“What isthis, exactly?”
“You getting what you want.”
My gaze darts between him and the door. Surely not.
“You mean…?”
“It’s not too late to change your mind,” he replies in confirmation. “Once you do this, there’s no turning back.”
Holy shit.It’s happening.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this,” Hyland mutters in disbelief. “But you’ll be part of our team. Our… family.”
Surprise sends my stuttering brain into overdrive. After Axel’s suggestion and the total silence that followed, I never thought they’d consider recruiting me. And especially not after last night.
Do I even want this?
Watching Hyland scan his thumbprint to unlock their front door then hold it open for me to step inside, my feet won’t respond. The weight of this decision feels crushing.
All I wanted was to go home.
The woman who built that life died in the ring. She died time and time again until all I was left with is the person I am now. The broken shards of my former existence are scattered across the Mexican desert.
“You can still walk away.” Hyland watches as I internally debate. “Let us investigate. When it’s safe, you can start over.”
“I thought I wanted that.” I lick my suddenly dry lips. “But I don’t care about that life anymore.”
“What do you care about?”
My answer is immediate.
“Justice.”
Feet carrying me forwards without having to think further, I feel my anticipation build. I want the chance to take back my power and fight the monsters who did this to me. I want vengeance.
“Why are you doing this?” I ask over my shoulder.
“Warner thinks you proved yourself last night.” Hyland follows behind me. “And at least this way, I can keep an eye on you. We can train you. Keep you safe.”
“You’re seriously on board with this?”
“On board?” There’s no mirth in his olive-green eyes when he chuckles. “Hell no. Reluctantly agreeing to stop you from taking unbelievably stupid risks, more like.”
“Fuck you.”
Hyland rolls his eyes, stepping over the threshold. “I said you’re strong, red. I meant it. Our team needs a bit of fire right now.”
The nickname rolls over me like a welcome embrace. I find myself smiling at the asshole.
“I can bring that.”
“Of that, I have no doubt.” He looks over me in a slow, sensual perusal. “Why do I feel like I’m going to regret this?”
“Because I’m going to make your life hell, tough guy.”
“Great.” He sighs loudly.
Inside the penthouse, endless lines of polished glass, exposed metal beams and clean lines of grey and muted blue greet me. Bright light spills through 360-degree windows in dazzling beams.
