“Oh, is it?” Jett leans in, squinting as he searches for proof. For the gore he can’t possibly see through the slit in the mask.
And even though the opening is just a slim, uneven slash that gives nothing away, Knox doesn’t let his brother get anywhere near me.
He shifts, moving his hand from my neck to hold my hand. From there, he twists his arm as he pushes me behind him. Becoming my human shield.
“And when it’s time to feed her, I’ll make her rip the sutures out herself.” My man seethes. “Still sound like love to you?”
My blood runs cold at how convincing Knox is.
He says it like it’s something they actually do here.
Oh God. Not him. Not my Knox. He might help his family catch and murder innocent people, then turn their skin to leather.
Torture, though? No. He would never.
Okay, okay. I’m fine. Nothing’s changed between Knox and me.
I’m still his.
Still have to protect him by holding in every sound, be it a cry or a scream.
My silence isn’t optional anymore. It isn’t a request.
One slip-up, and they’ll know he lied. They’ll know something’s up.
They’ll come for him.
After both of us.
In a confined basement, surrounded by four homicidal adults and an unpredictable kid, we don’t stand a chance.
My lungs flatten. Sweat beads on my forehead.
But then Knox’s thumb strokes the feverish skin of my wrist. Just once, reminding me he’s there before taking a threatening step forward, growling at his brother.
So fucking hot.
Bad time to be turned on, Skylar. The worst.
“You either let me in, or I’ll head home.” Knox acts as if the whole ordeal’s nothing more than a minor inconvenience.
The humid air clings to my skin as Jett weighs his options.
He must hate this, how Knox is done putting up with his bullshit.
We haven’t even stepped into the basement yet, and Knox is already wiping the floor with him.
Loser.
“Eeeep!” The childish screech from below breaks the tense standoff.
The second time Reese screeches and claps loud enough for us to hear, Jett starts laughing, the high-pitched hyena sound blaring in my ears.
Knox squeezes my hand tight enough to break bones.
Silence, he orders, and I obey.
“Well, then.” Jett slaps Knox’s shoulder. “You’re good to go. Come on in.”
