Page 56 of Slaughter

She slowly stands and then walks out without looking back at me.

Fuck, I hate that she almost outsmarted me. Again!

I run a hand through my hair, frustrated.

“Avery?”

“What?” I snap, turning to see my brother has now joined me. “Go home, Tristan.”

I know why he’s here. He thinks I’m going to fold and go easy on her. And that he can take over when that happens. If he lays one hand on her, I’ll kill him.

He walks into the cellar, pocketing his cell. “I made the call. We’re on.”

“We?”

He nods. “The more eyes, the better.”

I can’t disagree with him there.

He just stands there as he looks around the empty cellar. When his eyes meet mine, I can see the disappointment in them. “Not making her stay down here?”

“What I do with her is none of your business,” I growl defensively.

His eyes narrow on me. “Look. I’m putting my ass on the line for not only you but for her as well.”

“I never asked for your help!” He lets out a long sigh as if he’s tired of this fucking game already. I’m just getting started.

“Eventually, she is going to succeed.”

I shake my head. “She will not …”

“We both know she will. Quit denying it.” My jaw tightens. “What are you gonna do when he ends up with her?”

“I won’t allow that to happen,” I say through clenched teeth.

“You can’t control her. She’s been here two days and already proven it twice.”

“It won’t happen again.”

“You can’t guarantee that.” He holds his hands out wide. “Unless you put her down here—”

“Drop it, Tristan!” I interrupt him. “I have a plan. Either fucking stick to it or get the fuck out!” Then I walk past him, exiting the cellar, running up the steps and then making my way up the winding staircase to the second floor.

I open her bedroom door without knocking to find her sitting on her bed. Her back against the headboard and legs up to her chest.

“Come here,” I order.

I wait impatiently as she slowly crawls out of bed. She has quit crying, but her cheeks are still wet, and I know the drugs are still in her system. She walks over and stands before me. I look down at her. “Get undressed.”

Her shoulders slump at my command, but her fingers remove her shirt and jeans. She stands before me dressed in a black bra and matching thong.

“All of it.”

She unclasps her bra, and it falls to the floor before my feet. Then she slowly pushes her thong down her legs, showing me her smooth pussy.

I look over her slowly, allowing my eyes to take in every inch of her. She looks better than she did yesterday. Her color is back, and her face is healing. Well, except for the new mark Darrell gave her earlier.

She reaches up, crossing her arms over her chest, and bows her head. She’s nervous. Good, I want her to feel something. Fear is a very strong motivator. She needs to be terrified of me. Because if she were to get away, and Damon got a hold of her …

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