Somehow, I’d gone from standing to yanking Nila Weaver from my brother’s embrace and dragging her like a hunted deer toward the Hall.
“Hey!” Nila dragged her nails over my wrist. It didn’t do any good. Pain was another emotion I’d managed to shut off. “Let me go.”
“No,” I muttered. “There’s something I need to show you.” Theparty was left behind, and Kes had the sense of mind to stay where the fuck he was.
No one intervened or glanced our way as I carted her closer to the Hall. Once we entered the huge mansion, I let her wrist go and moved behind her to splay a guiding hand on her lower back. She stiffened but didn’t shy away. Silently, I propelled her down the corridor.
What are you doing?
This was important.
You agreed you wouldn’t go through with it.
That was before my brother stepped over the line.
Fuck trying to keep myself removed.
Nila was mine, and she would never be permitted to forget it.
At the time, I’d drafted it purely to keep myself busy while staying my distance. But I think I always knew in my heart I would make her sign.
After all, it would ensure Nila would stay mine, even if she fell for my brother. Even if Kes won.
A binding agreement.
Something that trumped even the Debt Inheritance.
An agreement my father would disintegrate if he ever found out.
* * * * *
My study.
My sanctuary.
The one place no one else was permitted to go.
What are you doing bringing her in here?
I hadn’t thought this through. But I couldn’t turn back now.
Unlocking the thick carved door, I pushed Nila through the entrance. Once inside, I locked it, letting her drift forward on her own accord. Her eyes moved around the space quickly, expertly going to the exits of bathroom, balcony sash window, and the doorway in which we’d come.
Poor girl.
She’d changed so much already. A true survivalist. A puritan who only wanted to live.
But you’ll die. Just like the rest of them.
I searched for the cold smugness drilled into me by my father. I was supposed to enjoy this—to love the hunt and dispatching ofWeavers.
It was a family hobby. A trade passed down, linking our forefathers and ensuring our lineage had common ground.
So why did the thought of beheading her twist my gut?
Why did the very notion of watching her fuck my brother churn my heart in a blender?
My entire body rebelled at the thought of an axe detaching her long black hair, slicing through the vulnerable cord of muscle, shutting her dark eyes forever.
