Page 4 of Revenge

Axel and Zane keep walking up the stairs with me following on their heels. We enter the first open doorway into a decent-size room. I set my bag down on the bed and glance around. Other than the master suite, this is the only other bedroom on this floor and it’s more than enough.

There’s nothing inside but a small bed that’s pressed up against the wall with a small blanket on top. My hand reaches out and shakes the bed, testing out the sturdiness of the iron frame. It doesn’t move an inch off the floor. It’s perfect.

I cross the room and stare out the large window. The view brings me a sense of calm. After years of staring at nothing but bars, this is a welcome change. “Looks good, real good.” My knuckle taps against the thick glass. Nothing is getting through this. There’s no balcony and it’s sealed shut, but I don’t need it to open. It’s meant to keep things locked inside—keep them from escaping.

“Of course it does.” Axel leans against the wall, wearing a smug grin. Good to see he’s still as cocky as I remember. His thumbs are shoved in the pockets of his jeans as he leans against the wall.

“We built it exactly as you designed. Even bolted the bed frame to the floor.” Zane never takes his eyes off of mine while he speaks. He’s assessing my every movement once again, like he’s lying in wait, ready for me to snap. Little does he know that I’ve become pretty good at hiding the monster inside until he’s needed.

I nod and continue glancing around the room. The walls are as plain as the ones in my cell. Unlike those cement blocks, these ones are much thicker. “Soundproof?”

“The whole place is.” Axel comes to stand next to me in front of the window.

“Good.” I nod.

“Asher?” Zane eyes me from across the room. “You sure about this?”

“Yes.” My gaze doesn’t waver. I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life.

“But she’s—” Axel’s features harden as his body stiffens. He’s growing a conscience and I need to shut that shit down before we go any further.

“A means to an end.” My voice comes out low and lethal, brooking no further argument. Axel jerks his chin and walks out the door without another word, his loud steps echoing the entire way. My eyes flick toward Zane, waiting for his response. Whether my brothers have my back or not, it won’t stop me from doing what I need to.

“You’ve got something for me?”

Zane nods his head and tosses a folder onto the bed. “It looks like we have some hunting to do.” His fist pounds against the jamb of the door a couple of times before he turns and walks away, leaving me to my thoughts.

I sit on the bed and pull out the contents of the folder. He gathered as much information as he could, but I’ll obtain the rest myself. A photo slips out and my hand catches it before it can hit the floor. My thumb traces over the image.

It’s all burned in my memory. Every freckle. Every scar. Her dark hair is longer in this photo, but her green eyes burn just as bright as I remember. It’s almost a shame that I’m going to snuff out their light.

“Your time’s almost up, little Charlee. I’ll be coming for you, and soon.”

Chapter Two

Charlee

The second Professor Miller dismisses us, I’m packed up and heading out the door. Two hours is more than long enough for me to listen to her drone on. I love art, but she’s killing it for me.

“That was the longest class ever.” Kelsey slips her book bag over her head and onto one shoulder. “If she didn’t sound like a damn robot, I might actually stay awake more often.” She shrugs, causing the mess of auburn curls on top of her head to bounce.

“You have a point.”

“Besides, I joined this class for the nude models. When are we going to get to the good stuff? I’m dying for the chance to draw some real live peen.”

“Can’t argue with you there.” I laugh and follow her out into the quad, her long legs making it almost impossible to catch up. Luckily for me, she stops to pull her phone out of her bag.

I take the time to enjoy the scenery while she does. Watching the leaves dance in the wind on the cracks in the sidewalk is something that has always given me peace—something I always used to do with my mom as a child. My head leans back, taking in the cool September air. Fall will always be my favorite time of year. The leaves are already changing color, making way for new beginnings and exciting possibilities. There’s also something about the smells, late night fires, and wearing your favorite boots that make this girl smile.

“What has you smiling like a fool?” Kelsey hip-checks me out of my happy bubble and back to the quad where we’re standing.

“Nothing.” I shake my head and keep walking.

“Right. It has nothing to do with the fact that Colby Masterson couldn’t take his eyes off of you the entire lecture.” She tugs on my arm until we stop, and cocks her head to the side, staring me down and waiting for her words to hit me. Once they do, my world tilts on its axis.

“He was not.” Butterflies somersault in my stomach as a blush creeps onto my cheeks. “Was he?”

“Believe it. The school’s star quarterback was totally checking you out,” she teases. “Professor Miller was droning on about line shading and his line was directed at you.” She gestures between her legs and then to me.

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