Page 14 of Hateful Prince

My bloodied hand was around his throat before I registered what was happening. I had the man suspended in the air, eyes wide as I choked the breath out of him.

“She. Is. Mine.”

Instead of panicked, Cain’s expression twisted into one of murderous intent. He reached up, wrapping his hand around my wrist. But he didn’t try to break my hold. Instead he squeezed, his fingers digging in so hard they turned the skin beneath them white.

The pain was as unimaginable as it was unexpected. Generally, I couldn’t feel my injuries if I was raging, but this wasn’t a normal injury. The pain wasn’t in my body, but in the very depths of my soul. It felt like I was burning from the inside out.

I cried out in agony, releasing my hold on him and collapsing to the floor.

Cain stood over me, chest heaving, eyes a startling blue as he stared down. “You think you’re a match for me, demigod? You’d be wrong. Don’t try me again.”

Before I could respond, Dahlia skidded into the doorway. “Guys, what is going on?”

Chapter

Five

DAHLIA

“So you think they’ll bite?” I asked Kiki as I made my way up the stairs.

She’d sent my drafted synopsis and outline in for approval last night, and we were both nervous they’d reject it because instead of a sequel to Rebel, I’d come up with something completely different.

“I mean, if they know what’s good for them, they’ll be all over it, but you never know with those guys.”

“You’re not making me feel very confident.”

She frowned on the screen, her perfectly manicured brows pulling in. “Listen, if they turn it down, then you indie publish that bitch, and I’ll ride shotgun as your freelance editor.”

I grinned. “Well, at least I know you liked it.”

“Babes, you wrote it. Of course I love it.”

Sighing, I adjusted the height of my phone—what? My arm was hurting from holding it out for so long to avoid all the double chins.

“You’re the best.”

She beamed. “I know.” Her expression turned serious as I continued down the hall. Leaning close to the phone, she whispered, “Did you know you have a stalker? A hot one, but still.”

I blew out a long breath and rolled my eyes. “Yes. He thinks he’s doing something. I’m just trying to let him have his win.”

I hadn’t bothered to drop my voice, so I wasn’t completely surprised when Cas called out, “If I hadn’t wanted you to know I was here, love, you wouldn’t.”

Kiki gave a little shuddering sigh. “Love. Gawd. Does he just love you all over the place like that?”

“I would if she’d let me. A little exhibitionism never hurt anyone.”

I stopped and glared at him over my shoulder. The fucker was leaning against the wall, partially obscured by a tall potted plant. “That’s not what she said.”

“It’s exactly what she said. Hang up, and I can love you right here.”

“Oh my God.” Kiki’s whisper was almost reverent.

“I think you mean my captain.”

If the sexy pirate didn’t stop, I was going to elbow him right in the gut.

I huffed in annoyance while Kiki swooned.

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