Claimed by the Crown Heir novel Chapter 126

After ending the call, he looked down at her, his striking eyes narrowing slightly.

"Your friend is sharp. She knew exactly where to hide and managed to keep herself alive."

The heavy burden Vanessa had been carrying finally lifted. She immediately jumped off the couch. "Then I'll go wait for her at her place."

Just as she brushed past him, a large hand clamped down on her wrist, yanking her hard into a solid chest.

His powerful arm locked firmly around her waist.

"Who said she's going home?"

Vanessa froze. "What do you mean?"

"She saw their faces. Do you honestly think her apartment is safe right now?" he stated matter-of-factly.

Her heart lurched as panic set in again. "Then... what should we do?"

"I already had Quentin pick her up. He's taking her straight to the precinct to give a statement."

"The only way she'll ever be truly safe is if she works with the cops to put every last one of those scumbags behind bars."

Alistair stared down at the tense woman in his arms. His gaze shifted to the bandaged cut on her hand, his tone dropping an octave.

"If you go over there right now, you'll just be getting in the way."

Well, it was still better than sitting around doing nothing.

She struggled, but his grip only tightened. There was no escaping him.

"Let me go," she muttered.

Instead of releasing her, he leaned in closer, his warm breath fanning against her ear.

"What's the rush? Afraid I'll eat you?"

"I'm not afraid of you. I just find you deeply annoying."

"Hah. You were acting pretty sweet when you were begging me to find your friend."

This woman was a master at tossing people aside the second she got what she wanted.

He let go of her and leaned back against the sofa, his dark eyes narrowing as he studied her face with an unreadable half-smile.

"That depends entirely on your performance."

Seeing his loaded gaze, her cheeks flushed.

The absolute jerk. If he wanted to take advantage of her, he should just say it. Why pretend to be a gentleman?

Whatever. Considering he had just saved Seraphina's life, she would humor him this once.

A wild, seductive smile curved her lips. She stepped forward, straddled his lap, and framed his face with her hands, crashing her lips down onto his before he could say another word.

Alistair's eyes instantly darkened. A low, gravelly laugh rumbled in his chest.

The next second, he took total control. His large hand gripped the small of her back, pressing her flush against him as he deepened the kiss.

The scent of their passion intertwined, turning the air in the room scorching hot.

Vanessa melted against him, completely surrendering to his overwhelming dominance.