“I’ll talk to him tonight, I promise, and probably when all this is over we can throw him a killer party.”
“That’s a wonderful idea. I’ve got to go. Nick’s having a meltdown with the microwave.”
Lila rolled her eyes with a laugh as she hung up.
“Come on, I’ve to go buy cupcakes for Killean’s birthday.”
Aiden chuckled. “Cupcakes? Does he strike you as the sort of guy who’d be caught dead eating sweet treats?”
Lila pouted. “Buying him a big cake will make him feel bad.”
Aiden’s smile turned naughty. “I’ve a better idea. Why not just give him another treat?”
He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
“You’re nasty.”
“I’m a man. It’s my job.”
***
Lila found Killean sitting on the carpeted floor in only sweat pants, staring absent-mindedly out the arched window. The lighting in the room was dim and perfect for what she had in mind.
“Hey, handsome,” she murmured.
He looked up at her then his eyes dropped to the chocolate cupcake with the small birthday candle lit in the middle.
“Happy birthday.” She smiled as she sank down next to him. “You look hot for twenty-nine. Care to share you secrets?”
“I was going to tell you eventually,” he began.
“I know. Make a wish.”
His eyes sparkled as he gazed at her.
“It already came true,” he murmured.
She shoved him playfully, blushing furiously.
“That’s pretty,” he said, touching her cheek.
He took the cupcake and blew it out.
“You didn’t make the wish!”
“Lila.”
“I suppose you could have made another one.”
He leaned in and stole a kiss.
“What’s this I hear about some masquerade ball you and Dad are throwing? Mom mentioned it.”
“It’s not really a party, Lila. It’s a trap to lure Russell. Plus, your father was angry when I told him the full story, thought I may have left out the tasteless bits.”
“I thought so too, but how are you so sure he’ll come?”
“We’ll see, won’t we?”
She skimmed the paper back off the cake and pressed it to his lips. He took a bite.
“Can I accompany you?” she asked, holding up a black box.
She removed the lid and revealed two masks. She picked up the silver embellished one and placed it over her face.
“I like the theme, quite mysterious. I’m just worried he won’t show.”
“I’m man of my word, Lila.”
“And don’t I know it, having been on the receiving end,” she pouted.
“I’m not going to lie, love. The first time I saw you I wanted to get you in my bed for just one purpose alone, sexual fulfillment. And then I realized that you weren’t like the others and what I felt for you wasn’t just sexual or physical. You touched a part of me that had been dormant for years. I used to use women, because there was a part of me that needed someone or something to exert sexual power over the abused part of me.
“Jerry used sex to control me, and I hate to say it, but pain turns me on. It makes me feel twisted and sick to my stomach that I could feel this way after what he and my birthmother did to me. It’s disgusting and it eats at me. So I use sex as a weapon because I like the control it gives me. I wanted no one to control me with my own body, until you.”
“That was what Jasmine misunderstood.”
“It wasn’t really a misunderstanding; I just didn’t feel the need to open up to her. I just found it hard to talk about that part of myself with anyone and with you. I don’t want you to look at me differently. And I don’t want you to look at me and all you see is a fucked-up monster lying next to you in bed.”
“That’s the victim talking, Killean, whether you like it or not. I’ve never seen you like that before. Have you told Dr. Parker about this?”
“Ah, some of it. Helena is smart. She knows how to read between the lines, though she doesn’t make any assumptions.”
“I see.”
“What?”
“Is she pretty?”
He smiled. “Very beautiful. I have no interest in her and she has none in me. She’s getting married soon and one of the only women who is immune to my charms, much like you, and it’s refreshing.”
“I’m sorry you didn’t have the childhood you deserved, Killean.”
“I don’t want pity, Lila, though I pity myself sometimes. I don’t want you to feel sorry for me. What’s done is done.”
“I never intended for you to feel that way. I’m just sorry because no one at that age deserves to going through that. It’s not right.”
“Enough with the sad stories.”
He snatched the cake from her hand and scooped some icing off and pushed it into her mouth.
“I thought this was your birthday!”
“That doesn’t mean I can’t spoil you rotten. You have any more of these?”
“Yes, why?”
His eyes flicked to hers, and something naughty made his mouth curve up.
“Go get them, baby. It seems this year I’m really going to enjoy my birthday. And when you return, make sure you’re naked and wet.”
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FIVE
Two weeks went by, and security became strict. Lila’s car stood on standby in the garage that had been decorated with more cameras as well as the rest of the building. Killean was ruthless and adamant, especially with her and his two sisters in the city. Imani had started a job in a law firm and had an assigned driver to take her and Anna to and from wherever they were going.
It was later that Lila found out what Killean had done to the apartment where Russell was staying. The man was no longer an occupant of the loft. The landlord had evicted him. Watching Killean putting out all he had to protect everyone dear to him made her fall deeper in love with him.
Lila blew out a breath as she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. The makeup was flawless and appeared natural just as she wanted it. Anna was a very talented girl. She had decided that she wanted to tag along tonight. India and Ian were also making it a night. Lila didn’t know if Aiden and Bianca had worked things out, but he called to say that she would be there.
