“I hope you’re loyal,” he murmured, his voice thick with warning. “Otherwise, you’ll see the worst of me.”
I swallowed hard.
“Here’s what you’re going to do for me.”
I forced myself upright, tugging down my crumpled shirt to smooth my disheveled appearance.
“Anything, my lord.” My voice came out controlled. “Name it, and I’ll do it.” I bowed my head, the perfect picture of obedience. “I am eternally loyal to you, Master.”
Balthazar’s lips curled, his sharp teeth flashing in the dim firelight.
“Good. Good.”
He paced, muttering under his breath, his hands twitching like he was pulling invisible strings.
Then, in a loud, commanding voice, he declared, “You will bring me Roman and Malik.”
The air in the room shifted, darkening, thickening as if the walls recoiled at his words.
“Find them,” he ordered. “I shall kill them, and you shall watch.”
Fuck that idea.
“Of course, my lord,” I said, masking my revulsion. “I live to serve.”
Balthazar’s gaze flicked to Tristan, who had been sinking into the couch like a frightened child.
“Why can’t you find them yourself, Dad?” Tristan’s voice trembled, barely above a whisper. “You can find anyone.”
Balthazar whirled on him, his power crackling in the air.
“Shut the fuck up!” His roar shook the walls, making Tristan flinch.
But Tristan—either too stupid or too desperate—pressed on.
“But Roman’s at this Count Montego fellow’s home,” he blurted. “You can find him there.”
Balthazar’s eyes narrowed, his nostrils flaring like a bull.
“The count will know nothing about Malik,” he spat. “Malik hides from everyone.”
He waved his hand dismissively as if Malik’s very existence was irritating.
I sighed, exhausted from this insufferable tirade.
“He might,” I said carefully, testing the waters. “You can send Tristan to find them—bring them here. Then we can all catch up.”
Before I could react, Balthazar was on me.
One moment, he stood across the room?—
The next, he had me by the throat again, slamming me into the wall with bone-rattling force.
I choked, my head snapping against the stone.
“I will not tolerate your ill regard toward my son,” he snarled, his breath hot against my face.
His hands tightened, my feet barely scraping the floor.
