To hell with that. I’m not ready to let her go. I need more than just the summer. Damn Malachy for making me feel obliged to stay longer in Vegas. Damn the life I didn’t fucking choose.

Katarina smooths her hair back in place. “I have a lunch date.”