I flicked my lighter, set the letter on fire, and watched it curl into ash.
The Circle would be watching. Good.
Once I was in, I would finish what my brother started. Take them out one by one until there is no one left.
I exhaled the last drag, dropped the cigarette, and crushed it under my heel. Then I turned, moved the curtain aside, and stepped back into the tent.
She was sitting in a chair, holding a small silver mirror as she fixed her makeup. When she saw me, she set it down and stood.
I walked toward her. Her eyes followed me. I stopped near the iron bar and unlocked the chain, pulling her toward me.
“Asshole,” she muttered under her breath.
I laughed, pulling harder until our faces were inches apart.
“Your mouth will get you into trouble, Doll.”
I caught her arm and dragged her toward the target wheel, turning her so her back pressed against the wood. I lifted her left wrist and fastened it to the leather strap hanging there. Her breathing quickened. I leaned close enough to feel her heartbeat pulse through my chest. I caught her right wrist, tied it the same way, then crouched down.
My hands slid slowly along her thighs, tracing the path down to her ankles. Her muscles shivered beneath my touch. I lifted her left foot, slipped off her heel, and placed it against the wooden edge, buckling the strap in place. Then I moved to her right, taking her other heel, lifting my gaze until it met hers.
Her pulse jumped. Her body leaned into the contact, wanting more even when her mind didn’t. I liked that. I locked the strap around her right ankle and stood, facing her again.
I caught her jaw between my fingers, ran my thumb along her lips. Her breath hitched.
“You’re enjoying this too much,” she whispered.
I didn’t look up. My eyes lingered on her full breasts. “Enjoying what?”
“Having me chained up before your big moment,” she said, voice breaking into shallow breaths.
I laughed, taking a step back.
“Not as much as you do.” I winked, then turned and walked to the table, checking the knives.
I picked one up, checking the weight in my hand. Looking up, I met her eyes and smirked before letting the blade fly.
It sliced through the air and struck the wood between her thighs, the handle stopping just an inch from her pussy, which I knew was already pulsating for me.
She gasped, eyes snapping shut.
I laughed again, walking toward her. My hand slid down her waist, tracing the curve of her hip until my fingers reached the knife. I pulled it free from the wood, and she let out another sharp breath.
“Mmm,” I murmured against her neck, watching goosebumps rise along her skin. “I wish we had more time.” I chuckled, low. “I would love to see you ride that knife handle.”
She turned her face away, whispering, “You can keepwishing.”
That made me laugh harder.
Just then, two clowns stepped in, followed by Mia. She carried a black cylinder hat and a black leather coat with gold buttons. The circus director’s uniform, made for me. All black, trimmed in gold.
“Mia,” I said, “right on time.”
I turned my back as she draped the coat over my shoulders. I faced her again, bowing slightly as she placed the hat on my head and handed me a black cane.
“Showtime,” I whispered.
I turned to the clowns. “Bring her out in one minute, when I make the announcement.”
