My heart hurled itself against my ribcage, bruising itself in its urge to flee or perhaps surrender to the perfectly delivered offer of kinship.
I froze as he cupped my chin. My skin twinged as he held me firm. “Now, Nila Weaver, read. Forget us, and spend time with your true family.”
Chapter Twelve
Jethro
THREE FUCKING HOURS, I looked for her.
I hunted through Hawksridge Hall, opened doors into rooms I never wanted to step foot into ever again, and stalked down corridors I’d long since forgotten about as I never explored that part of the house.
I bumped into Diamond Brothers and got caught up in a strategy meeting for the next shipment arriving in three days, but no matter how many bedrooms, bathrooms, and lounges I searched, I found nothing.
Nothing!
Had she run again? Could she be that fucking stupid to try and escape after I’d proven how useless that was?
Damn my father for dismissing us.
The moment I’d stepped outside the dining room, Kes had requested my help on a matter. Seeing as he was the only person I had time for, I reluctantly followed, even though I wanted to wait till Cut had finished with Nila. I fuckinghatedher being alone with him. My knuckles ached from fisting so hard, and I didn’t know how I would survive when the time came to share.
I’d go fucking insane.
I’d have to make sure all loaded ammunition was barred from the house, so I didn’t end up slaughtering my entire family.
Nila Weaver was mine, goddammit. I didn’t want anyone talking, touching, or twisting her thoughts without my permission.
Calm the fuck down.
I slammed to a stop in the middle of a corridor. If I bumped intoCut in this state, he’d know I wasn’t coping. He’d take me so damn low, I wouldn’t stand a chance of climbing out of the glacier so fast.
You shouldn’t be thawing so quickly.
I agreed with my internal logic. I shouldn’t be feeling this type of emotion. I shouldn’t be letting my feelings get the better of me.
Breathing hard through my nose, I locked my jaw and recited the same thing I did every day, ten times a day, twenty even—all to remind myself of who I was meant to be and hide who I truly was.
My lips moved as I let the words trickle silently in my mind.
I’m a shadow lurking in plain sight.
A predator in sheep’s clothing.
I prey on the weak with no apology.
I hide my true temper beneath a veil of decorum.
I’ve mastered the art of suave.
I’m a gentleman. Distinguished, accomplished, and shrewd.
I’m all of those things but none of them.
Rules and laws don’t apply to me.
I’m a rule-breaker, curse-maker, life-stealer.
The minute I’d finished, my hands balled, and the devil’s advocate whispered in my ear.
