She traced her tongue across his lips and he opened up, deepening the kiss. This woman was running riot with his emotions. One moment he was pissed and wanted to throttle her, the next, he couldn’t get enough of her and wanted nothing more than to fuck her.
The kiss slowly eased, the passion not dying but Graciella pulling away. She released his waist, putting her legs back to the ground.
“I’ve never had a man put my needs first,” she said. Her hand touched his lips. “I enjoy kissing you. I think you’re the first man in my entire life that I’ve kissed and really enjoyed it.”
“Graciella?”
“I told Viko because I want him to be in your debt. I don’t want him to put your head up for bounty and if you piss him off, he will do it.” She licked her lips and stepped back. “I don’t … I’m not used to having people care. I know my brother does and I … I love him too, but it’s not the same.” She took a deep breath. “I hope one day you can understand, and I’m sorry. If Viko gets the scientist, he did promise he’d give you the antidote.”
“You shouldn’t have done it.”
“I know, but for your safety, I’d do it again.” She walked away and headed to the door.
He wanted to stop her but knew that kiss alone was more than she’d been willing to give at some point. Beneath all the confidence was a broken soul. This was her attempt to reach out.
She opened the door.
“Thank you,” he said.
She lifted her head and nodded.
“Let’s hope you didn’t fuck up and kill Bain in the process.”
He watched her take a deep breath. “I … I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t believe in him, Boss. I know he’s an asshole and he does things differently, but he’s a good man. To a certain extent.”
Boss watched her as she closed the door.
When he got his hands on Viko, that fucker was going to die.
Just as he was about to finish dressing, another knock came at his door. He wasn’t in the mood for company. He was already on a clock, and right now, he was behind schedule. His arms dealer was calling him within the hour to make new arrangements. There was a lot to get done before they stormed the warehouse.
Bain’s life hung in the balance.
“Come in,” he said.
Xavier entered.
“What now?” he asked.
“I saw my sister leave.”
“And if you have an issue, go and see her.”
“I know something’s going on between the two of you.”
Boss laughed, but it wasn’t a happy sound.
“And? What do you want me to do? I’m your boss and the last time I checked, your sister was of age. If she didn’t want anything to happen, she could end my fucking life.” He was done playing nice.
“Boss, I get that she can handle herself. I’ve only just got her back and I’m worried.”
“You really think I’m going to be the one to drive her away?” Boss asked.
“It’s what I’m worried about.”
“Look, Xavier, I get it. You’re worried about her, but right now, Bain’s in the hospital dying. My guys are doing everything they can to try and prolong his life. What happens between Graciella and me is our business. I’m not going to confer with you, but what I will tell you is everything I do with her, I will never hurt her. You have my word.”
“The thing is, Boss, you use people.”