I shiver when his breath kisses my neck without touching me, as his grip around my throat tightens. It’s the perfect pressure and my traitorous pussy.
“This was me informing you,” Brax whispers, and I whimper. “You’re mine, Talia.” Then he releases me, backing away, turning around, and walking away without a glance backwards as my legs give out.
“Stupid, fucking controlling asshole,” I grumble, waiting for when I’m sure my legs work, and I don’t have to walk around like a fawn.
Once I’m sure, I stand and pick up my duffle and my pride before I watch his sexy ass disappear into the forest.
Throwing up my middle finger, I flip him off. “Hell will freeze over before I’d ever say ‘yes’ to that gorgeous, dick-laying prick.”
My eyes land on Mikah’s headless form slumped to the ground, and a swirl of emotions threatens to swallow me. Everything was false, fromstart to finish. The Mikah I knew never existed. He played a character to seem sane when he’s the antithesis of it.
His words replay.“Promise me. I did what they said to keep her safe—you have to promise me.”
This time, the quiver isn’t lustful—it’s ominous.
Who the fuck is they?
Epilogue
Tati
“Talia, Widow called you to her office,” Izzy states, tapping me on my shoulder. “I’ll take over until you return.”
Nodding, I reply, “Thanks. Can you watch Lettie?” I ask, and she nods. Then, I kneel, rubbing between her ears. “Auntie Izzy is going to watch you, then I’ll take you outside. She purrs, nuzzling into my palm for a moment longer before I pull back my hand and walk away.
I peer back to ensure she isn’t following me as I lightly jog across the training center and then up four flights of stairs.
It’s been six months since I got my vengeance, gutting the vile creatures that sent my world into a tailspin. But we still haven’t uncovered the organization Mikah was rambling about. I’m inclined to believe it was all in his head.
Striding down the hallway, I stop at the door that can only be accessed with multi-factor authentication.
Before you make it up the third flight of steps, it’s measuring your body chemistry, and nothing can ever be off, or else you’ll be in a world of pain before your death.
Placing my palm on the scanner, I wait for my pulse and body temperature to be checked. There’s a beep and click before the door unlocks, opening to another corridor.
This walk is far shorter. The door is only feet away. I don’t have to knock. Widow already knows it’s me. Seconds later, the door clicks open, and I step across the threshold into the expansive office.
Widow is seated behind her desk, but my step falters when I notice the older gentleman sitting on the brown leather couch. I immediately recognize the father of the man I’ve been dodging for six months.
I was instructed to take six months, and I did, but I didn’t leave the property. It didn’t stop Brax from sending gifts. I snickered at the look on everyone’s face when the daily gift appeared.
Confusion blankets my face as I walk further inside, nearing Widow’s desk.
When he notices me, he stands, a warm smile appearing on his face.
Brax better not have been a tattletale and told his dad. That would be some sophomoric bullshit. This game is between the two of us. Not anyone else. If he can’t catch me, he doesn’t deserve to. I mentally shrug, wiping the emotion from my features.
“You must be Talia,” he says, holding out his hand once I make my final approach.
I study him before extending my hand. “That would be me.”
“This is Mr. Oshiro,” Widow introduces, and we exchange the typical pleasantries of proper society. In my head, I’m screaming all sorts of shit.
Did Brax punk out and tattle?
Why are you here?
I didn’t send for your son, so tell that fucker not to send for me.
