Xavier grins. “Yes, ma’am.”
My foster brother reaches for me when Xavier takes a step. Ben cups my cheek and strokes it with his thumb. Now it’s Xavier who stiffens, his body like marble against mine. A low rumble gathers in his chest, and Ben is quick to withdraw his hand from my face.
“This isn’t over, X,” he says.
Then he’s gone.
I slump in Xavier’s hold, my head falling against his shoulder. Men are stupid, and I pretty much hate all of them.
As if to challenge my sanity, another recruit walks up to us. The young stranger is lean with a confident stride. His midnight-black hair is tousled and falling just above his shoulders, swaying with every step. His features are rugged with a strong jawline and piercing black eyes that bore into my skin, making the hairs on my arms stand at attention.
Is every man in the Order a psychotic asshole?
I shift my gaze from him to his bride. June is pressed against his side with his arm around her waist, supporting her as sheleans into him. Her gaze finds mine, and tears spring to my eyes at the defeated expression covering her face.
“Are you okay, June?” I ask.
“She’ll be fine,” the recruit says.
“I wasn’t talking to you, dickfuck.” I look at my friend, the concern evident in my voice. I can’t help it. “June, honey?”
“It’s okay, Delilah.” She sniffs and wipes the dampness from her eyes. “I’ll be okay.”
I run my gaze over her shoulder, finding the mark on her skin puffy and bright red. A shudder runs through me. I might have the gumption to mouth off, but when it comes to facing the reality of the permanency of the mark on my skin, I’m a coward.
Xavier adjusts me in his arms. “What do you want, Declan?”
Declan? As in June’s ex? Holy fucking monkey balls.
I can’t decide if this is a good or bad thing. I make a mental note to ask Xavier later, if given the chance. It’s not like I don’t have my own shit to worry about.
“Why did you challenge him?” Declan asks. “First you didn’t recite the vow to him, and then you said it incorrectly. Are you trying to piss him the fuck off?”
The skin around Xavier’s jaw tightens, and his stormy eyes flash with something violent. He doesn’t respond immediately, as though choosing his words carefully. His grip on me tightens for a moment before he finally answers.
“If I didn’t stand up to him now, he would use her to control me later on. You should know that.”
Declan’s gaze lands on me briefly, as if weighing the implications and the gravity of the hypothetical situation. His eyes widen with understanding, and he gives Xavier a curt nod. “You know him better than anyone.”
Xavier blows out a breath. “Unfortunately.”
Chapter 31
DELILAH
My fucked-up knight in black armor carries me effortlessly into the castle.
I rest my head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart while mine is erratic, making my chest ache. Part of me wants to shove him away, but this is the first time someone has forced me to depend on them. It’s strange… and comforting in an unhealthy way.
Let the Stockholm syndrome begin.
I perk up the instant he stops in front of a room on the third floor. A security panel sits to the right of the door. It’s a sleek device that’s been seamlessly integrated into the castle’s historical ambiance.
Xavier places his hand on the flat surface, and it scans his palm through a complex pattern recognition system that’s too advanced for a mere fraternity. Once his identity is confirmed, the heavy wooden door unlocks with a subtle click, and he walks inside.
The room is spacious with high ceilings and walls adorned with ancient decor alongside modern light fixtures. A large bed made up of solid wood dominates the center of the floor, drapedin deep crimson and black material. The only light shining in the dark room is an electric candle, creating shadows that flit across the opulent furnishings.
Xavier sets me on the bed, his gaze never leaving mine. “Don’t move.”
