Page 31 of Bonds of Obsession

I’m pretty sure he threw that last part in just to see my reaction. I almost wince, and my stomach definitely drops at the word ‘burning.’ Of course they’d want to remove it permanently. Can’t have their secret symbols floating around on people’s skin.

“Great.” The word slips out through my clenched teeth before I can school my features again.

“Does this date work for you?” He pulls out his phone, fingers moving across the screen before flashing it in my direction. “That should give everyone time to arrange their travel.”

All I can do is nod this time. My insides are still twisting at the thought of being burned. How does that even work, exactly? Lasers? Open flame? A hot poker?

Probably best not to think too much about it right now. Besides, none of this is for my benefit, and I’m sure Atlas has already been through a hell of a lot worse at the hands of that psycho who’s holding him hostage.

“As for location…” Malcolm slides his phone back into his pocket and rattles off an address that I immediately commit to memory.

I know the place well enough, even if I’ve never had a reason to go there before now. I have a feeling that once will be plenty.

“The process will be… unpleasant.” His reflection watches me from every angle. “The marker must be completely destroyed. No trace can remain.”

Another nod. My throat is too dry for words.

“Good. I trust you understand that if you fail to appear, there will be consequences.”

“I understand.” My voice comes out steadier than I expected. The weight that’s been pressing against my chest since I walked in here finally starts to lift. Everything is arranged and the wheels are set in motion now.

I edge toward the door, keeping my movements casual even though every cell in my body feels tired and dirty after everything I’ve just been through

“One more thing.” I have one foot out the door when Malcolm’s voice freezes me in place. His reflection appears in every mirror around me as he steps closer and gives me one last once-over. “I hope whatever he’s offering in return is worth it.”

Atlas’s face flashes through my mind—the way he looked at me when he was handing me off to Nico and making sure I could get out of the tattoo parlor alive, even though he knew it would likely mean dying himself.

Yeah, it’s worth it.

“It is.” The words come out soft but certain. Getting Atlas back… there’s nothing I wouldn’t trade for that. Nothing.

His eyes narrow slightly, like he’s trying to read something in my expression. But I keep my face blank, my shoulders straight. Let him wonder. The less he knows about Atlas, the better.

Finally sensing our meeting is over, I turn to leave. Thankfully, he doesn’t stop me this time. I hurry back to the locker room, still trying to shake the lingering sensation of Malcolm’s fingers trailing down my spine.

Inside the private changing room, my clothes are still neatly folded where I left them. I yank them on with shaking hands—underwear, jeans, t-shirt. A woman in a fluffy white robe passes by, her eyes sliding over me with mild interest before she turns away. Another guest emerges from the steam room completely naked, giving me an annoyed look when I almost bump into her in my rush to get out of the luxurious but oppressive space.

I don’t care. Let them look. Let them judge. I got what I came for.

There’s no attendant to escort me back to the lobby this time, and I don’t wait to see if one shows up. I practically sprint through the halls, past the massage rooms and meditation spaces. The front desk comes into view, and the woman behind it looks up from her computer.

“Have a wonderful afternoon.” Her smile is perfectly practiced. “We hope to see you again soon.”

I give her a short nod as I burst into the lobby, and relief floods through me at the sight of Nico and Killian. They spring up from their seats, tension visible in their shoulders and on their chiseled faces. Nico’s hand twitches toward the gun I know is hidden under his jacket.

“Quinn—” Killian’s eyes dart around the lobby, scanning for threats.

“Let’s go.” I keep walking, forcing them to fall in step beside me.

“Are you—” Nico starts.

“Fine.” I cut him off with a sharp look. The receptionist’s eyes follow our movement across the marble floor, and I know there have to be dozens of security cameras tracking us from multiple angles. “Everything’s fine.”

Killian’s jaw clenches as he holds the door for me. His knuckles are white where they grip the handle. “Did you?—”

I appreciate that they’re both worried and no doubt curious about what went down after we were separated, but this isn’t the time or place to catch up. Not with prying eyes and ears around every corner.

I give a single, tight nod. “Got what I needed.”

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