Page 100 of Serpent & Saviors

“Did you say the red room?” Sebastian grinned wickedly. “He does know that’s the window to the world, and the view is always on, right?”

I was now thoroughly confused. Things in this house went so fast, I felt like I was in a vortex. We went from an opening statement about Declan to a scrabble between a brother and sister, and now we were discussing Pasha and his potential use of a red room. At the club. With some unknown girl named Hannah. I looked over at Andrew, needing reassurance in some small part. He sensed it and moved beside me.

He caressed my face softly and whispered in my ear, “It’s all going to be okay, I promise.”

“Hannah and the red room?” Kinsley said more loudly this time.

Isabella rolled her eyes, and Sebastian shook his head.

“Not Hannah. Trust me. And no, you can’t come and watch him get his freak on,” Sebastian said. “Such a dirty girl. Wait until I tell Alek. Let’s go Counselor, I need to hear this update.”

“But I’ve always wanted to—” Kinsley said, her gaze hopeful.

“Don’t you even start. I swear to God. Please tell me you’re a Normie,” Isabella huffed, directing her gaze at me.

“Sorry, Bellaruso. Victoria here, is a certified good girl. My good girl.”

I blushed at the compliment as Isabella sighed heavily.

“How old is the kid?” she asked warily.

The men erupted in laughter.

“He’s six,” I said, finally speaking. “He likes to draw,” I added, and our eyes met.

“Thank God for small favors. I can’t wait to meet him. Run along now, boys, us girls have some talking to do.”

Her face relaxed, and she grinned at me. She was everything I thought she’d be and more. She was brave, didn’t flinch or cower when her brother charged her from across the room. The frightened, quiet little girl was gone. And in her place was a sarcastic and beautiful woman.

My eyes moved to Kinsley. She had shimmied her way over to Sebastian. She tugged on his shirt and then bowed her head in submission to him.

“Oh, here we go,” Isabella said, rolling her eyes.

“Sir, will you share red room details with me later, you know, for educational purposes only? And we’re going to need detail about the girl. Lowkey, is it Allison? You know…Nik’s night is tonight.” She raised flirty eyes to him.

“Tiny tot, you’re such a fucking tease. Counselor, you’re my witness this time.”

And with that, they kissed us all bye and left.

“Nik’s night?” I asked, breaking the silence.

Two Weeks Later

The office at home buzzed with tension. Maps, surveillance photos, and notes about Cameron’s case were scattered about the table we were all sitting around. I couldn’t help but feel gratitude at the lengths the men would go to in this. Of course, all of us had our reasons. And everyone had a role to play, but the one that surprised us all the most was Pasha.

It seemed fitting, and I had a moment of déjà vu. He and I started this endeavor together, and so we’d end it in the same manner. He had come to me a few days ago and confessed his desire to join the squad officially. He’d made the hard call when it came to Hannah.

It took a special type of woman to be able to handle what the Death Squad did on a regular basis. She wouldn’t be able to handle it. When confronted with the choice of keeping it from her entirely or walking away, he chose the latter.

Truthfully, I wasn’t surprised by the outcome. Their normal existence had ceased to be comfortable for her as he explored life outside of her and dance. And now there was a determination in his eyes. Maybe it was the foolishness of youth, but I’d be eternally grateful for his desire to be hands on in this operation.

He sat across from me, his fingers idly tapping his knee, his expression unreadable. Sensing my gaze, his eyes flicked up to meet mine. I gave him a nod. He cleared his throat.

The room fell quiet as the men around the table gave him their undivided attention. “I know we’re here to discuss Tori’s case but I’d like to officially put it out there. I’m all in.”

Alek, ever the leader, was the first to speak. His voice was calm and measured. “Mmm, is that so? You understand what this means.” It wasn’t a question. The statement issued was heavy with finality.

“I do.”