Merciless Saints (St. Monarch's Academy 1)

Instead of giving him time to calm down, I go after him. “I’m not some fragile princess, Damien. I can handle a gun just as well as you. Not every fight will result in hand-to-hand combat. I’ll be armed to the teeth during the runs.”

He gives me a sideways glance as he braces his hands on the counter by the sink.

I move closer and place my hand on his back, leaning into him. “I’ll show you when we attack the Blancos. Let me prove to you I can hold my own.”

Damien stares long and hard at me before he grumbles, “If you do a single thing wrong, this discussion is over, and you will do as I say.”

At least he’s giving me a chance. I nod as I agree, “That’s all I ask. Just give me a chance.”

He lifts his hand, and wrapping it around the back of my neck, he pulls me against his body. I feel his breath in my hair before his lips skim over my ear and jaw. “I won’t lose you,” he whispers.

“You won’t,” I assure him.

DAMIEN

Somehow Alexei managed to get plans of the Blanco’s villa. After his six men arrived, all Russian of course, we gather around the dining room table, studying the best way to attack.

“We’re ten people. We should split into two groups. One attacks from the front while the other breaches from behind,” Alexei says, gesturing on the map.

“I’ll take the back,” I say. “With Winter and three men. We can use this entrance to gain entry to the house.”

“Then Demitri and I will attack from the front. We need to move fast. We can’t risk using explosives.” He glances around the room. “Everyone knows how to pick a lock?” He’s met with a chorus of grunts, then Alexei says, “Check your weapons before we head out.” He glances between Winter and me as we check our Heckler and Kochs. “You’re sure she can shoot?”

Winter’s been in a fighting mood since yesterday, and before she can say something to Alexei, I take hold of the back of her neck.

“Yes,” I mutter. “She’s good.”

I notice how every man’s eyes lock on Winter, and I quickly pull her against my side. “Keep your eyes off my wife.”

They instantly look everywhere but at her, and then she fucking chuckles.

God, help me with this woman.

“Time to hunt,” Alexei says, a smile tugging at his mouth. “Let’s go.”

We all file out of the dining room, and Winter breaks free from me. I follow her to the kitchen and watch as she hugs Dana goodbye.

When I see the worry on the housekeeper's face, I say, “I’ll bring her back. Alive.”

Dana nods at me. “Please. She’s all I have.”

They hug one more time before Winter returns to my side, and then we walk out of the house toward the private jet. It will take us three hours to get to Italy with our plane, so at least it’s a short trip.

Once we board, I pull Winter to the back and away from the other men. I push her down in the seat in the corner and sit down next to her.

“You’re possessive,” she mutters.

“Get used to it,” I grumble as I strap her in. I put on my own seat belt, then take hold of her hand and weave my fingers through hers.

She leans closer to me, and I tilt my head as she whispers. “I like it. If we were alone on the plane, I’d get on my knees to show you how much.”

Slowly, I turn my face to hers until our eyes meet. Winter reaches over the armrest with her other hand and presses her palm against my cock. She squeezes me as a tempting smile tugs at her mouth.

I grab hold of her hand and push down harder as I grumble, “Don’t start something you can’t finish.”

With a seductive chuckle, she pulls back and settles into her chair.

“My fearless love,” I murmur, the corner of my mouth curving up.

She leans closer again and presses a kiss to my lips. “Always remember that.”

Shaking my head, I tighten my hold on her hand, and as we begin to take off, silence descends over the cabin.

When we near Italy, I murmur, “Never leave my side.”

Winter lets out a huff. “I know.”

I turn my eyes to hers. “Not even to go to the restroom. I mean it.”

She narrows her gaze on me. “You expect me to tell you every time I need to pee?”

“Yes,” I grumble. “The Cotroni’s might be allies, but it doesn’t mean I trust them.”

“Is there anyone you trust with my safety?” she asks.

“There was,” I mutter, but stop myself in time from bringing up Cillian. Instead, I say, “My brother and Alexei. That’s it. No one else gets near you.”

When the plane starts its descent, I murmur, “Wait for the other men to leave first. We’ll exit last.”