Page 18 of Gilded in Blood

I grunt in response, annoyed by how domestic the whole thing feels, standing side by side at the sink. She hands me a plate, our fingers brush, and that familiar spark shoots through me.

With her standing so close in that flimsy lounge wear, the thin fabric clinging to every curve, I can clearly see the soft swell of her cleavage and the way her hardened nipples press against it. It makes it damn near impossible to concentrate.

All I can think about is bending her over this kitchen counter, hiking that scrap of material down her legs, and fucking her senseless until the only name she remembers is mine.

"Can I ask you something?"

"You just did."

She rolls her eyes. "If you weren't a bodyguard..." She gestures vaguely toward me. "What would you be?"

I dry a plate and slide it into the cabinet. "I already told you. I'm not a bodyguard."

She lets out a laugh. The sound does something strange to my insides. I find myself wanting to hear it again. Christ. I need my head examined.

"Just messing with you." She bumps my arm lightly with her elbow. That innocent contact causes my cock to twitch and harden in response.

"If you weren't doing whatever it is you do now, what would you rather be?"

"Nothing."

She blinks. "Nothing?"

"I like what I do."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Huh." She washes another plate, looking oddly thoughtful. "I don't think I could say the same."

I don't respond.

"If I hadn't gone into criminal law, I probably would've studied psychology."

"You already do."

"I know." She smiles. "But I mean full-time.”

She shrugs.

"I've always liked understanding people. Why they make the choices they do. Why some become criminals while others, with the same upbringing, don't."

I still don’t respond.

“You don’t talk much do you?”

"What gave it away?" I deadpan.

She snorts. “It’s strange how you’re friends with Konstantin.” She hands me the last plate. “You are polar opposites.”

My hands tighten around the dish towel. "We're not friends."

Her smile falters. "Oh."

She studies me for a moment. "Then... how do you know him?"

I don't answer.