Page 136 of Theirs to Ruin

I loved what he was saying. I loved even more the idea that I could own Kage.

That I could keep him.

But I knew that was impossible.

After we headed outside, we decided to walk a while, and as we did, I got tiny glimpses of Kage’s life outside of school—where he liked to hang out in the city, the bookshops he’d lose himself in, and a nondescript bar where they apparently served the best drinks in the city.

Kage’s laughter, rich and carefree, hung in the air as we made our way back to the car until I felt his hand stiffen in mine. A second before, he’d been relaxed. Now his eyes locked onto a guy walking toward us. Kage pulled me to a stop and pulled me protectively close.

The man saw us and stopped. For a tense moment, he and Kage glared at one another. Then, to my relief, the other guy abruptly crossed the street and walked back in the direction he’d come.

Without a word, Kage started walking again, tugging my hand to follow.

“Kage?” My voice was barely a whisper, threading through the silence that had enveloped us.

His eyes met mine, shadows flickering in their golden depths. “It’s fine, Camille.”

But it wasn’t fine. It was a reminder that wherever Kage went, enemies or at least opponents were lurking.

When we were inside the car, I tugged Kage’s arm before he could start the engine. “Kage, what are we doing?”

His gaze searched mine, as if weighing how much truth I could handle, how much truth he could admit to himself. “Ienjoy being with you more than anyone else. But nothing’s changed. You can’t count on me. My life is complicated and dangerous. I’ll never marry for love. It will be business only.”

I looked away. Even though I’d already known it because he’d been clear from the beginning, I still felt his words like a blow.

“Rebel, look at me.”

When I did, the look in his eyes was a mixture of desire, warning, and a silent plea for understanding.

“For as long as this lasts, I’m yours. And you’re mine.”

It was the weirdest feeling, to be both devastated and elated at his temporary claiming. I wanted to ask if that meant we were exclusive, but given how he’d let Dante watch as Kage went down on me, it seemed borderline entitled to ask.

"Kage. There's something I need to tell you. I've kissed other people. Since we started... whatever this is."

He stiffened. “Anyone other than Dante or Ty?” he said, as if it was a given I’d kissed the two of them.

I shook my head and his body relaxed. "Do you want to do more with them?"

I blushed, heat searing my face. "Yes," I admitted, avoiding his gaze again.

His hand came up, tilting my chin so I’d meet his eyes. “I’m not surprised. The heat between you and them is impossible to miss.”

I licked my lips, searching his face for anger, but it wasn’t there. How was that possible?

"It feels wrong," I whispered. “I feel like a virgin slut, if that's even a thing."

Kage chuckled, his thumb grazing my cheek. "Don’t buy into that bullshit. When we first met, the thought of you with someone else would have fucked with my head.”

“What changed?”

“You let me in. You almost died. You show me every day that the more you suck in life, the more vibrant and electrifying and powerful you become. I don’t want to get in the way of that. So, if you want something—or someone—fucking take it. Embrace your desires.”

"But–"

"No buts. There's no slut shaming here. I meant it when I said you’re mine. But that doesn't mean there’s not more for you out there, maybe even things I can’t give you.”

I bit my lip, considering his words. That probably meant he knew there were girls out there who could give him what I couldn’t, too. "I can’t believe you’re saying this. You of all people.”

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