It was a symbol of power over her.
I liked it more than I should.
“Compassion isn’t in my repertoire, Ms. Weaver. I have no remorse, no pity. The unnecessary emotion of affinity for victims is the worst kind of betrayal.” My father’s words came out smoothly, stroking my raw nerves, granting a strange kind of peace.
“You can sprout bullshit all you want, but no matter your lies, youfeel, Jethro. You felt something for me in the forest. You felt something for me when your brother held me in his arms. And if you can’t see that, then I feel sorry for you.”
I prowled forward, chasing her slowly around the post like a hawk chases a sparrow. “You’re mistaken. I’ve told you on numerous occasions—please me, and you’ll be rewarded. You pleased me by making me come, and you pleased me by showing how affected and scared of me you truly are by seeking comfort from my brother. Both will be rewarded.”
I hoped to God she didn’t hear my lies.
She stopped moving, holding her ground. “Fine. Have it your way. Your father repeated what you told me about the varying degree of each debt. This whole thing is completely ludicrous, but I’m done playing your game.”
I cocked my head. “This isn’t a game.”
She sneered. “It’s the worst game of all, don’t kid yourself.” Spreading her stance and opening her arms wide, she murmured, “Do your worst, Jethro Hawk. I’m ready to pay your First Debt.”
Chapter Thirteen
Nila
I WANTED TO hyperventilate; my heart winged with such terror.
But I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. He already knew he affected me by my stupid vertigo spells. He didn’t need to know the complex fear and fascination bubbling in my blood.
Why hadn’t I seen it sooner? Why hadn’t I seen past what he projected and looked deeper into his golden eyes? He was so tangled up in what hethoughthe was, he had no clue what he might be.
And that was a pitiful shame, not to mention dangerous for all involved. I could predict how he would react, based on what values he pretended to follow, but he could easily snap and do something completely the opposite.
Damn man.
Damn Hawk.
Jethro lowered his chin, glaring at me from beneath his brow. His hands opened and closed by his thighs. “You’re ready to pay the First Debt? Just like that?”
I nodded. “No point in dragging it out. I want it over with.”
Something flashed over his face, but he didn’t retaliate. Instead, he gritted his teeth and moved toward the post in the centre of the octagonal greenhouse.
My vision wouldn’t stop hazing in and out, tugging on the strings of my brain, threatening to throw me into the wall or shove me to the ground.
This is the First Debt.
Mr. Hawk’s and Jethro’s words echoed in my head.The debts startoff easy.It was the later ones I had to worry about. The ones I didn’t know of. The ones that would ultimately deliver my head.
Don’t think about that.
I turned my mind to Kestrel and the surprising kinship I’d begun to feel, before Jethro rudely stole me away. For almost three hours, I’d found something I didn’t think I’d ever find—in my old life or new.
A friend.
Kes had been witty and kind, sharing anecdotes of his childhood, Jethro’s childhood, and even some details he remembered of my mother. For some reason, having him talk about her didn’t upset me nearly as much as hearing it from Jethro or his father.
I knew I had to stay on my guard after what Cut had said:I’m to be treated with kindness and compassion.I could easily fall into the trap of thinking their concern was genuine. But...if KeswasKite, we had a connection that went past family obligations.
Don’t we?
Regardless, we’d spent a couple of hours sharing things that’d transported me away from Hawksridge Hall and to a place filled with softness. A connection formed, dusting my tummy with tentative bubbles of attraction.
