“You know what? I almost did on the way here,” I say. “You can’t threaten me with a good time.”
I aim at the other guard and squeeze the trigger. His body shudders before he faceplants on the floor.
The Broker’s face turns bright red, the veins in his neck bulging. “You motherfucker,” he grits out. “I’m not telling you shit.”
“You say that now, but after I hook you up to those chains out there,” I say, jutting my chin at the hooks suspended from the ceiling, “you’ll talk. I’m pretty sure I saw a couple of tools out there. It’s amazing what you can do with vises, clamps, and a power tool. If you think cutting through metal is easy, then imagine how it’ll tear through human bone.”
Chapter 39
DELILAH
Earlier that evening…
It takesall morning and most of the afternoon to convince Raven that I’m not in a relationship with Xavier. At least, not the traditional one. I might be his bride, but that’s far removed from being a girlfriend.
He’d be nice to a girlfriend. If he ever decided to date. Maybe.
Right now, he’s an asshole who’s making threats and demands, which pisses me off more than I care to admit. What I hate more is the thrill that zips along my skin every time I think about him touching me.
After hanging out with my roommate and June all day, under Declan’s watchful eye, I grab something for dinner and head back to the dorm room. It’s quiet without Raven, but she’s busy with her poetry club. Or plans for world domination, knowing her.
Considering Xavier’s fierce demand for Declan to watch over me, I’m surprised he didn’t haul me back to the fraternity. Maybe he wanted some alone time with June. He hasn’t beenable to take his eyes off of her to actually watch me. Not that I mind. A night alone without the Order or its minions is nice.
As the sun sets, I sprawl out on my bed with my stomach full, my body sore from last night’s activities. I’m tempted to crawl underneath the blanket and go to sleep although it’s only eight, but a knock on the door has me on my feet. I was under the impression that Xavier would be gone longer than that. So why do I feel nervous and jittery at the idea of him returning so soon?
I open the door and a wave of disappointment washes over me when it’s not Xavier. That emotion is quickly replaced with pain and anger, making my chest tight and my face warm. I fold my arms as if to shield myself from the emotions churning inside me.
“What are you doing here, Ben?”
“I need to talk to you.”
I glare at him. “I texted you for weeks, and nothing. Not even a fucking thumbs up. Now you want to talk?”
He flinches. “Please, Lilah. I’ll explain everything.”
“Go ahead.”
“Not here.” He looks up and down the hallway and shakes his head. “Let’s take a walk.”
I study him, taking in his shoulders slumping and how his eyes are filled with regret. My heart cracks a little in my chest. This is Ben, my only family besides the girls and Gloria. But they’re not here, and he is.
“Fine.” I step out of the room and shut the door behind me. “But the minute I feel like you’re hiding shit from me, I’m leaving.”
He sighs. “I understand. Come on.”
Ben guides me outside and into the cool evening air. We walk side by side, the muted sounds of our footsteps the only disturbance in the otherwise silent night. The university, usually bustling and vibrant during the day, feels abandonednow, its buildings standing like silent guardians over the empty walkways.
The path itself winds through the campus, leading us away from the main sections and into the more secluded areas where tall oaks and maples stand. Their leaves whisper above us, a hushed conversation that seems to foretell the one we’re about to have. Here, removed from the rest of the world, everything feels more intimate, as if it’s just Ben and me.
The way things were before I met Xavier.
Ben leans against the trunk of a large oak and faces me, arms crossed. “I don’t even know where to begin.”
“How about starting with the reason you never responded to my text messages? It’d better be a good one too.”
“Before I answer you, I need you to promise me something.” His gaze, so familiar and warm, is now cold and distant. “You can’t tell anyone what I’m about to say. If you do, it’ll put you in danger. Actually, just me telling you is enough to fuck us both.”
I purse my lips. “Is it because of the cult you’re in?”
