Page 11 of Ruthless Kings of Havoc

“Yes and no,” he answers. “Are you a victim of Domino’s heartless actions? Yes. However, do you believe his actions and the results of those consequences deserve revenge right at this moment?”

I take my time to think about it.

“No.” That’s the truth. “You helped me. Saved my legs. There’s still light on the horizon. I can escape his clutches with the right excuse to my parents.”

I’m trying to decipher a plan in my mind.

“I can run away from the abuse…” I whisper and look at him once more. “For now.”

“For now,” he repeats in approval.

“But not forever,” I emphasize more to myself than him. “I have to wait to get my revenge when I know I can no longer run away from him forever.”

“You are quite smart, Precious Gem.”

I frown at that.

“I don’t feel precious,” I grumble. It’s not like I don’t like the name, but how am I precious? Precious items are taken care of. If I was so important, why is no one taking care of me?

“Evangeline.”

I’m surprised to hear my birth name, the shock showing on my face as my eyes widen to take in his soothing appearance. My shock is but amusement to him, which is why he leans in and gently lays a soft kiss on my forehead.

“Out of all the diamonds in this world, you are the most precious of them all. You know why?”

I shake my head, though I can’t help but feel hot in my face after his soft expression of affection.

“Why?” My voice is barely a whisper.

“The most valuable jewels are hidden within the darkness,” he whispers. “Covered by the shadows and takes a lot of time and effort to be retrieved from the forbidden depths of the very earth. That’s exactly why when they’re retrieved, it ignites a celebration in so many ways.”

That twinkling smile is back, allowing his eyes to glimmer with so much hope, I actually believe every word that leaves his mouth.

“You’re a sweet girl, Evangeline. Despite everything you’ve gone through, you’re not going to tell your father who hurt you, are you?”

We share a look, and it’s amazing to find one person who understands you without any words.

“That’s what makes you sweet,” he praises. “A kind-hearted soul who, despite everything that has been done to ruin everything that favors you, you’re still headstrong. That you’re willing to let the villain free, even though he hurt you. Scarred you. Dared to try to ruin you.”

I swallow and slowly nod my head, and his smile grows.

He’s proud of me.

“That’s what makes you a Sweet Precious Gem,” he declares as if bestowing me a title I’ll use in the future in his ranks. “All that’s left now is for the right moment to come. That opportunity where you’re finally discovered from the depths of the shadows within the earth and lifted up for everyone to see and rejoice.”

“But who will find me?” I whisper. For a moment, I can’t help but helplessly think I’ll forever be the undiscovered diamond. The jewel that will never feel the warmth of the sun or twinkle for the world to gasp in awe and admiration.

“Me.”

I look into his eyes as if to discover a hint of doubt in them, but the genuine tenacity in those eyes only makes my heart gallop with hope. If the silence and gaze don’t seal the deal, it’s the offering within his hand that destroys a bit of hope.

“A bunny keychain?” I smile at it because I immediately like it. It’s pink and made up of various strings. It reminds me of those voodoo dolls, only it is in the shape of a bunny with red eyes.

My lips spread into a full smile, showing my teeth as I take the bunny from his grasp. I admire its cute yet sinister beauty, which makes me giggle as I admire it and the little keychain attached. With it is a tag, and I realize there’s a number on it.

“Number?”

“Mine.”

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