Iwalk over to her, my heart breaking for what she’s been through. “Talk to me,” I say softly.
I let Sebastian think I wanted this time for sex, but I can tell Lux isn’t okay and I want her to have the space to share privately whatever she’s feeling.
Her teeth are chattering as she slowly blinks, her head angles upward. “I’m fine, it’s just adrenaline.”
I wrap my arms around her, and pull her closer. “Probably, but I know you better than that.”
Lux gives me a weak smile and steps deeper into my embrace.
“You don’t have to talk about it, but I’m here if you need me.”
“I just hate that he got to me again.” Her voice cracks.
Then a realization forms in my head. Lux has never shared with me what happened the night I found her, but I always had my suspicions that Andrew had been the one to hurt her.
“Did he…” I trail off, not wanting to verbalize it. Lux’s clothes are back in place, but still done with the marks of battle. Scarlet markings litter her once beautiful white sundress, which my sweater attempts to cover.
“Not this time,” she whispers as tears spill down her red, swollen cheeks. “I didn’t want to tell you at first because I knew you’d kill him the moment you got your hands on him. But I wanted it to be me. I didn’t want someone else to carry out my own justice.”
Lux’s hand comes up to swipe a hair that’s fallen on my forehead. She cups my cheek lovingly. “I want to go home.”
Home.
That simple word which now carries so much meaning. The manor was just the manor before, but now it’s become ahome.And with it, I’d like to believe is thehope and possibilityof a future for Lux and me.
“Let’s.” I wrap my arms around her waist just as the boys come into view with containers of gasoline.
“Was that enough time?” Sebastian clips sarcastically.
I straighten to a stand. “Light this place up,” I tell the guys, ignoring my cousin’s comment.
“Yeah, River!” Hayden gleams. “We’re gonna burn it to the ground like the good ol’ days,” he says with excitement, but when his eyes land on Lux, his face falls. “Are you all right, Lux?”
“I am.” She smiles at him, masking pure relief and exhaustion.
I grab her hand and give it a gentle squeeze. “We’re heading home. Make sure you take care of this place and leave no traces behind.”
They all give me a quick nod.
Sebastian steps forward, his eyes scanning the room. “Well, shall we leave them to their work?”
“Is there anything you want to do before we leave?”
Lux’s large almond-shaped eyes flick toward mine. I’ve watched the color change dramatically over time and it’s been one of the greatest gifts.
“No.” Her voice sounds softer than a low whisper. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
I look back at Andrew’s body, slumped over against the wall, blood pooling around him. “Well, my friend, it’s been fun.”
Sebastian chuckles, slinging his bag over his shoulder. I do the same with mine, then grab Lux’s hand to help keep steady.
Her eyes squint in disgust as she gives the man who tormented her one last glare. To my surprise, she lets go of my hand and stalks toward his body.
Lowering, she crouches in front of him. “You’re going to rot in hell,” she threatens with a subtle smirk playing on her lips. She angles her head to the side as an animal would after it’s captured their prey. “And I’m going to sleep like a baby every night knowing I’m the one who sent you there.”
The room is quiet. Ten men in total, including myself and Sebastian, all who have taken many lives without thinking twice. But this tiny brunette, who has been to hell and back herself, even hiding monsters of her own, renders us speechless.
Watching Lux is almost like staring at different versions of myself.
