Okay, so, runpastthe manor, maybe then I can see what’s on the other side? Maybe there will be a cave, or–
“Lux! I’m sorry!” Solomon joined the chase.
His voice wasn’t taunting like Ronan’s. It wasdesperate, and somehow that was worse. It felt like I was going insane, but right now, I didn’t have time to think about that. The manor loomed closer, and I stepped into the backyard. It felt safer than passing the porch.
Ronan’s laughter pierced through the air. “You’re not getting away from me!”
“Lux! Stop! I’llprotectyou from him!” Solomon promised.
Like hell he would.
I just had to get past the manor, and then I could come up with another plan–but then I sawit.
A set of wooden double doors coming up from a concrete slab in the ground. I had no idea where they’d spit me out in the house, but, right now, it seemed as good an option as any.
My feet skidded against the wet ground, nearly causing me to fall as I changed course. With a few steps, I’d closed the distance and pulled open the door.
Just below sat a set of stairs and near perfect darkness. I stared at it for a beat, wondering if this wasactuallya good idea, or if it was the last bad decision I’d ever make. Then, a twig snapped behind me, and I decided it was myonlychoice.
I nearly jumped onto the steps, and scurried down just enough to close the door. I fumbled around for a moment, hoping there was a lock. My shoulders slumped in relief when I realized there was.
I blindly clicked it shut before sinking to the ground and grabbing my bag. I zipped it open and patted around. First, I found the gun. But, seeing as it had one bullet, it’d do me no good if they both broke in.
I felt around a moment longer before finding the knife. With the blade in hand, I zipped the bag shut once more and positioned myself on the ground, staring at the locked door and ready to fight like hell if someone got in.
The subtle shift of bells behind me caused me to jump. And, just as I tried to get up, to potentially see where the sound had come from, a hand clamped over my mouth.
“Boo!”
Chapter 7
Cassian
Little Light trembled like a leaf in the wind, leaving me with the melody of her chattering teeth. Poor thing didn’t even scream into my hand. I’d initially placed it there to muffle the sound, as I’d rathernotgo deaf tonight. My fingers trailed down her neck and squeezed as her pulse erratically drummed against me.
“It seems like someone’s scared,” I whispered into her ear, getting as close as my mask would allow.
She flinched against me, and I admired her determination to keep a brave face. I squeezed just enough to remind Lux Icouldandwouldkill her, but we still had time. It was a little past one when I’d come down here, and Seth was still brooding in his library. All he needed was some good pussy and the rush of watching someone kill our newest bride.
But, before he got his dick wet, it was my turn.
Finders, Keepers.
I pushed her to the ground, causing her to groan, but a small noise was fine. Was she keeping quiet thanks to the huntgoing on outside? I’d heard Solomon try to drown her almost a mile away, the sound was faint, but unmistakable. I couldn’t remember the last time he got to play,good for him.
“You stay there, I want to look at you before you break.” A laugh distorted my words.
My excitement was impossible to contain. Having sex once a month wasrough, and while Solomon had been campaigning for a forever bride, I had little hope that a woman crazy enough to take all of uswould ever exist.
I turned away, my fingers trailing along the brick wall until I met the oil lamp mounted in the wall. My fingers danced around the cool surface until I found the key to adjust the wick.
Soft shuffling hit my ears, far too close to be from either of those idiots prowling around outside. I assumed Lux was just trying to get comfortable, after all, she’d have to be brave or stupid to disobey me, and it took a certain level of intelligence to make it this far.
I patted my pockets to find the box of matches I kept on me before retrieving one.
I struck it along the wall and the orange flame sprang to life with a small sizzle. I dropped the whole thing in the lamp's mouth.
The lampwhooshedto life with a sudden burst of light and an almost unbearable sound. To the rest of the world, it probably went unnoticed, but to me, it was like someone’d fired a gun next to my head. My earsrang, deafening me to the world for just a moment. I turned around to watch Lux, more out of habit than actual need, but the second I found the spot reserved for her. My eyes widened.
