Page 57 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

No, there was no way he knew. If he did, he would kill her on the spot.

Why had he come?

She unfolded his note and read it again. It was simple and to the point.

I missed talking to you today, sweetheart. I hope we can chat tomorrow.

Ryker’s writing was atrocious, like that of a child. But… he’d written her a note. Even though it wasn’t a declaration of love or a proposal, it had to mean she was making headway. Right?

Yes.

The note, combined with the fact that he’d broken the rules to see her, was a good sign. A fucking fantastic one, actually.

A luminous grin spread across Brynleigh’s face. She knew how much the captain cared about rules from their countless conversations. It was evident in the way he spoke and carried himself. For him to throw them aside for her was… everything. This was the confirmation she needed that her efforts hadn’t been in vain.

A month in the real world wasn’t that long, but in the Choosing, every day was like a week.

The more she thought about it, the more Brynleigh was convinced she was right. This was good. Better than good, in fact. The rebels had done her a favor because now she had tangible proof of her mark’s affections. He’d been here. For so long, she had hunted the reclusive captain. Now, he sought her.

Everything was on track.

She could still accomplish her mission despite all the complications she’d encountered. Wedding bells chimed in her head, declaring their union to the world. They sounded awfully similar to the music she imagined would play at Ryker’s funeral after she got her revenge.

He had no idea he was courting the instrument of his impending death.

Maybe she should’ve felt bad about that, but she didn’t. The people of Chavin hadn’t had any warning when he called a deadly hurricane upon them, drowning them while they slept.

Brynleigh would be a silent assassin. She would play the role of doting bride until the life drained from the captain’s eyes. She couldn’t wait to see his face when he realized it was all a charade, that he’d been betrayed by the one person he thought he could trust.

Revenge would be sweet, indeed.

She focused on vengeance and nothing else. Those were the rules; this was her game, and she would be the victor.

Hours passed.

Brynleigh remained in bed with her thoughts as her only company. She had many of them. They were all of the deadly variety… or at least, that’s what she told herself.

When a smile came to her lips, she convinced herself it was because she was excited by the thought of avenging her family, not from Ryker’s lingering scent tickling her nose.

When her mind wandered to the dream and her core tightened, she shoved those feelings deep down. She was only happy because Ryker would be dead soon, not because of the way he had touched her and brought her comfort.

And when she wondered what it would be like to plunge her fangs into Ryker’s neck and taste his blood, it was purely for the purpose of killing him and not for other more… pleasant activities.

Yes, all she thought about was revenge.

Nothing else.

Around seven, Doctor Carin’s phone rang. The crisp sound shattered the silence. Brynleigh jolted.

Carin picked up the phone. “Hello?”

The voice on the other end of the line was too quiet for Brynleigh to hear.

“Yes, she looks much better.” Carin’s eyes swept over the vampire. “Mhmm.” She paused, listening. “Understood.”

After another minute, the doctor hung up and faced Brynleigh. “Are you ready to rejoin the Choosing?”

A flutter of delight ran through Brynleigh, and she grinned, displaying her sharp fangs. “Absolutely.”

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