Page 242 of Vexatious Queen

“Your arrogance never ceases to amaze me.”

“At least I amaze you, I’ll take it,” he retorted, nipping at me and silently begging for me to say yes.

“Fuck it. Yes,” I said, surrendering to his charm.

At this point, I was almost positive that he was a hypnotist. There was no other explanation for how he invaded my mind and senses.

Nash growled and kissed me hard. It was like fire meeting fire as he demanded and took, and I released all the built-up frustration burning in my veins. One hand tightened on my neck while the other pulled me closer.

Everything was fevered, as I raked my fingers through his hair. He shuddered as I ground my hips against him. I grabbed the zipper on his jeans⁠—

Knock, knock, knock.

We stopped and stared.

“Whoever that is, I’m gonna fucking kill them,” Nash growled.

Knock, knock, knock.

The sound was more insistent this time.

Letting me go, he marched across the room and whipped open the door.

“What the fuck do you—” Nash stopped mid yell and froze.

I couldn’t see who was at the door until I stepped to the side. My mother was in the hall, arms crossed as she glared at him.

“Go on. What were you about to say,” Mum asked, her voice quietly demanding.

Nash stammered and paled like he might faint. I rolled my eyes.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Mikhailov, or is it Genovese…either way, I’m so sorry. I thought you were someone else. Literally, anyone else.”

“I see. I think I would’ve preferred for you to say that you were angry to see me, rather than knowing that is how you talk to everyone.”

“Yeah…I can see that,” Nash said and backed up, holding the door open. “Come on in.”

Mum looked at me as she stepped inside, and her eyes softened. I hated that, just like last time, I wanted to rush across the room and hug her.

“Mum…what are you doing here,” I asked.

She looked different than the last time I saw her. More relaxed, not so brittle, maybe. Her hair was loose, and she was dressed in fitted jeans, leather boots, and a knit sweater with a long tweed coat. It was the exact thing she’d worn back home before…well, before she faked her death. She looked beautiful.

“I know you asked for space, but I couldn’t wait any longer to talk to you. I really hate how we left things,” she said, looking around the room.

Mum pressed her lips together as she spotted the single large bed and my things scattered throughout like I lived here. The confusion was evident. She had to be wondering why this looked like a luxury suite for two instead of the standard dorm room.

Nash walked over to the desk and grabbed his hoodie.

“I think I’ll give you two some time to talk,” he said, clearly trying to make a run for it.

My mother held up her finger, and Nash stopped like she’d hit a switch.

What the hell? I want that ability.

“Can you tell me why you’re in my daughter’s room, Nash Collier,” she asked, and he turned an unhealthy shade of green. “That is who you are, right? The son of Lawrence Collier? The man who destroys lives for amusement?”

“Well…um…yes, but…” Nash started, and I could see his brain misfiring.