We’d met.
How many times had we been introduced? Jethro had said I’d signed something in pink crayon. And now I remembered my seventh birthday luncheon.
Did I feel what I did because he’d been there in my past—like a stain upon my fate? Or was it because some part of me knew the kid I saw that day still existed?
Jethro pulled back, his gaze searching mine. “What? What are you thinking?” His lips were wet from kissing me.
A surge of need took hold of me; I pressed my mouth against his.
He tensed then opened, inviting my tongue to slink into his dark flavour.
I moaned as his hand moved from my cheek to the back of my skull, holding me firm. The moment he’d imprisoned me, his kiss turned into a meal. I was the main course and he did exactly like he’d said in his text as Kite. He kissed me so deeply I had no choice but to inhale his every taste, ensuring he lived forever in my lungs. He made drunken love to my tongue, driving me higher, higher with every silky wet sweep.
My blood raced with need, sending throbbing desire to my clit.
If he continued to kiss me that way, I might come from that alone.
“Truth does more damage than lies,” he murmured between kisses.
I’d lost the ability to reply. My body craved his, and all I wanted to do was tear off his sodden clothes and sink onto his cock. I wanted to forget about hostility and death. “Then stop lying,” I breathed.
He pulled away, stealing his heat and passion. “I’ve lied all my life. There is no other way I know.” Tucking wet hair behind my ear, he added with finality, “However, you’re a novice. You better become talented in the art of deception if you wish to survive my family.”
Without a backward glance, he left.
I balled my hands as I stalked the length of the corridor to the French doors leading outside.
I was riled, pissed, and entirely on edge. The molten desire of my almost-orgasm had switched into blistering annoyance. How dare Jethro come into my room unannounced and see me doing something so private? How dare he make me feel embarrassed but also strangely aroused at being caught? And how dare he tell me I sucked at lying, all while I caught him out on every single one!
After he’d left me to get dressed, my mind had created a few snarky comebacks. If he hadn’t have run—like he always did—I would’ve had the last laugh. I was sure of it.
I repeated my retaliation, committing them to memory so I could hurl them in his face next time we had a fight.
I’m already a better liar than you are.
Are you so stupid to believe I don’t see you?
Congratulations on winning the hypocritical award.
It’d been too late to say them, but I wouldn’t forget. It was time to tell him that I didn’t believe in his icy shell anymore. I was still afraid of him—on some level—but it was nothing compared to the sick terror I felt toward his father and brothers.
Crap, did I put it on?
I was so in my head while dressing in a knee-length black dress with a silver mesh jumper that I didn’t know if I’d attached my new favourite item.
My fingers moved fugitively to my outer thigh.
Thank God.
I relaxed when my fingers found the small garter I’d made out of Victorian cream lace and pearl buttons. Tight with elastic, it was used to hold up ladies’ pantyhose back in the day.
Now I used it to keep my stolen weapon from sight. The holster I’d made suited dresses and skirts but would be no use if I had to wear trousers. No matter, that was what bras were for.
After trying to eavesdrop on Jethro and the unknown woman, I’d given up and snuck to the dining room. There, I stole the ruby-encrusted dirk and placed a bronze figurine in front of the now empty hooks on the wall. I just hoped no one would notice.
“Nila! He said you were coming. I’m so glad.”
I spun around. My heart rate increased as Kes strode toward me. “Morning, Kestrel.”
He beamed; the hazy air of the ancient Hall blurred his five o’ clock shadow and neatly combed tinsel hair. I found it strange that the Hawks were so young, yet they were greying already. Almost as if time stole their youth in payment for their atrocities.
Kes took my shoulders and kissed first my right cheek then my left. “Pleasure to see you this morning. How’s your tattoo?”
I pressed my thumb against my index finger, activating the remaining burn from the needle and ink. “It’s good.”
Kes held out his hand, waiting until I slipped mine in his. He ran a finger gently over Jethro’s initials. “Lucky bastard gets to live on your flawless skin.” He grinned. He also wore a t-shirt and jodhpurs. Not that the tight trousers fit him nearly as good as Jethro. Kes was too bulky—too rough for something so…refined.
