I don’t realize that my grip on Max’s hand has tightened until he flexes his fingers and casts me a sidelong glance. “It’ll be alright,” he says quietly. “Our guys know what they’re doing. Trust me?”
It’s a question, not a command.
And, somehow, I do. His words help me relax. When I look up, I see Cain watching our exchange with a narrowed, analytical gaze. He doesn’t look like he’s particularly interested; more like he’s tracking what’s happening and filing it away for future use, if need be. He might have some sense of respect for me, but I’d be a fool to ever think he’s my friend. Heappreciatesmy work as Viper, but I’m not sure he sees me as human. I’m not sure he sees anyone as human—not really. I think everyone might just be a tool to him.
The guy who was flat on his back manages to get the upper hand, and then bashes his opponents head in with a brick until the fucker stops moving.Nice.
“It’s on you, Oliver,” Toby murmurs into his headset. “Get it done.”
I watch with bated breath as the Nighthawk Toby was speaking to proceeds to put six bullets in his opponent. Overkill, but whatever works.
And, just that easily, it’s over—Ithink.
“All units to the rendezvous point,” Toby says. “Good work. Coordinate protection with Osborn and report back in sixty. Any injuries?” he pauses to listen. “Patch it up, let me know if you need medical. I want eyes on Alina around the clock—four pairs, minimum. Armed, armored, and ready to kill if need be. We clear on that point?” he pauses to listen again. “Good. Wrap it up, boys. Good work.”
He flings off his headset and turns to Cain. “Success.”
“Good,” Cain says lightly. “Watch the girl. Maximus, Viper, I’d like a word with you tomorrow morning. For tonight, I believe youhave celebrating to do. Greyson, with me.” He stands, and Greyson reluctantly stands with him, following Cain out.
Toby watches them go, then nods at Max. “We good?”
Max doesn’t respond. Instead, he pulls me up and leads me out of the room.
I feel faintly like I’m in shock. For five years, I’ve risked life and limb again and again and dealt with unimaginable cruelty, all to keep Alina safe. Andnow, in the span of ten minutes, the men sent to watch and kill her have been executed, and she’s surrounded by some of the best fighters in the world. Fighters that answer to Cain, Greyson, andMax.Max will keep her safe—that much, I know.
On the heels of my shock comes a wave of gratitude, followed by a wave of emptiness. I’ve had only two objectives for so long… now that one of the objectives has been achieved, I don’t know what to do with myself. As long as Alina’s safe from Dagon, I’m not bound to him. She was the tether keeping me in his service—without that… I’m not sure who I am, besides the person who’s going to kill that motherfucker, once and for all.
But what will I be then?
An assassin, sure. An executioner, according to Greyson, and a very good one at that. But… I don’t have a college education. I don’t really have dreams or goals—those were beaten out of me long ago.
Max pulls me into his apartment and leads me to his bedroom, not even stopping to say hi to Creature, who’s lazing in his doggy bed in the corner. Max closes the bedroom door behind us, and then, we’re alone. I’m in a half-dazed state as he circles me, wordlessly removing my clothing, one article at a time. When I’m fully naked, he takesa step back.
“Kneel.”
For the first and possibly last time, it’s a mixture of gratitude and trust that brings me to my knees.
Chapter Thirty-One
Ember
Max watches me for several long, wordless moments. He doesn’t speak, doesn’t move, doesn’t even seem tobreathe;he simply stares at me, long and hard, as if he’s trying to burn a hole into my soul.
He steps forward, then squats down in front of me. His expression is serious, but not severe; his posture is tense, but not angry. He just looks…intent.
“I came through on my end of our bargain,” he enunciates slowly, searching my eyes. “You know what that means?”
I lick my lips, and his eyes drop to them, flaring with interest. “My service has transferred from Dagon to you.” Not my preferred outcome—going from one master to another—but at least this one treats me decently enough, minus the depraved sexual acts.
Or is that a plus?
“Wrong.” He fists my hair, angling my head. “I’m not interested in your service or what you can do for me, Ember. I’m interested inyou,and everything that makes you who you are. I want every inch,cell,moleculeof you to belong to me—and I want you to want that as desperately as I do.”
I lower my gaze. I can’t give him that. I’m fuckingsickof being owned—only the fact that I’m a woman of my word is keeping me from finding an escape plan. I made a deal and Max came through; now it’s my turn to come through, no matter what my sentiments on the matter are.
“I’m not expecting you to want that right this moment, but Iamexpecting—no,demanding—that you stay put. You do not try to run away. Your sister is safe, and should that change, you’ll be the first to know about it. You’re mine. I won. Got it?”
I nod. He softens his hold in my hair and runs his thumb over my bottom lip. “It won’t be bad. I won’t go easy on you, and I’ll punish any indiscretions accordingly, but I won’t be needlessly cruel. I’ll look after you, Flame. You have my word on that.”
