I’m not trying to be cocky, but it’s the truth. I learned how to use a bow and arrow when I was eight, and even back then I was a natural. I can, and have, killed men with a knife, but this is my preferred method for a couple of reasons. The obvious—distance, they can’t touch me. The not so obvious—it’s just fucking cool. I grab another arrow from my handmade quiver. This time, I shoot him in the other leg. He lifts his head and slams it back into Kill’s chest as he releases a guttural cry. I sneak a glance to Heather in Knox’s arms, and she’s calmed down now that she realizes Killian is safe. She slipped up with her outburst, giving away her true feelings about my brother. The thought brings a small smile to my lips as I line up my next shot. I keep going, and decorate his body with arrows. I take out my special one that has poison on the tip, and line it up in my bow. I pull the string back and watch the arrow fly through the air straight into his heart. The poison wasn’t necessary, but if my aim was off, it’d be a slow, painful death.
Heather bounces on her toes excitedly. Her long blonde hair hangs in a high ponytail, and her blue eyes fucking sparkle, as she stares at me with something that looks a lot like adoration. It causes my heart to race. It’s a feeling no other person has given me. Killian’s wrong. This isn’t OCD. I’m fucking in love with this woman. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to earn that expression on her face. She looks happy, and whatever I have to do, I intend to keep her that way.
“You have to teach me that,” she squeals, sounding nothing like the broken girl she was earlier tonight.
“Anything you want, Little Heathen.”Fucking anything.“Go get ready for our date. We need to dispose of Matteo, and I need to talk to Killian.”
She walks closer to me, and places her hands behind her back, standing on her toes expectantly.
Leaning down, I kiss her slowly before pulling away.
Kill stands beside Matteo’s body and watches her as she leaves. Once she’s gone, he says, “I’ve got this. Go on your date.”
I clear my throat, ready for a fight with my brother.
“Kill, we need someone devoted to helping find her father. I know how you say you feel about her, but I’m asking you to do this for me.”
Killian stands, removing the tape from his hands and sighs before he responds.
“I don’t think she’s good for you, Carter. I’m worried for you. You’re so fucking lost in this girl, and I’m terrified to find out what happens when it all turns to shit.”
Knox stands with us, not saying a word, his gaze bouncing from Killian to me when I respond.
“What if it doesn’t all go to shit? She’s ours, and I think I can speak for Knox when I say this isn’t temporary. It’s permanent. Neither of us have any intention of letting her walk out of our fucking lives.”
Killian folds his arms over his chest, the tape hanging from his hands, as he clenches his jaw.
“This woman is going to hurt you. I’m trying to protect you.”
That’s the problem right there. Killian promised me when we were five that he’d protect me, and never let anyone hurt me again. I was a traumatized child at the time, and back then I needed those words, but now his behavior is fucking stifling.
“You can’t control everything, Kill. I know you try, but it’s impossible. Are you going to help, or am I doing it by myself?”
He runs a hand through his hair as he lets out an annoyed breath.
“I’ll take care of it.”
I nod my thanks and walk out of the garage with Knox following behind me.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
THE HEATHEN
Istand in Carter’s bedroom with every piece of clothing I own scattered across the bed. These men are hot as hell, and will be wearing suits. Nothing I have seems good enough. I know Carter has never dated, but Knox is probably used to gorgeous women with fancy clothing.
“I like that on you, Little Heathen, but I’m going to kill every man that looks at you tonight.”
I turn around to find Carter staring at me with a heated gaze, as his eyes travel down the length of my body, and back up again.
“I’m not wearing lingerie out. I can’t decide what won’t make me look homeless compared to you two.”
He stuffs his hands in his dress pants pockets as he stares at me incredulously.
“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. You’d look hot as hell in sweatpants. Don’t overthink it.”
I glance away from him and blink back the unshed tears in my eyes.
“I don’t want to embarrass you.”