“Guess it’s official now.”
“Official?”
Kes nodded. “Just between you and me, I didn’t think my brother had it in him. He’s not coping—in fact, I’d go as far to say he’s the worst I’ve ever seen him—but he’s still managing to win against Cut.”
I peered at the small tattoo. “What do you mean?”
Kes laughed, brushing away the topic as if it was nothing. “Cut has watched and re-watched the video of Jethro whipping you for the First Debt. Apart from the footage cutting off before he untied you, Cut was pleasantly surprised at how vicious Jethro delivered the punishment.”
My heart skipped a beat remembering the agony I’d been in. “He didn’t hold anything back, that’s for sure.”
“Exactly. Which was the best thing for all. He’s proven he can be trusted to carry out the remaining debts and that means he’s still in the running for inheriting it all.”
I stood gobsmacked to learn there was more than just me and debts at play. What else was Jethro fighting for behind the scenes? “Inherit what?”
Hawksridge?
A holiday house?
The diamond mines?
Kes shook his head, tucking my hand into the crook of his arm. “Nothing. We’re late. Better head out there before they send in the stable lads.”
He took off at a brisk pace. I had no choice but to trot beside him as we traversed the remaining distance and exited the Hall.
Unlike a few days ago, the sunshine was bright and determined. I squinted, raising a hand to shield my eyes in the glare.
Kes asked, “Where is he?”
“Where’s who?” I looked around at the sprawling mayhem before us. Normally the large expanse of gravel at the front of the Hall was empty. Not so this morning.
Two large horse trucks blotted out the garden with their black sides and gold-gilded hawk crest. Three 4WDs dotted around, some with doors opened, others with their boots wide and being filled with equipment by quickly moving staff.
Kes snorted. “Who do you think? That brother of mine.”
“Oh, him. I guess he had to change.”
“Change?” His eyebrows shot up. Cut and Daniel stood off a little way, both dressed in suits with a black leather jacket. They looked so similar, so removed from the normal human race.
“Why would he have to change?”
“Because I took another shower quite by accident,” a masculine voice said behind me.
I bristled, not looking over my shoulder. The hair on the back of my neck stood up having Jethro so close. I might’ve been able to push away my never-enjoyed orgasm, but I didn’t want to be too near. “There, he answered your question.”
Twisting my fingers from Kes’s hold, I said, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go see if the staff needs any help with that picnic basket.” Without waiting for permission, I disappeared down the steps and beelined for the two women in white pinafores struggling with a hamper.
Up close, I noticed the 4WDs were the newest model Land Rovers, and the horse trucks were ridiculously glitzy. How many diamonds did the Hawks smuggle to afford all this?
I jumped as a large hand splayed on my lower back.
Jethro didn’t look down, p
referring to keep his attention on a stable boy carrying saddle blankets. “Did you finish?”
I flinched, trying to move away from his touch. “That’s none of your business.”
Jethro moved with me, his fingertips digging into the tense muscles at the base of my spine. “None of my business? I think it is.” He lowered his voice, his eyes still avoiding mine. “You see, I need to know if the woman who belongs to me is wet and panting for a release. We’ll be in public today, Ms. Weaver. Having someone who’s as hungry to come as you were in that shower is a matter of public security.”
His lips twisted as he finally bowed his head to look into my eyes. “So, tell me…did you finger yourself until your cunt squeezed, all while fantasising it was my cock riding you—my cock slamming inside you? Or did you pretend you weren’t that sort of girl and stop playing with yourself?”
“Shut up,” I hissed. My eyes darted to the staff who crunched across the gravel in front of us. Jethro wasn’t exactly quiet—anyone could hear if they tried hard enough.
Hard.
God, even innocent words painted lewd pictures inside my head. Images of Jethro’s hard cock consumed me, and my heart hurled itself against my ribs. All my efforts at pushing down the ache between my legs was in vain. In a few sentences, Jethro had made me sopping wet and trembling with lust.
