Page 100 of Heartless Legacy

There has to be so much going through her head after what happened in there. I’m sure she has to be wondering what type of backlash she might face from Leo Burke, but the question she asks is, “How did you know I was at the club, Finn?”

“How do you think? I followed you.”

“How long have you been following me?”

“Since you got back. But you’re usually better at avoiding my tail. I guess you wanted me close this time.”

“I guess I did.” She squirms in my lap. The flimsy little negligee hides nothing. I wanna go back and gouge five sets of eyes out. She rubs my hands, soothing the murderous impulse on contact. “I’m okay, Finn.”

“I’m not. They wanted you to fuck them to prove your loyalty. What kind of bullshit is that?”

“They wanted to fuck me and saw this as a way to make that happen and to punish me for choosing Wolfe as my mentor.”

I scoff. “And they thought they’d get away with it.”

“If I told them no, they’d have their proof I’m disloyal.”

“Keep your brother’s secrets.” I spit out. Those words aren’t as comforting as they used to be. It seems like lately all the secrets are trying to destroy everyone and everything that’s important to me.

I look over at Deacon, and ask the same question she did. “How did you know she was at the club?”

He says, “You’re not the only one following Thea.”

We ride the rest of the way in silence. I don’t know where we’re going and I realize how impulsive it was to leave my car in that neighborhood. But I didn’t want to let Thea out of my sight. My car getting towed or stolen is a small price to pay for being with her now.

Deacon pulls off the road and into a paved parking lot. Thea pushes open the door handle and climbs out of the car, leaving me alone with him. The silence stretches on, then he finally gives me a begrudging, “Thank you for what you did for Thea back there. I know how hard it must’ve been sticking up for her against league councilmen.”

“It was actually one of the easiest things I’ve ever done.” My eyes widen and I let out a strangled gasp. “Is she about to go skinny dipping?”

Through the windshield, I watch the rest of Thea’s clothes go fluttering in the wind. I check the rearview and side mirrors to make sure nobody else is around. I don’t even know which stretch of beach we’re at. It’s empty, so that quiets one instinct, but makes room for another. My girl is sitting naked on the beach with her toes in the water. So why am I just sitting here in the car with Deacon Wolfe?

I climb out of the car and go to join her on the beach. I sit close, our shoulders touching. “Do you want me to go to jail tonight, Pet?”

“Hmm?”

“I just cut off a guy's fingers for you, and you were wearing a nightie. Now you’re out here naked for anyone to see. I’m definitely going to jail.”

She gives me a soft smile. “You’re not going to jail tonight, but thank you for offering.”

Deacon walks over carrying a blanket. He types something on his phone before shoving it in his pocket.

“You okay LaReaux?” He asks, stretching the blanket out and dropping down on it.

“Yeah.” She twists towards him. “I think I am.”

“Good.”

She leans overs and whispers something in his ear. His hand lazily drags up and down her spine. When she pulls away, she turns to me. She reaches up and pushes my beanie off my head. “I’m gonna try something, but you have to remain perfectly still.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to say she can try whatever she wants, but the look on her face halts my snarky remarks. “Okay.”

“And give me your knife.” I happily hand my knife over. She can always hold my knives. “On the blanket next to Wolfe.”

I’m confused about what’s happening. Is she about to sacrifice us? If so, I’m an idiot for welcoming in my death, because I settle down next to him. He’s lying back, hands folded behind his head, as he stares up at the stars. He’s clearly not worried, so I guess I shouldn’t be either. I’m curious about what’s going through Thea’s mind, but I stay silent, attuned enough to know something significant is about to happen.

“You can’t touch me. Not until I tell you to.”

“Alright.” I readily agree.

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