Clang.
Jethro looked up. His golden eyes had been cloaked before with chaos, but now they screamed with everything he wanted to say.
I read your text.
I’m sorry.
Clang.
My heart cracked open as Jethro’s lips formed two words. Two words that asked so much of me with no hint of deliverance.
Trust me.
Clang.
The final chime hung in the air like a cymbal crash, giving me nowhere else to hide. Ten p.m. and the night had only just begun.
Dropping my gaze from Jethro’s, I steeled my heart and trusted not inhimbut inme.
I was strong enough.
I was brave enough.
I trusted I could survive.
Straightening my shoulders, I moved toward the Hawks to serve them.
Chapter Thirty
Jethro
FUCK, SHE WAS beautiful.
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the see-through shirt and awful trousers she wore. Instead of turning her into a scullery boy—an unwanted little heathen—the billowing material transformed her into a pixy. An ethereal creature barely fitting into human clothes.
Please, let this work.
I hadn’t had much time. I didn’t have the assurances I needed.
But I’d done all I could to protect her.
Trust me, Nila.
I waited for her to raise her eyes, but she kept them downcast as she approached the poker table. It was a proper gaming platform with cup holders, chip placers, and leather cushioning for hiding our winning hand.
‘Poker Night’ used to be a weekly occurrence. The Black Diamonds, my brothers, and my father would set up multiple tables and play until those tables morphed into one. The stakes of each game were high. Buy-ins were fifty pounds, and it wasn’t uncommon for a pot to reach five figures before anyone won.
But now, this was a private affair. Four Hawks and one lone Weaver. Along with the disgusting knowledge of what would happen tonight.
Nila leaned over to restock the bowls, trying her best not to get too close. Her smell wrapped around me, spilling rich, fresh scents entirely too sensual. She looked so good. Her eyes were darker, her lips so fucking kissable.
Damn her for being so pretty. She might’ve been protected if she wasn’t so tempting. Just like my family had damned her to this fate, her own genes ensured it would be worse.
“Thank you, Nila,” Kes whispered as she moved around the table.
She flinched, not acknowledging him.
My cock twitched; I gritted my teeth. I couldn’t handle my brother talking to her.