Again.
Damn man has super powers.
“Answer me, Ms. Weaver.”
My hands balled and I snapped, “No. I didn’t. Satisfied? I was too angry at you for saying I suck at lying. You’re the one who’s terrible.” I laughed, adding, “Congratulations on winning the hypocritical award.” I mentally patted myself on the back for using my remembered reproach.
Jethro rolled his eyes. “How long have you been waiting to use that?”
Damn him, he stole any joy I might’ve had from one-upping him. His hand moved to clutch my hip, tugging me closer. “By the way, I believe if there is an award for such a thing, it would go to you.”
Don’t ask. Do not ask why.
It pained me to hold my chin high and not grab his bait, but I managed it. Just.
Jethro huffed, annoyed that I didn’t play along. “Fine…if you’re going to be like that.” Letting me go, he turned to leave but brushed his lips against my ear. “If I’m rock hard and in pain after fantasising of fucking you; if I can barely see straight from imagining my cock sliding in and out of your heat, I’m sure as hell going to grab my dick and throttle it until I come so hard it looks like fucking snow.”
Pressing a chaste kiss on my cheekbone, he murmured, “Think about that next time you’re riding a showerhead and just call me. I’ll put you out of your misery, but it won’t come for free.”
My mouth hung open. My womb ached in a way I hadn’t felt before—heavy, tender—a call for more than just sex but the primal need to have a man fill me.
Jethro’s lips twisted into half a smile, then he left, prowling toward his father and Daniel.
My heartbeat roared in my ears. I stood like an idiot as staff continued to load and look at me with an odd expression. Chagrin painted my cheeks, thinking they probably knew exactly what ailed me.
Sex.
I’d been debased to craving sex all while my life hung in some precarious balance.
Sex.
The monstrous need that made graves and debts and tally marks insubstantial compared to the promise of finding heaven in his arms.
“Nila…you okay?” Kes asked, sidling up to me.
I blew out a breath. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with him.
“Yes, I’m fine.” Waving my hand at the dwindling chaos, I asked, “What is all this for?”
Kes grinned. “I told you a few days ago. Polo.”
For some stupid reason, I thought it would take place on Hawk ground. I looked down at my black dress and thin mesh jumper. The garments weren’t enough now the weather had lost its summer warmth and slid straight into autumn chill. “Am I still permitted to come, or—”
“Of course. I told you…staff, prisoners…” He nudged my shoulder in jest. “The more the merrier. Come on, it’s time to go.” He moved toward his family, leaving me no choice but to follow, regardless that I wanted to move in the opposite direction to Cut Hawk.
Jethro never took his golden eyes off me as I stopped before them. Kes clapped his hands together. “Ready to get this mayhem on the road?”
Cut rubbed his jaw, looking me up and down. “Would you care to ride with me, my dear?” He pulled free a black handkerchief from his pocket, dangling it between his fingers. His smile was cold and sadistic. “I’ll have to blindfold you so you won’t know the way off the estate, but you’re welcome to the luxury of the vehicle.”
I hated that he came across so cordial—almost grandfatherly.
Jethro muttered, “She’ll be fine with Wings and me.”
My eyes widened. “You’re travelling with the horse?”
Jethro nodded. “Wings hates being confined. It kills him to be in the dark with no escape.”
My heart flipped. How could he say something so caring about an animal, yet be so strange about everything else?
Cut laughed—it held an edge of warning. “I expected you to grow out of that stupid notion, Jet.”
Jethro’s hands fisted. “Sorry to disappoint.”
Cut glared daggers at his oldest son. I stood poised to jump out of the way, just waiting for a fight to break out or some accusation thrown that might hint at whom Jethro truly was. It seemed his entire family knew and constantly used his weakness, condition—whatever he had—as a warning and an aid to heel.
Breaking the tense silence, I said, “I’d rather travel with the horses.”
Cut stopped trying to kill his oldest by death stare and turned his blazing eyes on me.
