King of Depravity (Kings of Las Vegas #1)

by Tammy Andresen

“I do. Now tell me that you agree. I’m not much for consent but my brothers claim it helps prevent lawsuits.” “You have this problem often?” “Never. I can’t stand sensitivity training, so I mind the rules.”

I do as he commands, turning off the part of my brain that feels, just following his instructions like a robot. It’s easier this way.

No woman has ever kissed me like that. They’ve kissed me like they want me. But they’ve never kissed me like I’m something that should be cherished.

“Because,” she sighs. “You’re my stalker. I can’t go hanging out at your place. That’s just wrong.” I don’t release her. “It would make the stalking much easier if you did.”

I can’t remember another time I felt this…still. No dark emotions pulsing through me, just contentment. I close my eyes, relaxing back into the bed.

A muscle in my cheek twitches. “I think the stars are like people. Billions of them…” I don’t tell her about how I’m not a star, I’m a black hole, or how my own family⁠— “Whatever you’re thinking, stop,” she whispers, “I can see your light dimming, so I won’t ask again.”

“Hey, Triston. Nice to see you again.” He looks between me and her, noting my shirtless chest and her bare feet. “I’m just curious, yesterday you intimated that my brother was—erm—following you?” “Yeah. This is a lot less work for both of us,” she answers without taking her eyes from her work.

“Hard to get,” Triston nods. “I get that.” No. He doesn’t. He has no idea what it feels like to know you are born of darkness.

Excitement bubbles in my chest. For the first time in a while, I feel like things are actually getting better and I am moving toward my goals. That usually means my world is about to fall apart.

But hope and happiness are dangerous emotions for a man like me. I try to ignore the voice that warns I wasn’t built for happily ever after. I’ve always known that. I was born of darkness, and darkness is where I will return…

“I don’t give a shit about stuff, and I don’t care what you take from my life, Chloe. Take as much as you want. It’s still way nicer to have you here.”

I hold onto his shoulders, gripping him like I’ll collapse without his strength. That’s the thing about Killian. I can put my weight on him, he’s strong like that.

“What do you see when you look at Kill?” “I don’t think you should call him that,” I answer. “He thinks he’s a dark void. But I think he’s like space. It appears dark at first, until you start to see all the beautiful specks of light.”

That’s when he whispers in my ear. “You’re the only woman for me, Chloe. There will never be another.”

I’ve given myself wholly over to my family. But Chloe is where my heart will live, I know it. I’ve always been this way. One instance can change my whole world, pivot my entire view, and then…. My path is set. When I feel, I feel with every fiber in my body.

“I would never hurt you, Chloe. Never. It’s not a promise, it’s a vow. You could burn me to the ground, and I’d still give you everything.”

Killian’s feelings, in some ways, are far purer than mine. His dedication and commitment have been there, I just couldn’t see past my own issues.

Killian shakes his head. “Some are born into violence, others are made. You are not the first, I would never want you to become the latter. That’s my job.”

“You’re not listening. She is my family. And if anyone, and I mean anyone, tries to hurt her, the consequences are going to send the whole of Vegas crashing down.”