Page 119 of All Your Hate

I don’t think there’s much chance of that happening. Edward looks seconds away from death.

Luka gets a syringe from a drawer and uncaps it as he says, “The man he’s talking about won’t help you.”

“How do you know that?” I ask.

Looking between us, Luka thinks his answer over. “Because he’s my brother and he’s dead.”

His face contorts with a rage I’ve never seen on him before and he uses that anger to plunge the syringe into Edward’s chest. He gasps back to life just as quickly as Luka’s anger fades, his mask of calm slipping back into place.

“The man he’s referring to is Nikolai Vyronov. He used to be feared, then one day he vanished.” He doesn’t look at us as he speaks. Instead, he carefully lines his scalpels up next to Edward on the table.

“Vyronov, not Vincent?”

“I changed my name when I moved to America.” Luka shrugs.

I can’t believe he’s been so close to this all this time. If he had divulged any of this from the start we wouldn’t be where we are now. “Dmitri mentioned his boss, your brother, was coming to claim the city. You’re sure he’s dead?”

“He clearly doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I've been to many an establishment like Lakeview, in my search for someone. Imagine how surprised I was to overhear Dmitri Volkov flaunting my deceased brother's name around. He's most likely using it to terrify people into getting what he wants. Now if you’re done I’ve been looking forward to flaying this one.”

“Flay?No dear god, please, Noah, get me out of here,” Edward begs for what little life he has left. Even after having that shot of adrenaline he’s once again fading from the pain.

Grabbing Wynter’s hand she squeals as I pull her to the exit. “Not a chance. Thanks for this, Luka.”

“Bones,” he says coldly as I pull the shutter up. “I have enough on you and everyone you hold dear to bring you all down. Do not breathe a word of this to anyone.”

I look at Wynter, at the reason why I would never betray him.

“I understand. Have fun flaying.”

Wynter runs off ahead of me and I grab her as she reaches the car. Bending her over the hood I’m about to sink into her when she shouts, “Stop!”

I groan in pain and slap my palm down on the cold metal. My balls feel like they’re about to burst. “What’s wrong?” I strain out.

Looking back at me over her shoulder she grins. “I want to show you something.”

“If it’s not your ass, your pussy, or your tits it can wait.”

“Trust me. This is worth it.”

24

WYNTER

Idirect Noah to a lookout point where we can see the entire city. The wind whips at my hair as I lean over the railing. It’s an exhilarating feeling. For once I really do feel free.

I’m not trapped down there, stuck in my little life. I’m above it all. With him.

I don’t need to turn to know that Noah is watching me from where he’s perched on the hood of his car.

He’s always watching.

I used to find it oppressive and irritating, but now it makes me feel safe.Loved.

He gives me a few more moments to enjoy the view alone before he comes up behind me, sliding his arms around my waist. I tilt my head back to meet his where it rests on my shoulder.

“It’s a stunning view,” Noah says as he looks at me.

“I used to come here now and then when Summer was at school. I’d work all night and the only time I got to rest was during the few hours she was out. That’s if I didn’t have groceryshopping or laundry to do. When I needed some time to myself I’d walk up here.”

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