Page 28 of Brutal Ice

“I knew another killer was hunting. He started in the Atlanta area. That’s where the first two bodies were found. Then he came here. Body three.” Violet would have been number four. “Authorities are still piecing this shit together. People in power are keeping the truth from the media because they don’t want to shout that a serial killer is at work.”

But that is exactly who is searching for prey.

Royal stared into his brother’s intense gaze. “He’s fucking seeming to imitate the Slasher. His crimes are just as bad and as bloody.”

Beau’s eyes widened. Yeah, he had a personal tie to that prick.

“What was I supposed to do?” Royal demanded. “The cops weren’t closing in. Someone had to do something. If I hadn’t been there…Violet would be dead.” Guttural. “So you think I’m going to regret hunting? She’s still breathing. She’s still walking around. She’ll be fucking dancing as the star of her show soon. She’s living.” A hard shake of his head. “I won’t regret that. Not even if it means my ass gets tossed into a cell.” A reckless smile curved his lips. “Hardly like it will be my first time.”

Beau’s nostrils flared. “And what you just did on the desk with her? You regret that?”

“Hell, no. I just regret that your bad timing interrupted me.”

The door flew open.

Again.

The world seemed to be shoving into his office these days. Only…it wasn’t the world.

It was Violet.

Maybe she is the world. A sudden, random thought that he immediately dismissed as he focused on her.

She’d pulled the loose dress strap back onto her shoulder. Her chest shook with her hard breaths, and her eyes were focused right on him. “You’re hunting killers.”

He winced. “Sweetheart, maybe shut the door and don’t scream that out to everyone? I truly am trying to keep it on the down low.”

Violet stepped forward. She kicked the door shut with one high-heeled foot. Then her hands went to her hips. “You’re hunting killers.”

“Guilty as charged.”

She marched toward him. Beau backed up. Avalon didn’t say a word.

Violet stopped right in front of Royal. She tipped back her head and stared up at him. “He got away when you saved me.”

“Yes.”

“And you think he’s going to kill someone else…if he’s not stopped.”

His lips pressed together.

“Royal.” Her voice vibrated with intensity.

“I think he’s going to come after you, sweetheart. Not someone else. You.”

Her eyes widened. “That’s why you’re trying to get close to me. Because you’re still hunting him, and you are using me to do it.”

“I’m still hunting him.” I don’t want to use you. But, yes, he was.

“Fine.”

Uh, what was fine?

Violet jabbed her finger into his chest. “I’m hunting him with you.”

Oh, the hell, no, she wasn’t.

Her finger jabbed him again. “I’m hunting him with you,” she repeated.

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