Page 24 of The Never List
“You might enjoy it after we’ve gotten started,” he whispers in my ear, his breath hot on my flesh. I can barely breathe as my throat closes.
I’ve been here before, but never so powerless. At least with Turner, I had enough control to pick my battles, to fight when I couldn’t take it anymore.
“I’m your king,” he continues, his hands roaming over my body. My stomach tries to heave, but even it stays locked down, under his power. “An immortal. You know what I’ve learned in that time, what I can do to you? What I canmakeyou do to me?”
A traitorous tear slips down my cheek. I feel his power peel back just enough for me to speak. He wants to hear me beg or scream or consent.
I won’t be doing any of those things.
My lips tremble, and the effort to move them is like lifting metal from mud. “Do this, and Jax will find a way to kill you. Kal and Axl and Pierce, too.”
I have no idea if what I say is true. For all I know, the Legends might enjoy this game as much as the kings. I have no right to claim they’ll protect me, but I can only count on the instincts roaring in my blood.
“You place too much value on yourself, little bug—”
“Kal almost ripped apart your enforcer for gripping my arm a little too hard,” I interrupt him. “What do you think he’ll do to you for touching me likethis?”
Baydel’s eyes meet mine, and his groping halts. Something vicious glitters there, and he goes for the top of my dress.
I’ve lost.
Goddess, I’ve lost—
“Baydel,” Jullian warns from beside us. “She’s passed. Let it lie.”
Baydel doesn’t stop—his hand is almost down the top of my dress—
“Baydel,”Jullian says again, this time with an edge of power as he grips Baydel’s shoulder and tugs him away from me.
Cool air washes over me, the effect almost cleansing, but still I can’t move.
Baydel forces out a laugh, raising his hands in an innocent gesture. “I was only ensuring she did,” he says.
Jullian releases him as the other two kings come to flank Baydel. Surrounded, Baydel finally snaps his fingers, and I nearly stumble off the pillar as his power releases me. I suck in gulps of precious air, at the same time singing my own power to sleep. It’s angry and hungry and wants to rip the air from Baydel’s lungs.
Hush, I tell it.Hush.
Brooks looks at me with intrigue and surprise while Lucas—Axl’s father—just laughs and claps Baydel on the back.
“Almost, Baydel,” Lucas says. “Glad you passed.” Heturns to me, and I furrow my brow.
“Yes, little bug,” Baydel agrees, feigning a smile, but I can see in his eyes that he’s rattled. Good. Let him be, the prick. “You passed our test.”
A test?This?My ass, it’s a test.
It’s a game. This whole damn situation will be one long, drawn-out game, and I’m sure the kings, and maybe even the Legends, are used to winning.
But I’ve always loved games, especially if they came with a shot of adrenaline. Mind games are new to me, but I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and definitely not when my life’s at stake. If they wanted an easy win, they picked the wrong fucking girl.
“Come,” Baydel says to his friends, giving me a dismissive look as he heads toward the elevator doors. “There’s still a party to attend.”
Brooks and Lucas follow him. Jullian lingers behind, hands in his pockets as he studies me. Oh, goddess, did he stop Baydel only to get me alone? I give him a look that says he’ll have as much luck as Baydel did.
Jullian chuckles softly, shaking his head. “Rylee Gray,” he says. “That’s your real name, correct?” he asks, then glances down at the numbered pin on my dress.
I swallow hard and nod.
“Good,” he says. “Very good.” He gives me another once-over, taking the elevator once it returns.