“Why did you agree to dress here?” Anna asked Lila.
“I wanted to make you comfortable, no travelling with makeup materials or at night.”
“I have a driver. Killean won’t let me go anywhere without him.”
“He’s just trying to keep us safe. It makes him relax to know we’re in good hands.”
She nodded and went toward the dress she would be wearing for the night. A royal blue silk number from Henri Bendel.
“I’m going to change.”
Anna left the guest bedroom with the dress over her arm. Lila quickly shrugged out of her robe and into her red dress, but she had a hard time zipping it up.
“Let me get that for you, love.”
She jumped and glanced up at the mirror to see Killean’s reflection.
“You scared me,” she said.
“I’m sorry, I wanted to surprise you.”
He came up behind her and zipped her up. Turning, she wrapped her arms around him, and he moved his arms around her waist.
“I hope you like my dress,” she said.
“I do. I can feel all of you.” He ran his palms down her back over her ass.
“Let’s not get freaky. Anna is in the next room.”
Killean chuckled and nipped her lower lip. “Later,” he promised darkly.
“Let me get my shoes.”
Lila turned to the bed and sat down where she had the moment to look at him. He was in full black and his tie matched her dress. That color did him justice. Lila’s smile was triumphant as she knew that later she’d be the one to undress him. That hot-assness wrapped in an expensive suit was all hers.
&n
bsp; Anna joined them in the living room, where Imani was lounging on the sofa reading a magazine. Anna was the miniature version of her brother. Lila still couldn’t understand how they could resemble each other so much, because Killean was adopted.
“You guys make a dangerous threesome,” Imani commended.
Anna pirouetted in her dress for her sister to see every angle.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us? You already bought that dress,” Anna said.
“No, I want to stay here tonight. Friday nights are a stay in for me. Plus I can eat all Killean’s food.”
“Okay, love you.”
She kissed Imani’s cheek before joining Lila and Killean at the elevator.
***
Heads turned when the three of them walked in. Anna had her arm linked through Killean’s on the left and Lila took his right. Lila didn’t notice some of the people because they wore masks. It was only when she got a smile or a nod that she did. The party was in a banquet hall on the top floor of the hotel. The décor gave the party a mysterious edge, and Lila knew why. She scanned the room for her sister, but she didn’t think India was here yet. She wanted to ensure everyone she loved and cared about would be safe in case things took a turn for the worse.
The point of the party was to provide insurance for Killean. He needed to know everyone was within his reach before the execution of his plan.
“I’m going to go mingle,” Anna whispered in Killean’s ear and scurried off into the sea of guests.
Killean moved his arm around Lila’s waist.
“Killean.”
They both spun at the sound of Ian’s voice. He had a woman with him. A petite brown-skinned dark-haired woman who Lila recognized immediately despite the silver rhinestone mask she wore.
Killean’s voice was a low seductive rasp as he took Salome’s hand and dropped a kiss on her knuckle.
“You look ravishing tonight, Salome.”
Lila arched an eyebrow. When had Killean and her mother reverted to first name basis?
“Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery, why you two are looking quite mysterious tonight,” Lila said politely, kissing her parents’ cheeks. “I almost didn’t recognize you.”
Salome shifted her gaze to Killean and Lila saw that immediate appreciation for Killean’s masculinity reflecting in her eyes. Even her mother was ogling him.
“Are you positive he’ll show?” Ian murmured, leaning toward Killean.
Ian moved his arm around his wife’s waist and cast a worried gaze over the sea of people.
“Positive,” Killean murmured back. “We just have to wait.”
“Lila!”
She glanced to her left at the sound of the voice and grinned as she recognized an old classmate of hers. Allen Rowe stood not too far, smiling at her.
She moved out of Killean’s grip, and he stared down at her, releasing her reluctantly as he continued to whisper with Ian.
She moved toward Allen and squeaked when he lifted her off the ground for a second before setting her back down gently, keeping his hands at her waist.
“How has it been?” he asked, excitement filling his brown eyes.
“Good. You?”
“Working alongside my dad at the moment.”
“That’s good.”
She felt Killean behind her at that moment. He placed his hands above Allen’s and pulled her gently to him so that her classmate’s hands fell away. Lila knew immediately that Killean was staking a claim.
“Allen, this is my boyfriend, Killean. Killean, friend of mine—Allen Rowe.”
Allen’s eyes widened in recognition before regaining his composure. Both men shook hands.
“Would you like something light to drink, love?” Killean asked.
“No, I’m good.”
She wanted to stay alert for any sign of Russell. They all were.
She wrapped her hands around his.
“Allen, it was good to see you again. We have to go look for my sister now.”
“Yes, we’ll have to catch up one day and lunch will be on me. Enjoy tonight.”
He touched her hand before he left them.
“High school boyfriend?” Killean asked at her ear.
She reveled in the feel of his body pressed against hers.
“For a week. I helped him pass Trig.”
“You don’t say. And then what? He pushed you away?”
“It was high school, Killean. Boys didn’t know better.”
