My mind skipped. Was he asking for forgiveness for licking me like his brothers or for deceiving me with text messages?
Either way, I had no willpower to offer him absolution.
Did I take a wrong turn somewhere? Had I entered an alternate universe where I was no longer a prisoner, destined to be a plaything for bastards, and somehow became an...equal?
Kes moved closer, his body heat making me quiver. “I understand why you can’t. I was selfish for asking something you can’t give.”
A crashing headache squeezed my temples. “I—I don’t understand what’s going on.” I flinched as the words spilled from my mouth, raining confusion and vulnerability.
Kes didn’t twitch or move away, only twirled his fingers in my hair. “You’ll understand, soon enough.” Closing his eyes briefly, he released my ponytail and took a step back.
Instantly, the real world swamped into being: sunlight, the feel of luxurious carpet beneath my flip-flops, and the crackle of wood burning in the large fireplace behind Flaw.
If this was another game orchestrated by the hellish Mr. Hawk, then he’d just won because Kestrel had drained me more successfully than anyone. He’d made me pliant and submissive. He’d done what no amount of fear or arguing with Jethro could achieve.
And that made Kestrel deadly.
My heart thrummed with true fear.
Another huge difference between the brothers: one used softnessto control me; the other wielded frost and fury.
How naïve was I to believe Kes could ever be on my side. He was the polar opposite—the snake in the proverbial grass—just waiting for Jethro to fail, so he could sink his fangs of pity into me and bring me under his spell.
I knew without a doubt I had to understand my enemies, and quickly, before they manipulated my mind with falsities.
Taking a deep breath, I crossed my arms across my chest, wishing I had a jacket. The chill of my conclusions stole into my blood, making me shiver with trepidation.
What had just happened, and why did I feel as if I’d lost?
At least with Jethro, Isawhim. We were evenly matched in will and temper. And we both conceded defeat with yet another challenge met head on.
Kestrel was dangerous.
Treacherous.
Skilled in manipulation so clever, my thoughts were enamoured and I had no hope of deciphering what truly occurred.
Flaw clapped his hands, completely dispelling the tense mood. “I’m glad that’s all resolved.”
Moving toward the wingback where a saddlebag revealed the muzzles of weapons, he plucked it off and patted the buttoned leather. “Sit. Hang out with us, if you don’t have anything else to do.” Shooting a look at Kes, he said to me, “Can I get a maid to bring you something? Coffee, tea, a snack?”
I looked into his dark eyes, utterly gobsmacked. “Is this a new strategy? Commiserate with the indebted girl—give her the illusion she hasfriends?”
Flaw shook his head. “Uh...”
“Everyone is to treat you with utmost civility, Nila. It isn’t a trick,” Kes’s deep voice rumbled.
Trick?
This was beyond a trick. It was an entireproductionof tricks.
But what could I do? Nothing. I just had to play along and hope I could see the truth through the lies.
Flaw nodded at the door. “You found us—remember? We have nothing to gain by inviting you in here and talking.”
Kes said, “He’s right. We’re not going to hurt you.”
But you did if you’re Kite. You hurt me by pretending.
