Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 111(@200wpm)___ 89(@250wpm)___ 74(@300wpm)
After one final slow thrust, I take Malik’s cheek in my hand. I stare him straight in the eyes as a giddy smile darts across my face.
“Do it, Malik. I’m ready.” Am I ready for him to go crazy? Who knows?
As expected, my announcement changes Malik’s labored expression to something fierce. His golden eyes burn with excitement, and his tense grip loosens. His second hand gives my breast one last squeeze before it joins the other around my waist.
With his new leverage, Malik pulls me into his thrusts.
My anguished groans turn into haphazard moans and whimpers. Every sound I make seems to drive Malik closer to the edge. His rapid, intense motion turns my mind to mush.
A soothing heat starts to ebb through my body, and I feel the all-too-familiar spring start coiling in my core.
Malik drops on top of me, wrapping one hand around my neck and pulling me into a kiss. His hips never stop bucking while he takes this new position. He moans into my mouth, and I squeal into his as my orgasm peaks. As it comes, I feel my walls tighten around the soaked spear plunging into my depths.
He must feel it, too, because it doesn’t take long for him to break our kiss and roar. “Ah, fuck, I’m gonna explode.”
Our bodies writhe and tremble in unison as he releases his seed. Hot ropes splash against my inner walls as his body falls limp.
My limbs turn to jelly, and I can’t move even if I want to. Panting for air, exhausted, and spent.
Malik still somehow manages to get up. He takes my face in both his hands and kisses me deeply. Passionately.
“You’re mine, Melina,” he says, with a severity I haven’t seen from him yet, “and I’m never letting you go.”
11
MALIK
A Few Days Later
In two days, Melina is set to marry Nasir, and I’m no closer to getting her out of it now than I was the day I claimed her. It doesn’t help that my attention has been divided between my tasks. Every moment I don’t have to be in front of Omar, I’m at her hotel and basking in her company.
Today, I don’t have that luxury. The boss has an important mission for me, and I damn well hope it isn’t going to send me away while I piece together this damned puzzle.
“You wanted to see me, sir?” My heart’s like stone, but there’s a pit in my gut. I’ve become cavalier in my desires for Melina, and it’s not impossible he’s somehow found out.
The lack of Nasir’s presence and his guards enhances my fears. It’s rare to have a completely isolated meeting, and usually, when it’s him and me alone, someone has to die.
“Great, you’re here. Have a seat, boy. We have much to talk about.” He points to one of the chairs opposite him.
“Where’s Nasir?” I sit.
“Spending time with his bride. He’s a funny boy, that one. I hand him the world in glittering gold, and he still drags his feet to make this deal go smoothly.” Omar sighs. Instant burning rage courses through my veins. Anger doesn’t come close to describing the feeling, but I bite my tongue to keep from saying something regrettable. “He missed both meets with the Remingtons in favor of doing who knows what.”
I smirk at the mention.
Don’t worry, old man. I filled the void and filled her womb on both occasions.
“It’s a marriage out of necessity, not love. Why bother feeding a lie?” I rarely take Nasir’s side on any matter, but seeing how this one involves my woman, I’m inclined to agree that he should stay as far away from Melina as possible.
“Because feeding the lie is the whole point of it. It’s why I’ve brought you here, Malik.” Omar slams his palms down on the table. “While Nasir was greasing Melina’s wheels, we were supposed to discuss what comes next. But with him slacking in his duty and you off killing Americans and disappearing when I need you, I’ve reached my wits’ end.”
Omar huffs deep lungfuls of air through his mouth, the sudden onset of rage knocking the wind straight out of his lungs. I cross a leg over my knee and press both hands into it.
This isn’t going to be good.
“What do you need me to do?” I ask like the loyal dog I am.
A thick plume of gray smoke hangs over the casino floor.
My meeting with Omar dragged late into the night, and every word he said made my guts do a kickflip. It’s why I’m at the hotel instead of at home, thinking of a way to get Melina out of this mess. My word is my bond, and I promised to keep the Remingtons safe while they’re here.
Henry and Nasir are laughing together in front of a blackjack table when I arrive. The sight of their false happiness makes my blood run cold.