Page 105 of Pink Ink

“That’s part of it.”

“Mother?”

“They say that it takes a village to raise a child. Each person leaves a mark on their lives, bypassing their innate nature to shape them into who they are. It determines how they express themselves, engage with others, and the types of passions they might have. Some people were born with violence in their blood. I was made to become it.”

I purse my lips, thinking about the true question that’s been burning in my mind since he revealed himself. “Then why aren’t you killing me?” His brow hikes. “I just want to understand. It would have been easier for you to let the guy finish the job. I mean, killing me would be outside of your MO, but I know your secret. I know which kills are yours. I could tell the authorities.”

Stop giving him reasons to murder you.

“I could ruin your career, and get you sent to prison.”

Shut up, Reyna.

“You’d probably get life too.”

Idiot.

He closes in, trapping me in place with a hand on my hip before I can escape. The frozen mask melts away to reveal the determination in his eyes. Hunger blazes behind them. It’s in the heated way his eyes dip with possession.

No, that can’t be right.Obsession.

Longing fills me. He looked at me like that the last time we were alone, as though I was his muse. Just as it turned out he’s mine.

He traces the edge of my jaw down to my chin, tilting my face up to his. “I’ve found a kindred soul in you, and the world will burn before I let you go.”

My breath lodges in my throat when his lips brush mine. I want so badly to believe it. But part of me needs proof. And time. And a clear head to think everything through.

Maddox has proven he can be an asshole, but violent is the last thing he’s been when it comes to me. It’s what I’ve always wanted: to be the one someone chooses. The exception to the rule. Not because it’s convenient. Not because they have no other option. I wanted them to pick mebecauseI’m me.

As heartwarming as the realization is, he’s answering around my questions. He’s only showing me pieces of his world—glimpses through the cracks in the wall he’s built around himself. Fragments of a person aren’t enough for me.

“Maybe I haven’t made it clear, love. You are a risk I’m willing to take.” He kisses the spot beneath my ear. “I’ve tasted your depravity, and I want to get drunk on it.” He sucks the soft skin of my neck into his mouth, and I swallow a moan from the pleasure that ripples down my spine. “You’re intoxicating, Reyna. I haven’t been able to think of anything else but you.”

My nails sink into his arms even though it hurts to move. His words and the feel of his lips are turning my brain into a jumbled mess. I press a hand to his chest to get him to stop. He doesn’t move far, keeping our noses a breath away from touching.

“What happens if I try to walk away?” I whisper.

His eyes darken. “I’ll find you. I told you that I wouldn’t be going anywhere once we crossed that line. Try to run, and see how little of a liar I am.”

“You can’t make me stay.”

“I’ll give you time. I’ll even give you space. But this ends one way, and it’s not us apart. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Just a week ago, I was losing sleep over ourtemporaryrelationship. Now he’s talking about forever, anddoing whatever it takesto keep us together.

“What will you do to me?”

“What I’ve already been doing: immortalizing you.”

I shake my head. That’s hardly a straight answer, and sounds frighteningly like I’m going to land in the obituary notice. “You can’t make me do anything, Maddox.” His name sounds dangerous on my lips. “I’m not yours to twist and shape into what you want.”

“I know. You’ve done that all on your own.” He brushes his thumb over my lips. “Don’t be fooled. I’m not good for you. I may even be the worst thing to ever happen to you. But I promise that you’ll never be left wanting.”

He can’t promise me that. I don’t know if Iwanthim to promise me that. Maddox Shaw is still a mystery to me.

“I—”

Fuck. I think I’m going to throw up.