Breathe, Eve.He’s just a man. Like all the others who only want one thing—my body.
Kashton picks it up for me and places it next to the Lord’s head. He steps back, shoving his hands into the pocket of his hoodie, and watches me closely.
I’m sweating, and the blood rushes in my ears. My hands are fucking shaking. I haven’t felt like this in years.
I undo the buckle to the man’s gag, ripping it from his mouth and tossing it to the floor, allowing him to scream. Let him have the focus of their attention for a second.
“You fucking crazy bitch!” He yanks on the ropes and tries to buck me off, but I hold steady, my thighs tightening to secure my position while digging into the basket.
I secure duct tape over his mouth, making sure to wrap it completely around his head several times before I lean over and tear it with my teeth.
Then I pull out my trusty little handheld blowtorch and place the flame against the tape while his muffled screams fill the large space. “That shouldkeep it in place.” I smile as if I’m proud of myself and tap the side of his face. “Those who spill secrets will be silenced.” It’s a Lords motto.
We’ve all got something to hide, and I will take several secrets to my grave.
I go to move, and Kashton gets my attention as he rushes over to me. I allow him to grab my waist and help me down off the altar. I mumble athank youbefore walking around the altar and facing the other Lord. I meet his intense stare before I look over my shoulder at Kashton as well. “He’s ready for you.” I give them a chilling smile, attempting not to panic.
The man’s screams grow louder, and he fights the rope harder. I look down at him, still smiling, and touch his cheek as he tries to pull away from me.
“Nice work,” Haidyn states, looking over the hack job I did stitching the Lord up.
“Practice makes perfect.” I grab the pleats of my black skirt and curtsy. I look at Kashton and wink at him. Fuck, I’m trembling, but trying my best to play it off. Reaching up, I tap the side of the tied-down Lord’s face and say, “If you’re lucky, I’ll come visit you in hell.” With that, I walk across the cathedral and out the side door into the hallway.
Rushing into the office, I close the door behind me and take a deep breath, finally able to breathe.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
This can’t be happening. The past always catches up with you. If I’ve learned anything from the Lords, it’s that we’re all on borrowed time.
I lock the door and rush over to the desk, picking up my cell with trembling hands. I call the number that I ignored earlier. He’s the only one who could be connected to the two Lords who are on the other side of the door.
“Eve?” he answers immediately. “Everything okay? I called you?—”
“Kashton and Haidyn just showed up at the cathedral,” I explain, falling into the chair with my eyes on the office door, waiting for one of them to kick it down.
“Why?” he asks.
“To pick up a Lord.” He doesn’t say anything about that. “Did you send them?” I demand. Maybe that’s why he was calling me earlier. To give me a heads-up.
“No. Of course not.” There’s a long pause. “Did either one say anything to you?”
“No.” I sigh. Thank God. “But I have a feeling one of them will be back.”
KASHTON
Twelve years old
I step off the elevator and shiver. It’s always so cold down here. I hate being cold.
Moans and whimpers hit my ears, but I’m used to that. It scares me when it’s quiet. That’s when your mind makes you think you hear things that don’t exist.
Walking past the pits, I look around to make sure my father isn’t down here. He’s usually in his office at this time of day.
Coming up to the first cell on the right, I stop and sit down, crossing my legs. I look through the bars to see the woman lying on her side. Her back is to me, and she’s curled up in a ball. She has to be freezing. I tried to give her my jacket last week, but she refused it. Said I needed it more than her.
There’s one old dingy light bulb that gives the room a little light. It has four concrete walls. They’re all covered with white lines—four run up and down, and then a fifth one is diagonal through the center.
“I brought you something to eat,” I whisper, placing the plate next to me. I pick up the cookie and squeeze it between the bars, holding it in my hand. “Are you hungry?”
