Page 88 of Shattered Jewel

I would’ve never believed it if it were not currently happening, but my mother’s defenses are actually giving me confidence and a needed, pleasurable distraction from the abandoned circus my life has become.

Sashaying further ahead, I come to an abrupt halt before a pressure plate camouflaged in the floorboards. “This one’s for you, Axe.”

The stoic giant steps up without hesitation, intense eyes questioning. Slowly, I circle him until I stand flush against his rigid front, my petite frame contrasting his powerful one.

“Going to need that exquisite control,” I breathe against his ear, relishing the way his pupils dilate instantly. Dragging my palms along his sculpted torso through his soft cashmere sweater, I guide Axe’s stance with excruciating patience until...

“There,” I finally exhale, lips brushing his nape as I withdraw. “One step at a time. Don’t let me down.”

A sterling hurricane glazes over his eyes as Axe advances with robotic restraint, every movement a lesson in preternatural discipline as he successfully avoids springing the plate’s trap. Only the faintest rasp of his harsh breathing gives away the strain.

My triumphant gaze falls on the remaining men, issuing a villainous challenge. “Shall we see who’s next to rise to the occasion?”

“Kaspian,” Wilder says, still sipping his drink. His voice is uneven, with a touch of amusement. “You’re up.”

To my surprise, Kaspian agrees, his expression challenging me as he stretches out one hand. “And what’s my obstacle, beastie?”

I point east.

My mother’s twisted genius manifests itself in curious ways. Each trap is intricate and unique in design. Memorizing every trigger point has become a rite of passage in this gothic manor.

Kaspian’s moss-colored gaze flits between me and the trap ahead—a web of homemade laser triggers requiring nimble movements to bypass.

He moves closer—until the distance between us is nearly nonexistent. Raising an eyebrow at him teasingly while my heart tries to leap into his gorgeous mouth, I instruct, “You’ll want to be as fluid as water for this one.”

He matches my daring gaze with his own sardonic slant, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly—a beast amused by his plaything’s brazenness.

He inches forward, movements as graceful as they are lethal. His tall frame ducks and lifts effortlessly between each beam—the macabre dance enhanced by the thrill of not knowing what would be triggered if he failed.

Once he’s safely on the other side, I cast a raised brow Wilder and Cav’s way.

“Your turns,” I quip.

My voice is teasing but my heart is a ticking time bomb in my chest.

But Cav doesn’t move, regarding me with an inscrutable study. His gaze feels like an electric charge on my skin, and despite myself, I find it hard to look away from his mesmerizing, lightning blue eyes.

“And what,” he murmurs, words dripping like warm honey, “would be the reward for successfully navigating this labyrinth you’ve got us in? You’ve yet to say.”

His voice vibrates through my body, each syllable laced with a promise of something wild and unpredictable. The tension burns in the air like an open flame. The men exchange glances.

“Continue on and find out,” I answer smoothly with a shrug that lifts my nightgown a fraction higher up my thighs. My tone is light but flirty, aiming to keep them intrigued, yet off-balance.

Cav closes the space between us and I hold my breath as he leans down to whisper in my ear, “We’ll be expecting something ... satisfying.”

His breath tickles. A quiet moan almost escapes my throat.

I tilt my head away, a needed escape. “Careful. Keep looking at me like that and you might miss a trap.”

Wilder chuckles, the sound velvet over gravel. “Our witch has a point, Cav. Best keep your eyes on the prize.”

“Oh, I am,” Cav murmurs.

The heat in his eyes sets me alight.

With a smirk, I saunter into the next room, the men close behind.

“Watch your step,” I warn, halting before a jagged hole. Rotted planks jut like broken teeth. “Unless you fancy a tumble into the basement.”

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