Nero (Alliance, #1)

by S.J. Tilly

He looks like he came from a photoshoot. Or a boardroom. Or a photoshoot of a boardroom.

That place long-dead inside of me gives a beat.

“What’s his name?” His voice is still quiet, but it’s also different. A little menacing. “Wh-whose name?” His head tilts, and it reminds me of the nature channel when they show a wild animal stalking its prey. “The man who laid his hands on you. Tell me his name.”

My eyes move back to the original cup. “It’s her favorite?” “That’s what she said. Took the time to make it herself. Even added some fancy shit on top. But if you don’t want it…” King starts to reach for it, but I snatch it back, shoving the plain coffee into his hand.

“You’re crazy,” I breathe. His hands dart out, gripping my ankles, and he yanks me down the bed. Again. Nero bends over me, putting our faces an inch apart. “For you, I’m fucking certifiable.”

“You know,” he says, when he sees where I’m looking. “Cinderella only left one shoe behind.” I fight my embarrassment by rolling my eyes. “Yeah, and Prince Charming didn’t break into her home to find her.” Nero grins. “The villains always have more fun.”