Total pages in book: 131
Estimated words: 123575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 618(@200wpm)___ 494(@250wpm)___ 412(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 618(@200wpm)___ 494(@250wpm)___ 412(@300wpm)
I squat down, meeting him at eye level through the gap.
Oh Aries. You need to learn to lie better.
“See, that’s where you’re wrong. If they are associated with you in any way, they’re just as guilty in my eyes.” I study his face—my face—searching for some hint of remorse, maybe a sliver of regret. Nothing. Not even a little bit. “I will say I’m a little taken aback by her. The relationship you two...share...seemed way more clinical via my initial surveillance.”
When he doesn’t respond, I shake my head and turn to leave. I stop in my tracks when he speaks. “If you hurt her—”
I cut him off with a laugh. “What are you going to do, huh? You’re not exactly in a position to make threats, Brother.”
Aries blinks, shock and horror in his eyes. I tug the mask off my head, revealing myself to him, officially. It’s not a revelation. He knew it was me, no doubt, and fairly quickly.
If he didn’t, well, surprise, he does now. I can’t keep my identity a secret forever, nor would I want to.
“Ar-Arson?” His voice shakes, and it feels good to get even this much of a reaction out of him. To look into his eyes, to see him realize who has him locked up, who is ruining his carefully bought world.
“The one and only.” I grin like the evil villain I am. “Now that I have your attention, I need to know a little more about our innocent stepsister. I’m even prepared to make a deal with you. Otherwise, I might just have to orchestrate an accident.”
I know I’ve struck gold when he flinches so hard his chain rattles. “Don’t you dare touch her. Don’t even look at her.”
“Then make sure she doesn’t see through me.”
Shame creeps into his features when he looks away.
With a curiosity that cannot be ignored, I survey him. “What did you do to her? I’m guessing nothing good if you’re wearing a look of shame like that for the first time in your pathetic life.” He refuses to meet my eyes, as if the truth is too ugly to face. “The way she looks at you. With this deep, unbearable hunger.” I’m taunting him, waiting for the moment he gives in and confirms what I already know. “Wait, you don’t feel the same way about her, do you? That’s what it is, right?”
“It doesn’t matter. Leave her alone. She has nothing to do with us.”
“You keep saying that, but you’re the one in this cell, and I’m the one outside of it, walking around pretending to be you. It wouldn’t take much effort to have her beneath me.”
“Don’t,” he grits out through his teeth.
“Then tell me what you did.” I lean in closer. “Did you fuck her, use her, break her heart, and discard her like garbage? Give me your worst, and remember, I know what you’re capable of.” I shift to keep an eye on his face. His nostrils are flared, and his brows are drawn low and tight. Bingo. “Sorry, did I touch a sore spot? Lilian must’ve done a number on you.”
“Don’t touch her.” Aries’s voice is eerily calm.
“Did you fuck her?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“What do you mean? Don’t you want me to know if she’s a virgin so I can ensure she’s prepared properly? Got to know if I can fuck her hard and fast or if I’ll need to take my time.”
“She’s not yours to claim!” He surges up off the floor, his lips pressed into a thin line, anger rushing off him. Nail into the coffin. There is no way he isn’t interested in her. No, he wants her just as badly as she wants him. Too bad neither of them will get what they want.
“She’s not yours either, and from where I’m standing, it looks like I have a much better chance of claiming her. Sleep well.” I grin and slam the door over the food slot closed.
Let him sit on that for a bit.
My quarters is the only finished section of the warehouse—the one place that’s mine, not designed as part of the revenge. I built it with my own hands—drywall, electrical, plumbing—with skills learned in the institution’s rehabilitation program. Ironically, they taught me how to build while breaking me down.
I strip off the rest of Aries’s clothes and step under the shower’s scalding spray. I need to wash off the stink of his life, his privilege. There won’t be any washing her away.
Lilian. A delicate name for a girl who’s anything but. I can see why my brother was so interested in her. I’m curious to know to what degree? Sex? Making out? She had claimed they kissed, but I don’t get the impression noble Aries let it go any further than that.
I press my forehead against the cool tile, letting water sluice down my back. The scars there are nothing but reminders of restraints, treatments, all of the fights. I’m taken back in time to the nurse who loved to cop a feel, of the other nurse who took my virginity when I wasn’t in a position to say no. It paid off in the end...she did help me get free after all.