“I don’t give a fuck about you,” I grunt. “But if we’re being honest? I know the only reason I’m still breathing isyou.Not Aspen.”
Her mouth opens to lie, to protest—who the fuck knows?
I don’t let her.
I reach up and cover her mouth with my hand. Her breath stutters against my palm.
“Knox has Aspen,” I murmur. “And you and I both know… there’s no fucking way he’ll let her step foot back here.”
I wait.
And after a second, she nods.
“Good girl,” I growl, dragging the words against her ear.
Her whole-body shivers.
My hand drops to her neck.
I lean back, catching her eyes.
“I’m not planning on dying locked in this shithole, Bryn,” I inform her. “And you know it. Or at least, I hope you’re smart enough to know Roman’s gonna gut you the second he finds a warmer cunt and a shinier toy.”
Her breathing spikes, but she doesn’t move.
I tighten my grip around her neck harder.
Not enough to cut her off completely, just enough to make her body react, lips parting, sucking air, trembling against me.
She doesn’t fight.
Of course she doesn’t.
She craves this.
She cravescontrol,even when she’s losing it.
I lean in until my mouth is brushing hers, my breath sliding over her skin.
“So tell me,” I whisper. “Therealplan, Bryn.”
I press my forehead to hers, forcing her to look into my eyes.
“The truth. Not the bullshit you keep peddling.”
She stares at me, breathing heavily. “The men Aspen saved me from…” she says, voice shaking, “they weren’t just random hunters. They were from my old community.”
I frown.
What the fuck is she talking about?
“What men?” I step back, my brain trying to catch up.
She leans against the dresser like her own weight is too much. “They were taking me to another group. To trade me.”
My stomach tightens.
“But you’re a woman,” I snap. “Why the fuck would they trade you?”