“No, they don’t.” He kissed her head. “Your sister is here.”
He spun her in the direction of India and Ian. India was a vision in a blue draped Carolina Herrera gown. Lila was a bit surprised when she leaned in and Killean kissed her cheek.
Ian smiled at her. “Hi.”
“Hey, Ian. Has my sister been on her best behavior?”
“Yes, she has,” he answered with a warm smile toward India.
“Excuse us, boys. I need to steal Lila for a few minutes.”
India took her hand, forcing Killean to let go of her.
“When did you two hit it off?” Lila asked. “A kiss on the cheek. I thought you would want to cut his balls off.”
“Like Killean, I can be charming. I had my reservations about him, but he makes you happy so I can’t protest about that. Since he came to evacuate me from my condo because a lunatic was out for blood, my respect for him grew. He not only cares about your wellbeing but your family’s too. A good quality in a good man. I approve, sis!”
“I’m glad you like him. Ian looks yummy,” Lila whispered, looking at him again.
“So does Killean. And now they have him taken.”
Lila followed her gaze to see him encircled by some females. She heard their suppressed giggles.
“Do you ever feel threatened?” she asked.
India met her sister’s gaze. She’d gotten her father’s personality and temperament. She didn’t like men who thought it was okay to have more than one woman. She was down to earth and serious about life. Lila didn’t know a lot of twenty-five year olds who acted as mature as she did.
“Sometimes I do, depending on my mood.”
“Aiden and Bianca are here. Hey, did he tell you her father is a classist asshole?”
“Yeah.”
Lila went across the room to greet her friends with a glass of champagne and a hug.
“Have you spoken to her?” Lila asked Aiden after Bianca went to meet India.
“I did.”
“And?”
“She didn’t want to believe me.”
She sympathized with him. It was the only thing she could do. She needed to freshen up so she found Killean with his little group and excused herself.
“Let me escort you,” he said.
“No, that’s fine. Stay and chat. I’ll only be a few minutes.”
He let go of her hand, and she left the room and found her way to the ladies’ room. She removed her mask and checked her makeup and reapplied her red lipstick. She smiled at her reflection in the mirror. She looked different. Her eyes were brighter, her face rounder, and her cheeks had that red glow that her caramel complexion normally hid.
Was this what a woman in love looked like? She picked up her mask and clutch and made her way out, only to come to halt. A man was standing against the wall scrolling through his phone.
“Excuse me,” she said.
“Red does suit you, sweetheart.”
The blood in her veins chilled, and she froze, her face growing ashen. Turning slowly, she recognized him, his haunting smile turned salacious as his lecherous eyes raked down her body.
“Russell,” she said, her voice drained of all emotion.
“How’s Killean?”
“What are you doing here?”
“I came to finish this once and for all.”
He reached behind the tail of his tux and pulled it out. A silver assault rifle.
“I’m guessing from that look on your face you’re getting the real picture.
Now come, love, move it! And we’re taking the back entrance, baby.”
She had no choice. He had the upper hand. With a last glance at freedom, Lila stepped forward as he motioned her with the gun. Together they took the stairwell to the back entrance. As the large metal door opened, she wondered if she could slam his head into it and run, but he dragged her in front of him, the tip of the weapon pressed into her back, directly over her spine. One wrong move and she would be paralyzed for life or, worse, dead. Her heart nearly stopped when she thought of Killean. He would be crushed if she died tonight. And suddenly she knew why he’d reacted the way he did when he found out she had been out trying to get Russell on her own. She understood his rage when she lied to him. If she got out of this predicament tonight, she would apologize to him profusely.
She paused when she saw the black car parked a few feet away. He opened the trunk and pointed to it. She stared at him, dumbfounded.
“Get in,” he hissed. “I haven’t got all night. Now. Either you get in while conscious or I knock you out and throw you in. Your choice, sweetheart. You can strip Killean of his ego, but you’ll never do the same to me, Lila. When I’m through with you, I’m killing your boyfriend tonight. What happened to your claws tonight? Did Killean clip them? And your mouth doesn’t have any insults for me? Swallowing cocks tend to do that to little whores like you.”
Revulsion churned in her stomach at his filthy words.
“And the lack of willing pussies tend to get a guy like you strung tight.”
The words were out of her mouth before she could bite her tongue. Instead of being angered by her jib, he smirked. “I’ll get a taste of yours tonight to unwind.”
Lila’s hand shook to commit murder. She wanted to tell Russell that he wouldn’t get that far even if he managed to hurt her. She stepped forward and climbed into the trunk of the car, yelping when Russell pushed her face down at her hesitation.
“Try not to suffocate, kitten,” he smirked as he closed the top.
Darkness engulfed her, and a few minutes later, she felt the car speed off.
***
“Get in there, Lila. Now!”
He moved the point of the gun to the small of her back and thrust her forward inside the hotel room. He kicked the door shut and locked it. Lila scanned the room to see a suitcase in the corner. He must be leaving town soon.
Wicked Dirty Games (Dirty Billionaire Series Book 1) Page 29