Dominic’s eyebrow raises, but his finger doesn’t move.
“We barely had to hunt her at all,” Liam continues, leaning against the wall. “She practically delivered herself to us. Where’s the sport in that?”
My breath catches. Is he suggesting what I think he is?
“Perhaps we should give her another chance,” Liam says, eyes gleaming. “Let her run. See if she can give us a proper chase this time.”
Hope flares in my chest at an unexpected lifeline thrown into the depths of my despair. A chance to escape, to regroup, to find Mira, maybe. My eyes dart between the three men, trying not to look too eager.
Dominic withdraws his finger with deliberate slowness, making me shudder. His jaw tightens as he turns to Liam.
“Now I’ve caught her, I’m not letting her go,” he growls, gripping my arm possessively. “That wasn’t part of the plan.”
My hope begins to fade, but then Ryder steps forward, that dangerous smile playing on his lips.
“I’m with Liam on this one,” he says, eyes traveling over my disheveled appearance. “It makes it more fun.”
My heart pounds as they stare each other down. This could be my only chance.
“Think about it, Dom,” Ryder continues. “The fear in her eyes when we catch her again... knowing exactly what’s waiting for her this time. Tell me that isn’t worth it.”
Dominic’s grip on my arm tightens momentarily before he lets out a frustrated breath.
His eyes darken as he studies my face, his jaw working back and forth. The tension is unbearable as I wait, desperately hoping he’ll agree. Finally, he releases my arm with a frustrated growl.
“Fine,” he snaps. “We do this Liam’s way.”
Relief floods through me so intensely my knees nearly buckle. A chance. I have a chance.
A deep chuckle rumbles from Ryder’s chest as he watches me. “Look at that. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so grateful for a head start they’re doomed to waste.”
“Enjoy that feeling while it lasts, sweetheart,” Liam adds, his smooth voice carrying an edge that sends goosebumps racing across my skin. “That relief you’re feeling? It’s going to evaporate the moment your body realizes what’s happening.”
Dominic leans in close, his breath hot against my ear. “When the adrenaline kicks in, when you’re running through that maze knowing all three of us are coming for you...” His fingers trace the curve of my neck. “When every shadow makes you jump, when every sound could be one of us closing in...”
“That’s when you’ll realize we’ve only made this worse for you,” Ryder finishes.
I try to steady my breathing, attempting to hide how their words affect me.
“You have three minutes,” Dominic says, stepping back. “Then we’re coming after you. And this time, we won’t be so gentle when we find you.”
I don’t wait for anything else. The second they create enough space, I bolt past them toward the chamber’s exit, not caring about my torn dress or the way their laughter follows me into the darkness.
8
LIAM
Iwatch Cora flee, her torn dress fluttering behind her as she disappears down the corridor. Dominic smirks, already planning his pursuit, while Ryder’s eyes gleam with predatory excitement.
But they’re missing what I see.
That flash in her eyes before she ran wasn’t just fear or relief. It was a determined intelligence. The girl everyone dismisses as Mayor Pike’s spoiled daughter is working angles, even now.
“What are you smiling about?” Dominic asks, eyeing me suspiciously.
“Just appreciating the complexities of our prey,” I reply, straightening my cuffs. “She’s not what you think.”
Ryder scoffs. “She’s exactly what I expected. Privileged, sheltered, and about to learn a harsh lesson.”
