Page 278 of Coal Hearts

Ian went to thrust.

“Order him to stop, and I’ll tell you everything.” I raised an eyebrow. “And I promise, you’ll want to hear what I have to say.”

Chewing on the inside of his cheek, Victor pondered for a moment before waving his gun at Ian. “Wait.”

“But I’m—”

“I said wait.” He cocked his chin.

Ian muttered a few choice curses as he backed up and stuffed his erection into his jeans.

Ily didn’t move.

Didn’t even open her eyes.

I was grateful.

Grateful she wasn’t going to be a distraction because I really couldn’t afford to be distracted as I said goodbye to every future I’d envisioned and embraced a new one.

“My last name is one you’ve heard of.” I smiled as cold as him. “Apparently, you’ve known of my brother for quite some time.”

Intrigue flared in his eyes. Victor leaned forward a little. “Your brother?”

“I’m not a cop.”

“Even if that’s true, it won’t save you.”

“You’re right that I was sent here by someone. I’ve admitted that a few times now. I was ordered to report your location, count your slaves, and summon mercenaries to slaughter you.”

Victor’s gaze flickered to the guards.

The guests all took a big step back, waiting for the bang.

Ily stiffened on the table.

I shrugged. “I’m not afraid to admit my intentions toward you weren’t honourable, and for that, I’m sorry.”

Ignoring my apology, Victor’s face etched with ruthlessness. “You’re really not helping your case.”

“I’m not, am I?” I smiled thinly. “I did my best to do what I was tasked with. I tried to ignore the allure of this place and pretend I wasn’t seduced by the very real, very uncomfortable realisation that I’m more like you than I wanted to admit. More like you than him, anyway.”

“Him?”

“My brother.”

“Ah yes...the suspense is killing me.”

“I came to end you, Victor Grand, but...I’ve changed my mind.”

“Oh, you have, have you?” His fingers traced the trigger of his gun. “And don’t think I didn’t notice the use of my surname. Only a very few people know it. So...who told you?”

“My brother.”

“Yes, this fucking brother. Who the hell is he?”

“He shares the same curse I do, but...he decided to keep fighting it like a lifelong disease. Me? I’ve decided to stop chasing a cure. I’m done. You helped free me last night. You and Ily...and now that I’m fully infected, I’m aware there’s no other place for me.”

“You’re definitely infected with something,” he muttered. “Insanity would be my first guess.”