Kill’s eyes fell from mine, licking my body with everything he felt and couldn’t say. My nipples pebbled; my core grew wet with the shameless lust on his face. But there was something more.
Something so much more.
His eyes latched onto my hipbone, directed by the spotlight of sunshine.
A look of utter horror crossed his features.
A cry fell from his lips.
His body crumbled in on itself like an earthquake ravaged building, stumbling to one knee.
His soul fractured, glowing brokenly on his face.
Then joy.
Sheer blinding building joy.
In an instant, he pushed upright and grabbed me in his embrace. I couldn’t speak or breathe or ask what the hell had happened. His body shook and rattled as he crushed me to him—giving me everything he’d kept locked away in one simple hug.
Shivers and trembles erupted over my skin. His touch was everything I’d wanted—a harbor in this sea of craziness. What did this mean?
Uncertainty bubbled in my chest, churning with tears.
Then he pushed me away, his large hand splaying over my sternum and bending me further into the sunlight.
His unsaid emotions waked and eddied around us as I struggled in his hold. “What—what are you doing?”
Mr. Steel ceased to exist. The yacht was no longer our location. Kill had stolen me into his own world with one possessive hold.
His breathing was ragged. Ignoring me, he fixated on my hip.
His head bowed over my body, his long hair sweeping forward and tickling my naked cleavage as his lips moved silently.
Then my world ended as his green eyes met mine, only this time there was no confusion.
No despair.
No anger.
Only belief.
Blazing belief that humbled and terrified me.
His lips parted, sucking in a tattered heavy breath. He no longer looked at me like a brutish biker but like a lover who’d found his precious ever after.
The amazed adoration glowing in his eyes brought tears spilling over my cheeks.
He believes.
He knows.
His lips crashed on mine and his tongue shot into my mouth. With his dark taste came freedom—in one move he tore the dagger free from my heart and magically twisted my hate into undying love.
Breathing against my lips, he lamented, “I’m so sorry. So unbelievably sorry.”
“What the fuck is going on?” The sound of a gun clicked as Mr. Steel dispersed our reunion, dragging us back into horror.
My naked breasts suddenly felt too vulnerable. My chest open and revealing my rapidly beating heart.
Kill wrenched me behind his back, protecting me with his large frame. “I’ll tell you what the fuck is going on. The deal’s off.”
My eyes snapped closed as a sob escaped my control.
It’s true.
He understands.
What had made him realize? What had finally shown I was telling the truth?
Mr. Steel prowled over the teal carpet, brandishing his gun. “Excuse me?” His voice darkened to black granite. “I’ll say if the deal’s off.” His finger tightened on the trigger. “Protected by Wallstreet or not, I won’t hesitate to kill you. Step aside.”
Kill stood to his full height, gathering furious energy. “It’s over. She’s not for sale.”
My body wanted to give out in relief. But questions. So many questions. How had this happened? How would I forgive him for not believing me up until now?
Mr. Steel shook his head, his lips twisting into a cold smile. “That’s not for you to decide, is it, you little fucker? Wallstreet’s in charge here. He assured me I’d have no issues dealing with you.” He dragged a hand through his bleached-blond hair. “Give her to me and I’ll forget what just happened.”
“Never,” Kill snarled. “She’s mine and she’s leaving with me. Like I said. Deal’s off.”
Walking backward, guiding me to the exit and freedom, Kill fumbled at the small of his back. Pulling free his own gun, he muttered, “Let it go, Steel. It’s over.”
Mr. Steel’s face went beetroot red. “Fine! Full control of the stock. Happy?” He dropped his gun in an act of kinship. “Full control—now hand over the girl.”
My heart leapt into my throat. Fear shot down my spine.
Was that all this was? A negotiation tactic to get full control?
You don’t believe that.
No. Not after seeing the shackles and barricades falling from Kill’s soul. He’d been more honest with me in that one second than in the entire week I’d been his captive.
Kill moved, faster and faster, to the exit. His large body blocked me from potential bullets but not from the pain if he was killed.
Mr. Steel growled, “What the fuck are you doing? You know who I am. Don’t be so stupid. Full control—you won! Dump the girl and I won’t fucking kill you.”
“Don’t want your fucking stock anymore. Told you. She’s not for sale.” Kill’s body trembled with aggression, his hand stayed up, pointing with his weapon. “We’re walking. Nothing you can do about it.”
My eyes shot between the two of them.
I didn’t see who moved first but Kill was the fastest. The boom of a gun exploding echoed in my ears as Kill shoved me to the ground. Then he was gone, plowing into Mr. Steel and tackling him to the ground.
I scrambled to my hands and knees as Kill’s fist connected wetly with Mr. Steel’s nose. Blood spurted all over his linen suit.
Mr. Steel swung at Kill’s head, only to lose more ground, and was subjected to a harsh volley of fists to his rib cage. The second Kill delivered the punishment, he stood up and kicked him in the side.