Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 61101 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61101 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
“I know it’s you, little toy.”
I shake my head, and stepping back, the guard slams the door shut and locks Bane in once more.
The thickness of the door silences the monster inside, and looking at Dante again, I say, “I’m ready to go.”
He takes my hand and leads me back up to the main area of the house. That’s where we find River and Rayne, standing at the front door of the mansion.
Rayne rushes to me and pulls me into her arms. Her warmth sends love coursing through me.
“Don’t ever do that again,” she hisses in my ear. “I know what you were doing, goading him like that.” Her voice cracks, and wrapping my arms around her, I hold her close.
The thought of losing her, of losing Dante, hits me like a wave. Suddenly, all I want to do is cry. But I don’t feel any sadness, I feel relief I’m alive and still have them with me.
“I love you,” I tell her in a hushed tone, just for her to hear.
“I love you too,” she whispers in my ear. “I hate that you saw what they did to me.”
I’d forgotten about the video. With so much going on, my mind has blanked out everything that happened before we were taken to the water.
I step back and cup her face in my hands. “Don’t ever think I would judge you for what happened. You were a victim, just like I was. I understand what it’s like to have no control. The hate should be directed toward them, not you. Don’t blame yourself and never, ever, feel ashamed.”
Even though I’m trying to reassure Rayne, I know it will take her a long time to get over this. The heartache and horrors from the past bring about emotions that are almost impossible to control, no matter how hard you try.
“I don’t know what I would have done if he’d killed you,” Rayne whispers, and my chest tightens.
When I decided to sacrifice myself, I didn’t think about those I’d leave behind or consider how they’d feel. The only thing I was worried about was making sure Rayne got out safely.
“You would’ve still had Dante.”
“Let’s go,” Dante announces.
I know he heard what I said, and he understands why I said it. I know I’ll have to listen to him telling me again about my bad choices later, but for now, all that matters is we’re safe.
I take Rayne’s hand and squeeze it as we follow the guys into the living room. Tomorrow, this will all be over. Then we’ll have to locate Bane’s office so we can identify more of his associates to target. I hope we can find some new jobs to focus on. Once I’ve rested, I know I’ll be ready for more.
Sitting on the sofa, I lean my head on Rayne’s shoulder and ask, “You’re not hurt, are you?” I look up at her then and get lost in those pretty green eyes.
“I-I’m not. T-They made me w-watch as he held you u-under the water,” she replies, her voice breaking on the words as tears fill her eyes. “I-I thought…”
“I’m okay, Rayne,” I reassure her as I press my lips to hers.
Kissing her is different to kissing Dante. She’s softer, gentler, but even though they’re so vastly different, I love being with them both.
I find an inner calm as I sit in the company of the people I love. Even having River here is a blessing because I know Rayne will appreciate having her brother by her side when we finally end the shit from the past.
Revenge is the only thing I need to focus on right now.
And then, we can finally move on to our future.
17
RAYNE
It’s time.
River is beside me as we make our way into the house. My brother’s on my right, while Harper’s on my left. I never thought I’d live to see the day my mother is killed, and I never dared hope it would be by my hand. Deep down, I know after all that’s happened, I’m ready.
This all has to end today, and before Rae Atwood takes her final breath, she needs to know her children hate her. When we reach the basement, River and I are escorted to the cell where our mother is being held.
Dante follows behind us. I know he wants to be here too, and I’m relieved because he’s able to calm me in a way that no one else can.
“Are you going to be able to do this?” Dante asks as he looks down at me.
Nodding slowly, I smile. “I think so. I have River here too.” I’m thankful to have my brother with me. If I can’t finish this, I know he will. He won’t think twice about killing our mother after what she did to us.
When the door opens, I’m met with the woman I hate more than anyone else I’ve ever encountered.