“She’s going to be one of us,” Revan says.
I glance up at the eyes through the mask. “I will be on my way soon.”
The group stalk off, keeping their eyes on me. A shiver runs down my spine. I’m not welcome here.
As I watch them walk away, I realize that I just traded one criminal empire for another.
Revan gestures down the hall like a gentleman. But his eyes never soften. Never lose that predatory edge.
“Want some water?” he asks.
“No.”
“Suit yourself.”
He leads me into a sitting room—leather couches, dark wood furniture, a bar in the corner. He sits down opposite me, posture lazy but coiled. Like a snake pretending to sleep.
I stay standing.
“You always this reckless,” he asks, “or am I just special?”
I glance at the tattooed man. He’s leaning against the wall, arms crossed, refusing to look at me. His side profile is killer.
“You chased me down and thinkI’mreckless?”
Revan grins. “Touché.”
I notice bruises on his throat. Dark, distinct. Fingerprints.
Proof he bleeds too.
That should make me feel better, but it doesn’t.
“What happens now?” Revan asks, leaning back.
I shrug, trying to look more confident than I feel. “I just wanted protection for the night, I guess.”
He presses his hands together. “Protection comes at a cost.”
Of course it does.
I stare at him, then at the other one, who still won’t look at me. The look in Revan’s eyes—calculating, amused—makes my stomach turn.
I roll my eyes and sigh. “I’m so sick of assholes who think they can take advantage of me.”
I turn to leave.
The friend steps into my path, blocking the door.
“Excuse me,” I say, trying to sound braver than I feel.
I glance up, meeting his gaze. He’s finally looking at me.
Holy shit.
His green eyes are… hypnotic. The kind that pin you in place and make you forget how to move. He’s taller than anyone I’ve ever met—broader too, with dark hair that falls just slightly into his face.
“I’m going to leave,” I say, but my voice wavers.
