Page 41 of The Stalking King

Soon, we’re done. He gives me a look that implies a whole lot. It’s like he wants to bring our texting fantasies into reality. I feel that familiar tingle in my core. I want to let it sweep me up. Throw myself at him. Not worry about anything else.

But I’m tired, and the conversation about his work has reminded me of how confusing this still is.

When I yawn, he stands, inclining his head. “This was great,” he says.

“It was.” I stand quickly. “But wait a sec, don’t you remember I have to walk you out?”

He smirks, offering me his arm. I walk him to the entranceway. He turns, grabs my shoulders, and kisses me gently at first. I’m swept along in the heat of the kiss, my heart thundering, my instincts screaming to just let myself go.

When his hands glide to my hips, I press against his chest. I’m not sure how many times I can do this.

He steps back. Stares down at me. Breathing hard and looking ready to take me.

“Soon, Lia,” he says huskily, pushing past me.

Our bodies brush against each other as he walks to the door.

CHAPTER 16

MAKSIM

The next day, Anton, Nikolai, and I are sitting in a Vale-owned restaurant. I wave at the CCTV camera, letting a shit-eating grin spread across my face. Vale hasn’t made any additional moves since raiding our businesses. That’s because of this intimidation. He knows better than to poke the bear too many times.

I feel my gunshot wound itch, as if reminding me that blood has to be paid for with blood.

“Tell me how they got him out of the hospital,” I say, looking at Anton.

My tone is gruff. Nikolai and Anton exchange a glance. I almost want to snap at my brother. He’s been having woman troubles for a while now, making him anxious, unlike his usual self. And he’s going to judge me for it?

“We still don’t know,” Anton says, looking down at the table. It’s not often he looks frightened. “They were careful. No signs. He left. Or they took him. There were footsteps outside the window. But what does this mean? People walk places all the time.”

“Does it matter?” Nikolai asks. “He’s done the damage.”

“It matters because…” He reminds a beautiful, courageous, kind, selfless woman of her younger brother. “Because he’s a human goddamn being. We don’t hurt innocents.”

“We didn’t hurt him,” he says defensively.

“We keep looking,” Anton replies.

“Or we accept that with half the key, he can’t do anything. He would’ve done it by now, surely.”

“Why do you think we’re sitting here?” I snap. “Why do you think I’m smiling at the cameras like an idiot? People can’t think they can step to us, take what’s ours, without repercussions.”

“So, we make them pay,” Anton says simply.

“We’re not like the other wings of the Bratva.” When Nikolai opens his mouth, I glare at him. “And don’t say I keep telling you things you already know. If you knew it, I wouldn’t have to keep saying.”

Nikolai glowers at me, flexing his tatted hands.

“Progress.” I stand. “That’s what we need.”

I storm out of the restaurant, teeth gritted. It was far easier to stay cold before my light shone on this dark, depressing world. Before speaking with Liora about it, I truly realized what falling asleep to those sitcoms meant. A preview of a real life, a chance at being normal.

Now, I have that chance in real life. And it’s making everything else seem worse in comparison.

I text Lia when I’m back in my office.

Maksim: How’s work going today?