Page 26 of Ruthless Dream

I tut under my breath. “I already told you I’m not going to be patted on the head like a dog with a mere good job.”

Her brow quirks together. “Then what do you want?”

My thumb and forefinger grab her chin. “You.”

She jerks out of my hold. “What’s the fucking point? Just tell my dad you helped, and he’ll be happy to⁠—”

“You’re not understanding. I’m not interested in being your father’s friend.”

That’s cute. She’s hurt on her father’s behalf.

My thumb traces the curve of her lips. “I’m not going to be a friend of the family. I’m going to be a part of your family.”

“Y-you. . .” Terror slides over her face, her fingers tugging down the skirt of her dress. “I’m not fucking marrying you!”

I laugh, dropping my hand. “I’m not fucking marrying you either, princess. But you have to admit I’ve done a pretty good job of protecting you, like any loving boyfriend might do.”

“Loving?” Adeline blurts.

“I’ve killed for you, haven’t I?”

She doesn’t like the joke. “If Wallen is after my family, I can’t just sit back and say nothing. I’m going to fucking tell them about Jack.”

“You’re going to tell them that Jack disappeared,” I correct.

“I will not let my family get hurt.”

I place a hand over my heart. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t help my girlfriend when I come across intel about Wallen planning something.”

“Fucking tell them now!” she snaps. “Instead of being an asshole.”

I grab her chin again. “I know it’s unfair not getting what you want. But I want more than just a pat on the back. And princess, you’re going to help me get it.”

She holds still, warring with herself. She has no idea how much power she holds in this moment.

Adeline could snap her fingers, and her dad would come running. I’d be the asshole who threatened her.

Except that would mean admitting that she’d been her family’s weakest link.

People like Adeline Marie can’t bear to admit a sin like that.

Her chin wobbles again, tears gathering in her eyes. “Are you going to hurt me?” she asks just like back in the alleyway.

“I don’t beat women, Adeline.” Ian’s mother would shoot me if I ever tried. I see the other question in her eyes. “You’ve never had a bit of pain with your pleasure?”

Adeline shakes her head furiously, and I laugh.

“You promise you’ll help me with Wallen?” she pleads, and God, I didn’t expect to be so turned on by it. It’s not just that she’s on her knees, but the idea that I am good enough to help the princess who’s been locked away in her tower.

I lean forward, and she stills. I press my lips to hers, tasting the salt left by her tears.

It’s gentle but quick, and I can’t hide my smirk when I hear her quick intake of breath as I pull away. I open my car door, stepping out into the new world I’ve just created.

“Where are we?” She slams her car door. “You know there’s a tracker on the car.”

“Looks like Jack drove you to your new boyfriend’s place.”

She wrinkles her nose.