Page 53 of Twisted Steel
“I’m not saying I understand you.”
“I know that too.”
“I’m not saying I’m not terrified.”
“I would be worried if you weren’t.”
My fingers curl around his.His hand is huge around mine, rough and warm and made for damage.He doesn’t close it.Doesn’t trap me.He lets me decide the pressure.
I squeeze once.That’s all.That’s enough.
The doors at the end of the hall burst open, and Savage strides in, Saint behind him, both men moving like bad news has learned to walk.Steel releases my hand before anyone sees.
No, not releases ...lets me release first.
Savage stops in front of us.“Is he alive?”
“For now,” I say.“He needs surgery.”
Savage nods.“He gave us the location.Reaper’s setting a trap.”
Steel’s face goes blank again.“Then we spring it.”
“No,” I say, and all three men look at me.
I probably should be intimidated, but I am exhausted, bloodstained, and very, very done.
“No?”Savage asks.
“No,” I repeat.“Because that’s exactly what he wants.He wants Steel angry, alone, and stupid.”
Steel’s eyes darken.“I’m not stupid.”
“No.But you are angry.And that makes smart men predictably stupid.”
Saint’s mouth twitches like he is trying very hard not to enjoy this.
Savage studies me.“What do you suggest, paramedic?”
“I suggest you stop letting the man who wants to manipulate you choose the path you take.”
Silence.Steel’s attention burns into me, while Savage looks at Saint.
Saint shrugs.“She’s not wrong.”
Steel says nothing, and I face him because he is the only one in this hallway whose choice could ruin everything.
“He used my name to pull your leash,” I say, and a muscle jumps in his cheek.“He sent Dante here knowing I’d try to save him.Knowing you’d watch me touch someone you want dead.Knowing it would make you worse.”
Steel’s voice drops.“You think he knows me that well?”
“I think violent men understand violent men.”
That hits close to home, I watch it happen.But I don’t take it back.
Steel steps closer.“And what do you understand?”
I should say nothing.I should keep this clean.
