Page 221 of Heartless Legacy

“There’s no need.”

She jerks her chin towards the window. I turn to see the guys that Finn is following, heading up the beach. “Thanks, Mel.”

“No thanks needed, hun. You’re family and you know we look out for family around here.”

Chapter 120

Thea

Ihad to stay out of sight while Finn followed the prospects on the beach. He ambushed them near the dunes and got them to drop their guard long enough to tell him that their clue was about sandy blue castle peaks, which is why they were at the beach. They got distracted by the bikinis, then decided the beach was too damn big to scour for treasures.

I think the clue is a dud, but Holden’s searching for anything remotely similar to blue castles, blue sand and blue peaks. LJ’s cramming for a test, which leaves me sitting in the circle with Pax.

Mel said I’m part of her beachside family, and that got me wondering who Pax considers family. I’ve made assumptions, but I’ve never asked what the dynamic in his family is truly like.

“I know you’re trying to respect Finn and Holden’s decision to help me. But are you really okay with all of this?” I ask as we watch Finn toss the football with Connor and Austin.

“You mean okay with the possibility that we’re not really who we say we are?”

“That, and my plans to make your father pay for what he did to me.”

“He needs to be stopped, Thea, and this is the only way to do that.”

“Agreed, but he’s your father, and you don’t need to be a part of it.”

He stares at me, eyes taking in every inch of my face. “You’re trying to give me a way out?”

I shrug, looking left and right to make sure no one’s standing close by. “I’m not big on family. I didn’t grow up with any notion of it, but all of you did, and I realize the complexity of the situation this puts you in. I can appreciate how hard this must be, especially for you. You can choose not to be a part of this. I’ll respect that as long as you don't interfere.”

“It’s not hard or complicated, Thea. What’s hard is pretending that I don’t want you. That I don’t want to be with you.This. This is the easiest decision I’ve ever made, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen, including destroying my father and losing my position in town.”

“You’re willing to stand up in front of the council and denounce him?”

“Without question. What else?”

I turn my head slightly, casting a furtive glance at him, and ask, “What do you mean?”

“What else can I do to prove myself to you?”

“If I was gonna test your willingness to comply, it would look a lot like me taking your man card and turning you into my bitch.”

“I am whatever you need me to be.” He angles his body towards me, scooting closer. “Soldier or sex slave. Doesn’t matter to me.”

“Whatever.”

“Do you need my fists or face, Nem? My entire body is at your disposal.” Placing his hand on my thigh, he asks, “Do you want me to prove it? I can get you off right here and now.”

He settles his knee between my legs, pressing right up against my clit. I shift away from the contact. “There are people around.”

“Are there?” He reclaims the space, hand resting on the outside of my thigh. “I hadn’t noticed.”

I say, “This doesn’t feel like you following my lead.”

“What does it feel like?”

I squirm away from the hand moving inward. “Like a buildup to a big letdown.”

“Then take control, Nem. Make me beg.”

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