Page 55 of Savage Rule

“I’m in trouble. Please, help me,” I begged.

“This isn’t a house you want to come into,” he told me.

But I was so desperate. “If you let me in, I’ll do whatever you want me to.”

He was older than me, but still so young. Looking around as if he was scared too, he motioned me to climb up the trellis that led to his room.

“I took you in and instead of asking something from you, I promised to protect you. I taught you how to fight. I gave you a purpose. I gave you revenge against the men that murdered your parents. And what did you say the day you killed them?”

My breathing pattern changes. “I said, I’m yours for life.”

“I will not lose you, Scarlet. Certainly not to a man that will betray you.” Gideon gets up and makes to walk past me, but pauses. He glances down as he adjusts his tie.

“Kill him.”

17

SCARLET

You’ve heard what spiders do to their mates when they’re done with them.

I did warn Gunn this would happen, didn’t I? I told him so that he would stay away. Save himself.

It washimthat insisted on being with me in spite of what I am.

What are you?my she-devil asks.

“Death to anyone that loves me.”

If he is meant to die tonight, I will kill him. Or perhaps, it’s my time that’s come to an end, and he will be the one to kill me. Either way, we’re over.

It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have let it go this far. But I wanted something all my own. I wanted Gunn to be all my own. Just like I wanted Gideon as my pigheaded older brother and Maisie as a little sister to protect. I wanted Gunn as mine.

The truth is, I can’t have any of that. Instead of protecting Maisie, I will eventually cause her harm. And Gunn… Gideon was right. Gunn will eventually harm me. It’s in his DNA, just as it is in mine.

All of that may be true, yet it doesn’t keep dread from forming in the pit of my stomach as I ride the Ninja back toGunn’s place. No matter how much I press my fingers into it, the burn only worsens.

Because you don’t want to do this.

I lift the face shield on my helmet and let the wind dry up the tears threatening to run down my cheeks.

By the time I reach his place, his garage door is already open. I park the bike in its spot and the door automatically shuts behind me.

“Upstairs,” he calls through the fireman’s chute.

“Be… I’ll be right up.” I can barely speak.

My hands start trembling as I place my helmet on the handlebar. I take several deep breaths in an attempt to calm my nerves, but it does nothing. I’ve never felt this way, this anxious to do a job.

Because you don’t want to do this.

“I have to,” I whisper, tugging out my knife, the Damascus nine-inch one I selected just for this. Only the best for Gunn.

Unchecked by the wind, one of my tears escapes and hangs on my chin as I peer at the mirror finish of the blade in my palm.

The reflection staring back at me is terrifying. So little soul left.

I curl my fingers around the steel, letting the sharp edges sink into my flesh until blood drips to the floor. Even with the sting, I find no relief from the increasing ache in my chest.

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