Page 90 of Heir of the Beast

Yes.

I will restrain Apollo, have a little fun, and make a clean break. I will finish and outsmart the amazing Apollo. Nothing can go wrong. I have it all worked out.

Famous last words? Nope.

I saw the carnal look in Apollo’s gaze. He is hot and bothered. Off his game.

I hide the vines underneath me, like so.

You’re probably wondering what in the hell I have planned. I have not worked it all out, but essentially, I will pretend my wrist is caught in the vines.

I am lying on my side and wait and wait for what feels like forever. I yell in the air like I’m in pain, and I know he is close. I can almost sense it.

There is a rock in my side and a stick poking my ass. He’d better hurry.

I am nervous now, my pulse hammering.

This will not work.

Yes, it will!

I tense when I hear something behind me, and I can’t help but hold my breath.

“What do we have here?” Apollo’s voice is smooth and low.

“Wipe the smile off your face and throw me a knife, my wrist is caught,” I say like I’m upset. I should be nominated for an Emmy.

“Stuck?” he says, confusion lacing his voice. I hear him come closer and feel his knee beside me. “Let me see.” He laughs.

“No, my pride will only allow me to free myself,” I shoot back.

“Oh, forgive me, Your Highness.” He is chuckling now, completely buying my unfortunate circumstance. “Don’t cut yourself.”

I reach behind me with one free hand. “Thank you.”

“And to think Princess Laura is still making her way through the maze unscathed. I believe I lost a bet here,” he taunts. “I thought you would demolish her.”

I grit my teeth.

~You just wait, buddy.~

“Come closer. I am having trouble.” I grab the vines with my hidden hand. “Ow!”

And just like that, I jump up and have his blade to his neck. He is up against the wall, breathing hard as his own knife presses to his neck. ~I can’t believe that worked. I really can’t!~

I laugh, drawing a little blood from my awkward movements. ~Shit.~

“Angel, you have five seconds to lower the blade,” he warns.

“I give the orders!” I yell, getting into the part, feeling a bit insane. “Hands behind your back—now!”

He stares at me, then he does, holding up his hands then putting them behind his back. I make quick work of the vines, tying an impressive army knot that some stripper taught me who was really into S&M.

Long story. I think she is in jail now after being sued for wrongful slavery or something like that. Super sketch.

I step back and laugh, clapping my hands. “Now, I will finish without you being there to stop me!”

“You little minx,” he whispers.