Something dangerous flickers in Jax’s eyes. “You don’t understand the game we play.”
“It’s not a game if you’re the only one playing.” The words slip out before I can stop them.
Jax’s hand shoots out, gripping my jaw painfully. “Careful, Aurora. Your worth to me begins and ends with Hunter’s attachment to you.”
I hold his gaze, refusing to show fear despite my racing heart. This man isn’t reasonable. He’s constructed an elaborate betrayal in his mind, and nothing I say will convince him otherwise.
“Let her go,” Olivia demands, her voice shaking but determined.
Jax releases me with a dismissive push. “You both better hope Hunter values you enough to come for you. Though I suspect only one of you truly matters to him.”
Jax’s gaze shifts to Olivia, his expression changing as he takes in her elegant silhouette still draped in the remains of her gown. Where he looked at me with calculated menace, his eyes now linger on my sister with something far more disturbing.
“You, however,” he says, stepping toward Olivia, “are even more beautiful up close.”
Olivia backs away until she hits the concrete wall. “Don’t touch me.”
Jax ignores her, reaching out to touch a strand of her blonde hair. “I’ve seen you at events, of course. Always on display, like the perfect little trophy.”
My sister’s eyes dart to mine, wide with fear.
“I always wondered why Reed would arrange an engagement with you only to chase your sister.” His voice drops lower as he circles Olivia like a predator. “It’s puzzling, isn’t it?”
“Get away from her,” I warn, moving closer.
Jax ignores me completely. “Such a waste. You’re the crown jewel.” His hand shoots out, wrapping around Olivia’s throat. “So refined. So polished.”
Olivia gasps, clawing at his fingers.
I lunge forward, grabbing his arm. “Let her go!”
Without even looking in my direction, Jax shoves me backward with his free hand. The force sends me flying across the small cell. My back slams against the opposite wall, knocking the wind from my lungs.
“What could he possibly see in you?” Jax tightens his grip on Olivia’s throat while staring directly at me. “When he had this perfect, beautiful fiancée already? The one who would advance his position, secure his legacy?”
Olivia’s face is turning red as she struggles to breathe.
“You’re plain compared to her,” Jax continues, his thumb stroking Olivia’s jaw while he keeps her pinned. “Unremarkable. Yet he risked everything—his future, his position, even his life—for you.”
I push myself up, ignoring the pain radiating through my back. “Let her go. Now.”
Jax’s lips curl into a smile that chills my blood. “Perhaps I should discover what makes the Harrison women so irresistible.”
Jax finally releases his grip on Olivia’s throat, and she collapses forward, gasping for air. Her hand flies to her neck, angry red marks already forming on her pale skin.
“Get the hell away from her!” I shout.
Liv scrambles backward, putting distance between herself and Jax. Her eyes are wide with terror and rage as she presses herself against the concrete wall.
“You’re a psychopath,” she rasps, her voice raw from being choked.
Jax watches her retreat with predatory interest. “You can struggle all you want, beautiful Olivia. But in the end, you won’t be able to escape.”
He adjusts his pants, and I feel sick when I notice the visible bulge there. The fact that hurting my sister sexually excites him makes my stomach turn. This man isn’t just dangerous—he’s depraved.
I rush to Liv’s side, putting my arm around her trembling shoulders. We press ourselves against the far wall, as far from Jax as the small cell allows.
“Are you okay?” I whisper, my eyes never leaving Jax.
