Olivia’s casual dismissal of marriage strikes something in me. Maybe... maybe there’s a way out of this moral nightmare. If she truly doesn’t care about Hunter beyond what he brings to the family business, could I possibly talk to her about my feelings for him? Would she understand that what Hunter and I share is more than just physical attraction?
“Liv,” I start cautiously, “what if someone else was interested in Hunter? Someone who actually had genuine feelings for him?”
She laughs as she sorts through her accessories. “They’d be welcome to the emotional labor. As long as the business partnership stays intact, I couldn’t care less who he sleeps with after we’re married.”
My heart races. This might be easier than I thought. I take a deep breath, preparing to confess everything.
“Actually, I wanted to talk to you about?—”
A knock at the door cuts me off. I hear our housekeeper, Maria, and familiar laughter that freezes me.
“Ms. Olivia? Your friends are here.”
Olivia squeals with delight, abandoning her packing to rush to the door. I follow more slowly, my confession dying in my throat as Chloe, Daisy, and Grace spill into our apartment, carrying overnight bags and bottles of champagne.
“Surprise!” Chloe yells, her voice echoing through the apartment as she tosses her leopard-print duffel onto the couch.
“What are you all doing here?” I ask, forcing a smile while panic blooms in my chest.
Daisy gives me a knowing look before hugging Olivia. “Your sister invited us for an impromptu packing party and sleepover before she jets off to London.”
“I figured we needed one last girls’ night before fashion week,” Olivia explains, taking a champagne bottle from Grace. “Plus, I needed fashion consultants I actually trust.”
Grace approaches me, her eyes searching mine. “You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I’m fine,” I lie, watching as Chloe and Olivia head toward the kitchen for glasses. “Just tired.”
Daisy joins us, speaking in a hushed tone. “Did you tell her yet?”
I shake my head minutely, my opportunity slipping away with every passing second. Whatever confession I was about to make will have to wait.
20
HUNTER
Istand in the shadowy expanse of the Vipers’ underground headquarters, watching as five hooded figures kneel before Jax King. The chamber’s dim lighting catches on Jax’s silver rings as he moves between the recruits, his presence commanding absolute silence from the thirty assembled members.
“Your trials have proven your worth,” Jax announces, his voice carrying through the cavernous space without effort. “Tonight, you cease to be individuals. Tonight, you become part of something greater.”
I nod at appropriate moments, maintaining the appearance of attentiveness. Inside my head, I’m replaying Aurora pinned against that tree, her skin flushed as she came apart for me. The memory of her taste lingers on my tongue.
Penn catches my eye from across the circle and raises an eyebrow. I straighten my posture, refocusing on Jax as he presents each recruit with their Viper insignia.
“These five survived when others failed,” Jax continues. “Remember. We are not friends. We are not family. We are power incarnate.”
The assembly repeats the mantra in perfect unison. I join them, the words automatic after fifteen years.
My thoughts drift to Olivia Harrison. The engagement must end without alienating her father. Derek’s shipping infrastructure is too valuable to lose over something as trivial as his daughter’s feelings. Perhaps an indiscretion on Olivia’s part—something I could arrange through Ari’s connections. Or better yet, a gentle redirection of her interests.
Jax’s eyes lock with mine briefly. I’ve known him long enough to recognize the warning there. Nothing escapes his notice.
“Hunter Reed,” he calls. “Present the final mark.”
I move forward automatically, removing the branding iron from the glowing coals. The emblem glows orange white in the darkness. The first recruit’s scream echoes against the stone walls as I press it to his shoulder.
All I can think about is how Aurora’s body felt against mine, and how soon I can have her again.
Jax steps forward as the last recruit’s branding sizzles to completion. The acrid scent of burned flesh hangs in the air. I return the iron to the coals and take my place in the inner circle.
