Page 2 of Theirs to Rule

“Rebel, don’t be stupid,” he said, his voice hardening despite the pain he was clearly in. “If you don’t get out?—”

“I said no!” I cut him off, glaring at him. “I’m not leaving you to die, Kage.”

He let out a frustrated growl, but his hand tightened around mine. “You’re the most stubborn person I’ve ever met.”

“Thanks,” I said with a trembling smile.

“That wasn’t a compliment,” he muttered, but there was something like pride in his eyes.

The car groaned again, and my breath hitched. Kage’s grip tightened, his strength anchoring me as much as I was anchoring him.

Before I could say more, a low rumble broke through the tense silence. I turned toward the sound, my breath catching as I looked through the passenger side window. Dante rode up on his bike. He jumped off and ran toward us, his expression frantic.

“Dante,” I gasped. I blinked, half expecting him to disappear like some kind of mirage, but he was still there. He skidded to a stop by the passenger side, his face a mix of panic and determination.

“Camille, are you okay?” he shouted, his voice barely cutting through the roaring in my ears.

I shook my head. “It was Davis. He shot Kage. I tried to get away, but—” My voice broke, and tears spilled down my cheeks.

Kage squeezed my hand. “It’s okay, baby. Dante’s going to get you out of here.”

Through the window, Dante’s sharp blue eyes locked on Kage. “I’m getting you both out.”

“Just worry about her,” Kage snapped.

I glared at him. “I said I’m not leaving without you.”

Dante’s jaw clenched. “I’m going to open the passenger door. The weight should shift toward the safer side. Stay calm. I’ll take it slow.”

Panic surged, but I nodded. If anyone could pull this off, it was Dante. As he reached for the door handle, I held my breath, praying the car would hold.

Chapter 2

Camille

Dante moved with a predator’s precision, calculated and deliberate as he eased the Bugatti’s door open. Every creak sent chills down my spine. The car shifted, teetering on the edge, and my breath caught. I didn’t dare look down.

“Peaches,” Dante called, his voice calm but firm. “Come to me. Now.”

I stared at him, frozen. “I can’t. If I move, the car might tip with Kage still in it.”

Dante looked at Kage, who said quietly, “Trust me, man. I’ve tried talking her into leaving me here, but she’s as stubborn as they come.”

Kage’s eyelids were drooping, like he was struggling to stay awake. When he closed them for too long, I gave him a little pinch. His eyes flew open, and he glared at me. “What the fuck did you do that for?”

“I was making sure you were still alive,” I snapped.

“Well, I am. Look, just let Dante help you out?—"

“I’m not leaving you here,” I screamed.

My words hung in the air, each of us reading between the lines: I’d rather die than live without Kage.

But that didn’t mean Iwantedto die.

Despite the loss I’d suffered so far, I had my sisters, my dad, my friends, and not just Kage, but Dante and my ex-boyfriend, Ty, too.

Three guys that in the past weeks had made me feel more alive than I ever had before, even if Ty was hell-bent on pushing me away.

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