Page 9 of Betrayed In Crimson
I scowl. “He said I’d do what?”
“He said you always want what he has. That you get jealous. I defended you. I told him you want to be like your brother. That you’re lonely.”
I love my brother, I remind myself. I love my brother.
“He’ll fuck you over like he does everyone else,” I snarl. “He’ll discard you like you’re nothing but shit on his shoe. You’re just an easy lay to him, something to scratch an itch. Even then, you couldn’t truly satisfy him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s balls deep in some other whore right now.”
Tears fill her eyes. Her jaw locks tight. “And you think he’s the asshole,” she says, every word dripping with hurt and rage.
She spins and storms off.
“Shit.”
I rake my fingers through my hair, gripping hard. “Fuck!” I roar. “Lilith, wait!” I shout after her.
“Fuck off and leave me the hell alone!” She throws over her shoulder as she heads for the exit.
I force my way through the crowd, shoving people aside, eyes locked on her.
I stumble to a stop.
Morbius is already there, approaching her with a mask of concern. He pulls her into his arms; violet eyes locked on mine. A slow, cruel grin stretches across his face.
My fists clench as I watch my brother take her mouth, watch her melt into him.
Not me.
I turn away and walk back into the festival.
“Let her go,” Lucian says, appearing at my side and handing me a drink.
I know I should. But something gnaws at my gut, calling me.
“He’s going to hurt her,” I grit out, shoving the drink back at him. “I can’t let this lie.”
CHAPTER FOUR
LILITH
NEW YEAR’S EVE 27 YEARS AGO
Morbius drivesme to the edge of the village, the truck rumbling to a stop where the road dissolves into the dark line of the forest. Midnight creeps closer, the air heavy with winter and distant celebration.
He turns to me slowly. His eyes burn with a strange intensity, and his fingers drift through the ends of my hair as if committing the feeling to memory.
“You see what I have to contend with now,” he murmurs bitterly. “Silas poisoning the others against me. After everything I’ve done for that club.” He exhales sharply, shaking his head as though trying to rid himself of the injustice.
My chest aches seeing him like this. I lay my hand gently on his thigh and squeeze.
“You don’t deserve to be treated this way,” I whisper.
The devastation in his face twists something deep inside me. Without thinking, I climb into his lap. My hands cradle his face, forcing him to meet my gaze.
“You are the better person,” I say softly. “Don’t let Silas or the club drag you down with them.”
Something changes in his eyes then. Something deeper. Hungrier. His hands rise slowly, cupping my face as though I’m something precious.
“Oh, how I wish I could keep you for eternity,” he breathes, voice low and reverent, almost aching. “You truly understand me… understand what I must do.”
