Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Perhaps I wanted to heal them, to fix those broken parts I found of each man. I know you can never change someone. But you can love them enough till they feel as if they’re no longer shattered.
Deep down, I want nothing more than for them to forgive me. If I hadn’t let my guard down, I would never have found the peace I had within the Venier mansion. Even though Judah still frightens me somewhat, I know he’s a good person because I can see from the way he loves Valen and Kai. He may act as if he’s a cold-hearted bastard, and for the most part, I would agree with that. However, he has a softer spot for the two men.
We finally pull up to the airstrip and I’m trembling. Valen opens the car door and exits the vehicle before turning to offer me his hand. I’m surprised by the gesture, but I accept it gratefully. I didn’t think he would be so friendly, especially after everything that had happened earlier today. My mind is still racing with the memory of being bound and at their mercy.
I know they went easy on me, which makes me wonder just how bad it can get if they didn’t. We make our way in utter silence to the plane which is ready and waiting to whisk us to the mainland.
Once inside, each of us settle in our seats. This time, I’m not alone with Judah, or Valen. The presence of all three of them in this small space is overwhelming.
“You’ll walk in on my arm,” Judah speaks after a few moments, capturing my attention. “Val and Kai will be around, watching. If anyone tries anything, you have your blade. However, you will need to remember these are men who have been in this world since they were babies. They do not feel anything, they only act. There is no permission asked, so make sure to stay close.”
I stare in shock at Judah. I know from my father’s stories these men are dangerous and violent. But the idea of being alone with one of them, someone who wants to hurt me makes me shiver. “What if someone tries to hurt me?”
“You hurt them back,” Kai says with a grin and it’s the first time in a long while that he’s smiled at me. “But remember, they take names, they never forget.”
“So I can defend myself, but I’ll always have to look over my shoulder,” I bite out as I roll my eyes at the stupidity of this world we live in.
“And watch that pretty little mouth, princess,” Valen whispers as he leans in close. The heat of his breath fanning across my cheek. “They won’t think twice about using it.”
I snap my glare at Valen, my mouth popping open in surprise at what he’s talking about. I’m not stupid when it comes to men and their desires. But I don’t for a second believe that the three of them would stand back and watch anything like that happen to me. “And you’d let that happen?” My voice comes out in a sharp, fearful breath when I ask the question.
He grins, before he gestures with his head toward Judah. “It’s not up to me tonight. You’re his,” he says as he looks at my soon to be husband. “And none of the men there tonight give a shit. They’ll risk their lives to enjoy any female in attendance.”
“That’s…” I don’t know what to say because if I wasn’t afraid before, I am now.
“That’s the way of our organisations, princess,” Valen says as we take off. It will be a couple of hours, but in that time, I know my stomach is only going to be in knots by the time we disembark. And when we walk into the venue for tonight’s proceedings, I’m going to be a mess. Even though I know I have the three of them with me, I can’t deny my anxiety is going to be through the roof.
“I’m going to the bedroom,” I announce as I make my way to the back of the plane. Sitting on the bed, I take deep breaths, hoping to calm myself. My chest is tight when I consider what’s about to happen.
When the door opens, Kai walks in. He’s the last person I expected to be here, but he settles in the armchair that overlooks the bed. The distance between us is obvious. It’s clear he will not come closer. And deep down, it stings because all I need is some reassurance.
“There are things about this world you’re going to have to get used to, and this is one of those times.” He leans forward, his elbows on his knees. Those eyes that have always seemed to hide so many secrets now hold mine hostage. “You’re a strong woman, Brielle,” Kai tells me. “I’ve watched you fight, train, and spew your fire at Judah for months now.”