The Dark Protector (Kingpin's Property 1)

“I’m going to bed,” I hiss. “You going to watch me sleep, too?”

He doesn’t respond, doesn’t look at me as I climb under the sheets. I tuck myself in and the dogs jump in beside me, lightly growling at Antonio. I feel the guard’s eyes on me. I know he’s silently asking for forgiveness, asking me to understand he only did this because he wanted Xavier to spare him.

I’m not forgiving him.

In fact, I make a mental note to remember this moment. How angry I am because he didn’t help me. It will fuel every action I make in the Casa from now on.

Chapter 9

XAVIER

3 months later

Tallulah lost her last day of privileges, but now it’s time for another one. My little angel has not stopped testing me this whole time. Every day, she will act out or rebel in her own way. I’ve overlooked it for too long. I’ve been lenient, burying myself in work, so I don’t have to spend time in Tallulah’s tempting company. But I’m sure she knows today is a special day. I bet she’s been waiting for it eagerly.

“I’m getting tired of asking,” she says that morning at one of our rare breakfasts together since I’ve been working so much. “When are you going to let me see my parents and my sister?”

I pick up an embroidered napkin and dab at my lips, watching her closely. Her body is taut, and she’s sitting up as straight as possible. Even though she tries to deny the effect my presence has on her, I notice her eagerness to submit to me. I know I’m going to break her in soon enough.

“You want to see Mathilda?” I ask, making her nod vigorously. With a merciful smile, I add, “Why don’t we make the arrangements today? I’m feeling generous.”

“But...” Her pretty face pales. “Today is the first day of spring.”

“Yes, I know.” I smirk at her, knowing full well she doesn’t want to waste this opportunity. I wonder whether she’ll accept my offer, and miss out on some hours of fun.

“Okay,” she mutters. “I still want to see her.”

“Then I’ll arrange it. Today.”

“But... what about...” She chews her bottom lip nervously, not daring to look at me. But the flush in her cheek quickly betrays my sweet angel. “Are we still going to...”

“You’ll have to find out.” I fold my napkin. “Get dressed and wait in the hall in three hours. You’ll get your wish.”

She doesn’t seem as excited as I thought she’d be, but I know there are emotions in her mind making her thoughts spin out of control. Despite her acting out, my brat still wants time alone with me. Of course, I’ll make sure she gets some, but I’ll make her suffer for it, too. There’s no fun in it otherwise.

“Do you understand the rules?” I ask her again. “Your sister and parents are in the salon right now.”

Tallulah’s face peaks with delight. “Can you ask Mathilda to meet me in the gardens?”

I raise an eyebrow. “What about your parents? You don’t want to keep them waiting. They came a long way.”

It’s true. Arranging this meet-up has been hellish, with Heath grabbing on as fast as he could and acting like he owns the place when he showed up. I’ve only seen them briefly, with Mathilda cowering behind her mother, perpetually afraid of me. But I have no interest in her. Tallulah has my full attention.

“I don’t want to see them,” Tallulah mutters, surprising me. “I didn’t think they were coming.”

“They’ll be disappointed,” I remind her, but she doesn’t flinch or say a word, making me shrug. “But it’s your choice, angel. Antonio, take her to the rose garden. I had the bench restored for you, Tallulah. I know how you like it there.”

She visibly lights up and I watch Antonio escort her outside while I go into the salon. Rain is instantly on her feet, shooting me deathly looks.

“Where is she? Where are you keeping her?”

“She requested to speak to her sister alone.”

“What?” Heath hisses. “That doesn’t sound like my daughter.”

“Deal with it,” I reply in a low growl. “Mathilda, come with me.”

The petite blonde looks at her mom for confirmation, and Rain shakes her head. “No. Not unless one of us can come with her.”

“Tallulah doesn’t want to see you,” I reply. “She just told me so herself. I will escort Mathilda to the rose garden with some guards. They’ll be safe.”

“Please, Mommy.” Mathilda tugs on her mother’s sleeve. “I really need to see her.”

Rain glances at Heath, who groans and gives a firm nod before addressing me. “But we’re not finished here. We want to take Tallulah home with us.”

“Good luck with that,” I hiss before nodding at Mathilda to follow me. The child timidly follows as I lead her into the garden. I don’t speak. The girl is scared enough as is.