Empire of Lust (Empire, #4)

by Rina Kent

There’s no pattern to his madness and that’s the most dangerous thing about this stranger.

The truth remains. Kingsley and I are the personifications of water and fire. Coexisting is impossible. A healthy relationship is mythical.

Nate stands up and she interlinks her arm in his and looks up at him. When she smiles, her rainbow eyes glimmer with a myriad of colors. “I’m ready, husband.” Kill me, please. Or him. Either would do—but preferably him.

“No, because running away is what that woman does best,” I say coolly, flipping my Zippo shut. “That’s not true,” Nate counters with calm. “King kicked her out.” That’s it. This fucker will die in his sleep tonight.

You’re like a painting of a battle, but whoever said war and art should be watched from afar didn’t have the audacity to come close, touch, breathe, and taste.”

I hate this woman with more passion than should be allowed, but I still want to fuck her anyway. Hate-fuck her, to be more specific.

And she’s still smiling, brighter now, like a much younger version of herself. A version that’s engraved deep inside me. A version that I intend to bring out.

“W-hore. I’m no one’s whore.” “No one’s but mine, because I’ll eat your pussy like you are one.”

Still buried deep inside me, he walks with purpose to God knows where. While kissing me. And all I can think about is that maybe he’s the yin to my yang.

“Hiding the bruises with makeup doesn’t make you fine. It makes you a con artist.” “Oh, I’m sorry. Which bruises are we talking about? The ones from the thugs or the ones you savagely gave me like some barbarian? I can’t even move without feeling them.” A wide, impossibly proud grin curves his lips. “Mission accomplished. Brace yourself, sweetheart, there will be more marks before those disappear.” “You…” “Pervert? You’re starting to sound like a broken record.”

Because no matter how much she tried to hide it, I saw it just now. Tears shone in her eyes. Might have been out of frustration or anger, but it’s enough ammo for me to use. This time, she’ll learn the hard way that she’s fucking mine and there’s no fighting it.

I search my surroundings to make sure no one gets a glimpse of her nakedness, then type a text.

I swear to fuck, Aspen, I’m going to have Nicolo’s dogs search for you and lock you up in some cabin. Then I’ll put a tracker on you.

“Not even a little?” Gwen sounds wounded now. “He’ll be taking away Aspen, you know. And maybe you never had a relationship with her in the past, but you’ve been looking for her all my life.” My lips part as I stare up at him. He’s been looking for me? That’s a new piece of information. Kingsley’s playful expression disappears, “I’ve only been looking for her to give her hell for abandoning you.” “Still…you were never attracted to her?” “No.” I narrow my eyes and then grab his dick and it slowly jumps to life beneath my hold. Never been attracted to me, huh? He glares down at me, his eyes shining with dark lust before he swiftly switches attention to Gwen who’s probably making her favorite tea.

“That’s true. We’re not friends, sweetheart. You’re my fucking woman.”

“It’s okay, Nate,” she croaks. “Go back to Gwen.” “Are you sure? He’s in his crazy mode right now.” She doesn’t break eye contact with me, her chin rising. “I can handle him.” You fucking wish, sweetheart. Nate leans in to whisper in my ear, “Your jealousy is irrational, nonsensical, and has a margin of error the size of the Pacific Ocean. Question my devotion to my wife again and I’ll be the one to fucking kill you.” And then, he leaves us alone with one last shake of his head.

“You’re acting like a damn brute and I refuse to negotiate with terrorists.”

“Other people mean fuck to me as they should mean fuck to you. The only thing that matters is that you’re mine, body and fucking soul, Aspen. I was your first and I’ll make sure to be your last.”

This is fucking blasphemy and you know it. I have never gone a whole month without having sex. So is that a no? No, it’s not a no. I have no fucking clue what game you’re playing. But fine, let’s do this shit. Only penetrative sex? All sex. Are you out of your fucking mind? What type of screwed-up torture method is that? Take it or leave it.

“I know. It was a thank-you, not only for saving me but also for being there for both me and Gwen. Thank you, King.”

“Yeah. You’re my king and I want to be your queen.” “You already are.” He kills the small distance between us, devouring my lips in a kiss that I’ll remember for the rest of our lives. I’m his. He’s mine. This time, permanently.

“Yeah.” Her shoulders drop. “And I shouldn’t be. I’m on the pill, for God’s sake. But I felt weird yesterday and went for a checkup, and the doctor said I’m six weeks pregnant.” I rake my eyes over her again. No wonder she’s been glowing lately. My dick liked to think it was because of how much cum he’s filling her with. “Are you healthy?” “Is that all you have to say?” She lifts her chin. “This is all your damn fault, you bastard. Once again, you had a fast swimmer that couldn’t even be stopped by birth control.” “My dick is pleased to be up for the challenge.” “That’s not a compliment.” She touches her hair, then her neck. “I shouldn’t be pregnant. I don’t know what to do about this. What will Gwen say?” “Considering she married my best friend while I was in a coma, Gwen’s say in this should hold no importance. Besides, this is between you and me, sweetheart.”

She throws herself against my chest and I wrap my arms around her, kissing the top of her head. “I bet you’ll look sexy as fuck while you’re pregnant with my baby.” “Stop it,” she chastises with a smile in her voice, then looks up. “Thank you.” “For what?” “For being the father of my children.” “I would have no other mother for them. You’re mine, Mrs. Shaw.” She pulls me down with a fistful of my shirt. “And you’re mine, Mr. Shaw.”