I rushed, “Plus, I won’t have to wear a blindfold as the truck doesn’t have windows.”
The thought of being cooped up in a dark space while weaving and swaying in traffic turned my stomach. The symptoms would be eerily similar to vertigo. But I would rather go with Jethro over Cut any day.
Cut nodded slowly. “Fine. We’ll see you at the match.”
Daniel shifted closer. “That’s a pity.” His unhinged soul glimmered in his eyes. His dark hair didn’t have any of the silver tinsel that Jethro and Kes had, but all three of the Hawk boys had inherited their colouring from their father. Daniel’s hair had thinned, whereas I knew from experience that Jethro’s was thick and entirely too enticing.
I know because his head has been between my legs, licking me while I dug my fingers—
Don’t think about that.
Once again, I had to shove away the wetness Jethro had conjured and shut down my bodily cravings.
Daniel smirked. His pristine suit, diamond pin just like Jethro’s, and polished boots made him seem the perfect catch for any eager woman—until he opened his mouth, of course. “I rather enjoyed our car ride together last time.”
A chill flash-froze my system. He meant the car ride onto the estate the night I had arrived. Jethro had drugged me—bastard. And I could still feel Daniel’s probing nasty fingers on my core.
Jethro growled, “Enough.” Leaving his family, he grabbed my wrist and stomped toward the closest horse truck. “Time to go.”
I couldn’t stop goosebumps scattering over my arms at the horrible reminder of Daniel’s groping.
Silently, Jethro guided me to the side of the truck and opened a small door camouflaged by decals of his family crest. The entire transport was rich and gleaming with money.
As I stepped into the musky warmth of horse and hay, I said, “The night you stole me. Why did you drug me?”
Jethro froze, blotting out the light from the small door and instantly making the large vehicle claustrophobic. “I did it to make it easier.”
“On who? You?”
He slammed the door closed, leaving us in gloomy light. “On you. I made it so you wouldn’t fight and cause you
rself harm.”
I crossed my arms, a horrible suspicion filling me. “Wrong. I think you did it for you. So you wouldn’t have to face my tears or put up with my panic.”
Jethro shoved me out of the way, moving down the gangway between the two stalls. I spun around, following him. Two horses’ rumps faced us with food bales secured within grazing distance and hay on the floor.
“Who exactly are you, Jethro Hawk?”
Jethro ran his hand along the horse’s ebony side. My stomach fluttered to witness the sudden softness in him and it turned my heart to mush to see the animal’s reaction to his master.
Its ears swivelled in welcome while its flank twitched for more. A gentle huffing sound came from velvet nostrils—a sigh of contentment.
“I’m the man who does what he needs to, but you already know that.” Giving me a backward glance, he didn’t stop until he passed the two horses and entered the small space at the front of the stalls. In the spacious compartment, there were two seats bolted to the floor facing the horses. Saddles, blankets, and bridles hung from hooks. Every wall and space had been utilised to house horsey paraphernalia.
Windows let natural light in from above, along with a skylight, but they were too high to see.
“Let it go, Ms. Weaver.” Sitting down, he pointed at the identical seat. “Sit down before you fall down. Can never be too careful with that damn vertigo of yours.”
I sneered at him. “Bet it makes you feel stronger knowing I have an ailment that can strike me down at any time.”
He sniffed. “You’re right. It does.” His eyes narrowed. “Now. Sit.”
The truck suddenly rumbled and coughed as the engine turned over. The horses behind me nickered. One stomped its metal hoof on the floor.
I turned around and sat quickly, just before the lumbering vehicle shot into gear.
Fumbling with my seatbelt—hoping it would be strong enough to keep me upright if I happened to suffer a bad spell—I yelped when a long grey nose nudged my leg.
Jethro chuckled. “For someone who says she’s in-tune with the law of right and wrong, you don’t seem to have experience around animals.”
He smiled as the black beast in front of him arched its neck, trying to get at his master.
Second Debt Page 10
