“I’m just wondering how far you’d go to get what you want.” His tone was thick with jealousy.
She never answered him. Would she have been able to sleep with the enemy? Or would Boss keep creeping into her waking dreams?
Chapter Ten
Manuel Viola was now a dead man and it just so happened, he had the antidote, as hoped. Between Viko and Boss, there was nothing left of the man. She shouldn’t have expected anything otherwise. Thankfully, Killian had taken the antidote the moment it had been handed to him and was currently traveling first-class back to Bain. The scientist was also under strict guard and in the process of making a huge batch of the antidote now that he had his notes back. It had been a very productive few days and it wasn’t over yet. The drug mints were still making the rounds, and for however long they were killing people, the scientist would need to stay alive. The truth was, right now, she wanted the scientist as dead as Manuel.
She gripped her shoulders, stretching out her neck.
It had been a long few months, a long lifetime.
Graciella closed her eyes, standing perfectly still in her hotel room.
A normal woman would be completely horrified by what she’d just witnessed. Dragging back their one lead to discover all of his secrets. Watching two men, kings in their own right, torture him and make him pay for what he’d done. All of the death was on Manuel’s shoulders but the truth was, Graciella was the guilty party. If she hadn’t had the stupid idea, so many people would still be alive.
There was no coming away from that.
She released a breath and groaned.
Her body was getting older. So much of her life had been wasted in killing and revenge. It was moments like this she hated herself more than ever.
After all the trouble she’d gone through recently, she finally had the chance to analyze everything that had happened. It wasn’t over, not by a long shot. Manuel hadn’t been working alone. The little shit was hot in his pockets of the cartel, which was going to cause a whole load of problems.
“You know it’s rude to just sneak into a woman’s room,” Graciella said. She didn’t need to turn around to know Boss was close by.
She’d long given up trying to figure out how he got in. It didn’t matter. Even if she locked herself in a tower far away, he’d find her.
“I thought I’d come and see how you were doing.”
“Me, I’m fine. Perfectly so. You need to keep an eye on the scientist. He’s a slippery little devil.”
He chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’ve got additional Killer of Kings watching over him,” he said.
He’d gotten closer.
Opening her eyes, she felt him so close to her back. Any other man, she’d have killed him or attacked him, but because it was Boss, he got away with it. He shouldn’t be able to get away with anything.
Biting her lip, she didn’t move. Didn’t lean back.
He was just like other men. There was no way she could allow herself to enjoy him or his company. They were two different people and nothing was going to change that.
“Of course. Daddy says come and your minions come running.”
“Now, baby, you’re starting to sound a little jealous there.”
“Not at all. I’m no minion. I’m a person who can make up my own mind.”
Again, his deep rumbling chuckle. Why did he have to sound so good? Why did he even have to feel so good?
“I’m very much aware you’ve got your own mind, Graciella.”
“I’m Graciella now? What happened to Widow Maker? It seems to me, Boss, you pick and choose how and when you want me. It’s growing a little tiring.” She faked a yawn. “I’m tired now.” She covered her mouth and this time, he closed the distance between them so his front touched her back.
Flesh to flesh.
Well, close to flesh. They had their clothes on, but she could still feel his heat.
Why did she have to think of Boss without his clothes on?
His hands went to her arms. She didn’t flinch. Didn’t pull away.
“You’re everything, Graciella. You’re the Widow Maker and a beautiful woman.”
“Don’t,” she said.
“Why are you so afraid?” he asked.
She turned in his arms and she wished she hadn’t. He was so … sexy. It was unfair. Even with his scars, rather than disgusting her, he aroused her.
Emotions she’d long ago promised herself she would never feel came rushing to the surface. Men were monsters. Most men, not all, but still, she’d promised herself she’d never ever feel for anyone. It was safer that way.
Boss wasn’t just anyone.
“Why did you have to leave me?” she asked. “I’ve proven myself time and time again. I don’t wear your little groupies’ badge but I’m more than capable of handling myself.”
“I don’t want to talk about this.” His hands slid up and down her arms.
“Tough shit. We’ve all got to do things we don’t want to do.” This was good. Capturing her anger, feasting on it, meant she wasn’t giving in to the need to sink against him. How good would it be to actually let go? To hold on to Boss as if he was some kind of savior? It would be so good.
She wouldn’t allow herself to fall. It wouldn’t end well.
“You don’t trust me, do you? Did you think I was going to run away with the scientist and not let Bain get his precious antidote? You think after all you know about me, I’d do that?” She was under no illusion about her reputation. Ever since this revenge with the drugs had gone horribly wrong, she’d been working her ass off to fix it.
She didn’t want more people to die. She’d been working to make sure they were gone from the country. Her biggest mistake was trying to figure it all out herself, she knew that now, more than ever.
From the beginning, she should have gone to Boss. She’d heard about the Killer of Kings years ago, had even watched them and admired their skillset, but she’d never approached, believing she was better off alone.
“It had nothing to do with that.” Boss cupped her face. Rather than feel threatened by the touch, she felt comforted, special. She couldn’t help but put her hands on his waist, holding him.
Damn it. A simple touch shouldn’t feel this good and yet it did.
“Then why? I wanted to help. Can’t you see that? Don’t you get how important it is for me?” She didn’t get the chance to continue as Boss suddenly slammed his lips down on hers.
Kisses meant nothing.
Normally.
There was nothing normal about her and Boss. Far from it. They were fire and ice, and yet together, they smoldered.
Closing her eyes, she moaned as his tongue traced across her bottom lip. After running her hands up his body, she wrapped her arms around his neck and did something she’d never willing done with any other man, she pressed her body against him. She craved his closeness.
One of Boss’s hands sank into her hair as the other glided down to grab her ass. The hard ridge of his cock pressed against her, and she whimpered, desperate for more. Heat flooded her pussy. Her mind going from pissed to aroused within a matter of seconds. Only Boss was capable of doing that to her.
As she opened her lips, Boss took the invitation and slid his tongue inside her mouth. She moaned his name, asking for more, wanting more, hungry for it.