That makes emotion well up within me, but I choke it back. I refuse to show any of that to him.
I refuse.
“I’ve been called worse, if I’m honest.”
He laughs and then shakes his head, his hair falling in his face. “You were such fun. It’s too bad you were with them. So tied to the Costellos. We could have drawn out what we had a little longer.”
“No, that wouldn’t have happened. It would have ended regardless. I was getting bored.”
“You weren’t. You were upset I ended things.”
“You didn’t end things! You hurt Tatum.”
That makes his smile widen, and he bites his bottom lip.
“Technically, I didn’t. The Aces did. But they were operating under the express orders of our father.”
“And look what happened to them. They’re all dead.”
“Sad, I know. I kinda liked working with them. But I always move on. Just like I did with you.”
I glance away and strain at my restraints, but they don’t move. Of course they don’t. He knows better than to let me loose.
“Now, Ara. Back to your question. I would love to tell you everything, but he said not to give too much away. He wanted to be here for the big reveal.”
“My name’s not Ara. It’s Bane.”
“Ara. Bane. It doesn’t matter. What does is that you’ve been working for the enemy. He always said you were a disappointment. It’s why he took Emma and me in. Said you were born to an English bitch of a mom and looked nothing like him. I bet you’re not even really his.”
As he says that, my mind absorbing the information as best I can, the door swings open and a figure steps inside. I can sense him, just like I did all those years ago.
My vision narrows, the edges hazy as I take in the shape of him. He was always faceless in my memories and dreams, but here he is.
Right in front of me.
And moving closer.
So close I can smell him.
It’s familiar, something strong and musky.
As the light hits him, the shadows receding, I find myself unable to breathe.
Death is standing before me, and I can’t run. I can’t hide.
I just have to submit.
“Hello there, Ara,” the deep voice says, bringing up memories of my time underground. “Welcome home. It’s been fifteen years since you escaped.”
I wheeze as I take in his face. Dark eyebrows, a pronounced nose, a twisted and evil grin.
Everything flashes forward, moving to the front of my mind.
My mom’s tears, the way her arms felt around me, how she smelled of roses, how I was pulled away from her.
Please don’t take him. Don’t take my baby.
He doesn’t deserve to live here with you. You’ve made him weak, and we all know my son can never be that.
