CH.62

The black car roared to a halt after passing through the imposing wrought-iron gates of the sprawling villa estate.

Knox emerged first with an almost predatory grace. He straightened to his full, intimidating height of over six feet, the muscles in his arms and shoulders visibly straining against the expensive fabric of his customized suit.

His face was set in a harsh line that promised swift and brutal retribution to anyone foolish enough to cross him and his jawline was clenched. His eyes were like molten chips of blazing amber ice, glittering with a dangerous intensity that could freeze one's blood.

Knox reached back into the car and gently gathered Serena into his arms, cradling her slender body against his muscular frame.

One large hand rested at the back of her head while his fingers tenderly stroked the silken strands of her hair.

A small, almost tender smile ghosted across his harsh features when she stirred slightly in his embrace but remained nestled trustingly against his chest, instinctively seeking out the solace and protection of his solid, imposing presence.

He had knocked her out earlier with a carefully calculated dose of his ability to prevent her from asking too many questions he wasn't ready to answer just yet. Questions about the bomb that had nearly taken her life, about the identities of her would-be assassins and the twisted, depraved mind that wanted her eliminated with such brutal finality.

Knox knew she deserved the whole truth, but not until he had a chance to handle the situation his way first.

Killian and Seven fell into step on either side like an imposing honor guard. Their expressions were grim as they strode towards the foyer.

The hulking bodyguards on duty immediately snapped to rigid attention, their spines stiffening as they caught sight of the intimidating trio approaching. They kept their heads respectfully bowed until the masters had passed.

The two maids who had been rude towards Serena froze like deer caught in headlights as the group entered the marble foyer.

Jealousy and bitter resentment twisted their pinched features into ugly sneers at the sight of their master cradling the woman they so despised with undisguised tenderness.

They hastily arranged their expressions into masks of feigned obedience, bowing stiffly with their eyes downcast.

"Welcome back, Masters," they chorused through brittle smiles, their eyes flickering briefly to Serena with naked hatred and contempt.

Knox didn't so much as spare the maids a passing glance. His entire focus was consumed by the fragile beauty in his arms.

Killian, however, shot them a look of pure disgust as they brushed past. His normally playful eyes were laced with icy coldness.

It was an open secret that women constantly fawned and shamelessly threw themselves at Knox's feet like lovesick fools, drawn to his combination of immense power, wealth, and good looks.

So it wouldn't be at all surprising if these two maids harbored the same delusional desire to somehow become his woman one day, to share his bed and bask in the privilege of his attentions.

Their lecherous gazes followed Knox’s every movement, practically undressing him with their eyes as they drank in his physique.

"Best remember your fucking places, you cheap bitches. Before I'm forced to remind you myself!" Killian bit out in a tone laced with disgust.

Seven remained stoically silent, but the promise of violence simmered in his dark eyes as he assessed the maids with the cold, calculating stare of a predator. They had best hope they weren't the ones who disclosed information that put Serena in danger of death.

Knox headed straight for the grand staircase with Serena still cradled securely in his arms, his hold on her equal parts tender and fiercely possessive.

One of the maids watched them go with ire coursing through her veins. She was the same maid who had leaked information about Serena's existence to those who wished the girl harm in a twisted attempt to rid herself of her romantic competition.

"Why haven't they done it yet?" she hissed under her breath, her nails digging into her palms with fury. "Those two promised they would take care of that little whore once and for all after I gave them the intel on her."

A wicked gleam sparked in the depths of her eyes as she glared venomously at the spot where the masters had vanished up the stairs.

"Just you wait. Your time is coming soon, you pathetic excuse for a woman!" she vowed venomously. "Then Master Knox will finally see who he truly desires. Who he was always meant to be with."

Knox settled into the high-backed leather chair with Serena curled securely in his lap in his private study.

His hand traced soothing circles across the small of her back while the other rested possessively on her thigh. The pad of his thumb lightly caressed the soft, silken skin over her pants in a subconscious gesture of possession.

His eyes met Killian and Seven's over the top of Serena's head in a silent look of communication.

Silence fell throughout the room. The air was practically crackling with tension and the weight of recent events.

The heavy quiet was broken a few moments later by a sharp rap at the door.

"Enter!" Knox's deep baritone reverberated through the study like a roll of distant thunder.

The door swung open to reveal a disheveled Dimitri hovering in the entryway, looking distinctly uncomfortable.

The man looked like he'd thrown on his clothes in a rushed panic - his shirt was untucked and wrinkled. The top few buttons were left undone to expose a tantalizing glimpse of his muscular chest dusted with a sprinkling of dark hair.

His dark locks were still damp and tousled, curling in an utterly roguish way against his forehead that somehow only enhanced his boyish good looks.

Serena stirred from the rumbling timbre of Knox's voice, her eyelids fluttering open as she blinked in confusion, taking in her surroundings.

Her gaze landed on Knox and a slight furrow creased her brow. "Where...where am I? The…accident," she asked. "And why am I sitting in your lap like some kind of child? Did you also die in the explosion and follow me to the afterlife?"

A ghost of a smile tugged at the corners of Knox's sensual mouth. "You're safe. We're in my private study within the villa."

Serena heaved a sigh of relief. She wasn’t dead. That was good! However, her breath hitched when Knox suddenly tilted his head until their lips were a hairsbreadth apart. She gulped down saliva and unconsciously closed her eyes, waiting for the warm feel of his lips on hers.

Knox stared at her with amusement. The little woman was eager to feel him. "You should get used to being in my lap because after you've fully healed…. we'll be doing much more than just sitting," he practically purred, the words a heated promise that sent a delicious shiver of anticipation down her spine.

Serena's eyes snapped open. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and undeniable arousal at his boldness.

Her thighs clenched reflexively against the hard planes of his body. She could actually feel the heat of his gaze like a physical caress, making her breath catch in her throat.