Hard Limits (Queen of Hearts #1)

by Suki Williams

He’s going to get me. I can’t keep running forever.

Maybe he won’t be getting all his clothes back the next time I see him.

“Before we start trying to compare kinks again, let’s focus. Things I never thought I would have to say out loud to you people...” I pinched the bridge of my nose in annoyance.

Leaning down, I got close to his face to whisper in his ear, “You’re so wet. I knew you’d like it. You always do,” I told him huskily, like a lover, repeating the words he’d told his victims.

Reading people was a skill that I’d learned long before becoming a sex worker,

I definitely got a little spark of joy from shocking people, especially my normally unflappable roommate.

“Do you want my actual guesses?” I lifted an eyebrow and met his stare, ignoring the train wreck on the screen. “Yes.” He blinked at me in what was probably his best attempt at innocence, and I burst out laughing. “Oli, you couldn’t pull off the innocent look even without your gauges and tattoos everywhere.”

Once I was in my bedroom, I pulled out the envelope, ignoring the way my hand shook as I carefully opened the letter. A picture fell out, landing upside down on the carpet by my feet. Neat script was scrawled across the back, and I bent over to read it. ‘Found you.’ I flipped the picture over and felt my entire body tense. I knew that face. That look. It was death.

Maeve had been married numerous times, that much I knew, and each of her husbands had mysteriously vanished or died. A black widow after my own heart.

Why do I always seem to attract complicated as fuck people?

Two alpha males that actually get along when it comes to leadership, and brothers at that? How interesting.

“Do you understand topping from the bottom? Because that is exactly what you are trying to do.”

“That’s it? You’ll just… do whatever to make me not feel insecure?” His repeated need for reassurance made me wonder just what had made him that insecure. Who fought him tooth and nail about something so simple in the past that he’s awed by some basic consideration? “Of course.” I smiled at him, resisting my instinct to reach out and pat his hand to comfort and reassure him.

Okay, Oli and now Bodhi are my favorite character's. They are such a great duo and I can't wait to see how Nic gets involved with them and the building of trust

“Everyone loves to play with those of us that are broken.” I reached up and gripped the sleeves of his shirt, not letting him back away from me as I finished. “Until they find all our sharp edges. But you and I, we rejoice at every cut. Every scratch makes us feel, proving to us that we’re alive. I can see that we’re the same in that way, just by looking at you. You want to break me just as much as I want to break you, so we can play along those edges.”

“We aren’t good people. Hell, most of the time we aren’t even nice, but I don’t think you want someone nice.”

She really doesn't, Oli.

Will they be like her and never really let me get close? Or will they actually be people I can depend on to be there for me?

“Dinner? Sacha fucking cooks so there’s food here.” “We’d end up killing each other or blowing up the kitchen if we tried to cook,” I told him solemnly. “Pizza?” “I’m glad we’re on the same page.” Oli grinned. “I’ll order some while you put away all your unmentionables, then we can eat pizza and watch TV while we wait for all your sex toys to arrive.” “We aren’t watching porn this time!” I yelled at him, smirking when it was his turn to laugh.

These men would take me further into the dark than I thought possible, and for as long as it lasted, I’d go willingly. Unlike everyone else in my life, they weren’t pushing me into it; they were walking right beside me to play in it too.

“No emotions, Vas. First rule of the business,” she reminded gently, but her cool tone made me freeze. Her rejection was not something I saw coming. “Besides, no one wants to be with a woman like me. Not for long anyway... The novelty tends to wear off.”

You are wanted too Nic and I hope they are able to help you see your value.

“I’m not letting you go without a fight, Nic. Even if the person I’m fighting is you.”

did you guys pick a movie or show yet? I have a few ideas.” “Fuck no,” Oliver protested at the wicked smile growing on Nic’s face. “Absolutely not! You’re going to choose some horror movie and then make fun of my reactions. No way.” “Oooh, the big scary killer is afraid of horror movies?! The opportunity to tease you is too priceless to pass up. So many jokes to make!” Nic rubbed her hands together, a gleeful brightness lighting up her eyes in a way I’d never seen before.

Poor Oli is going to be tortured with scary movies every time Nic gets to pic what they watch 🤣 The irony

“I think we should go with Nic’s pick,” Bodhi said softly, with a small twitch of his lips. Oliver’s jaw dropped before he whipped his head around to face his boyfriend. “You traitor!” Oliver yelled out dramatically, clutching his chest, and I laughed despite myself. “Always a diva, Oli,” Nic sang out as she leaned forward and snagged the remote.

Tag team for the win. These three are perfect!

Part of me argued that they were different, but past experience won out, reminding me that no one stayed.

“Now it’s your turn, Nicholette,” Oli called out sweetly. “Don’t worry, I didn’t finish. I wouldn’t want to disappoint you. And I’m sure you’ll be giving me the fight I’m looking for, won’t you?” You bet your sweet ass I will.

She wants to run herself along all the sharp edges of people to feel alive… guess we’d be putting that to the test soon enough.

Vas’ deep voice replied, and I looked over to find he had been eavesdropping by the door. I need to put bells on these men.

He looked down at me, a hint of warmth in his brown eyes that made me snuggle closer. Fuck, snuggling? He’s turning me into a snuggler!

I was the Queen of Hearts, their hearts, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.