The King (Gentlemen Rogues 2)

“You do? I'm shocked. I cannot believe it,” I said, clutching a hand to my heart.

He rolled his eyes. "Hardy-har."

I snorted a laugh. He was being silly, playful, fun, and it was exactly what I needed.He led the way out of Tabatha's, and the evening lights of London showed off the night life that was about to kick into gear. Everywhere we looked, young professionals crowded bars and eateries, desperate to get the drinks flowing to forget their days. I sighed. "Sometimes I envy them lot."

"Who's ‘them’?"

"Normal people. People who don't do what we do. People who can look at the world and just see the world. They don't have to see any of the ugliness."

"Nah, I’m pretty sure you always want to be you. Saff Abott. Protector of the free world."

I shook my head. “I don't necessarily want to be a protector all the time."

“You still make a great one. Because if it's not you, then who will it be?"

I smiled at that. "Why are you so good to me, Lock? You say the right things. You feed me the right things. It's like you were built for me."

“Yes, me and my big cock were built for you."

I coughed a laugh. "Lock!"

"What? I'm just saying. As a matter of fact, he rather insists on being near you twenty-four seven. Since we can't do that, I spend a lot of time in the shower calling your name."

“You fantasize about me?” My skin flushed thinking about him in the shower.

"I sure do. Your mouth, your body, the way you laugh when you say my name."

His voice was low and husky and turned my insides into liquefied mush. "This is dangerous. You can’t say these things to me."

“Are you telling me to stop?“

The moment I did tell him to stop, he would. He would still think things, but he would never tell me. And I didn’t really want him to stop. Far from it. I loved how he made me feel with his words alone. “No. I love hearing that you can’t get me out of your head.“

"I had a training op today with Robert. I swear, I caught a whiff of your perfume and got a boner. It was awkward."

A laugh tumbled out of my chest. "Oh my God, did he notice?"

“I think he thought it was for him. Whatever."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh my God, you're ridiculous."

“Yes, I am. But look, you're laughing."

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

Despite wanting to be alone, the walk to his flat was idyllic. Even though we weren't holding hands or anything, it felt like the kind of warmth that you would take from someone you cared about. It was easy and light. I realized how little time and opportunity I got to be light and easy.

When we reached his flat, I hesitated. “You're okay with me being here?"

He nodded. “Yeah. I know you weren't part of what happened that night."

“Is it awkward?"

"I’ve been back once or twice already. It still smells like you."

I inhaled, unable to pick up anything. “I don't know what you're talking about. I can't tell."

He rolled his eyes. "Of course not, but you've been torturing me with your scent for months."