Page 261 of Rage

Dangerous, said the voice in her head.

“Very dangerous,” the Crow agreed.

Scarlett’s grip tightened. “How are you doing that?”

“I’m just reading you is all.” She twirled her out, their long, slender arms pulled taunt against each other. Then, the Crow pulled her back. The music rose through the never-ending high-rise, and through it all, Scarlett could see the hint of a smile filling the Crow’s eyes. “It’s how I got your name and that beautiful little secret you have nestled in your womb.”

Scarlett froze as she looked at the woman before her and saw little else. “I know who you are.”

“Oh?” Their fingers laced together; white dove and black crow locked in the faraway ramparts that loomed above. “Who am I?”

The Crow twirled her again, spinning Scarlett around her frame. As she did so, the Darling’s hand shot out, taking the mask and wrenching it from her face. The world spun and snapped. At arm's length, Scarlett saw the truth.

The black-gold mask that matched the cigarette case peeking through the Crow’s pocket fell from Scarlett’s hand, draped in elegant shadows.

Of course, the woman who had created the Assassin’s Guild from the bottom up was not an Interloper. She was the Second Heir, and she was standing there with fingers easing over her jawline; the place Scarlett marked with her sharpened claws.

“Josephine.”

“In the flesh.” Now, when the woman smiled, her sharp fangs glinted off the light. “Heard of me?”

The Silver Tyrant who killed Joseph.

The Black Crow that Jordan feared.

With a jolt, Scarlett was pulled back into Josephine’s embrace, chest pressed against hers, head tilted, eyes blownwide with shock, fear, and intrigue. “Aw, what happened, Little Dove? Don’t want to play with me anymore?”

“I’m not your plaything,” came her snarl.

At that, Josephine lifted her brows. Astonishment painted her features. It was almost surprising she hadn’t seen those words coming. One full of self-loathing and hatred. Alas, the tremble in Scarlett’s voice was subdued and only a quiver of her lips remained. One that drew Josephine’s gaze.

“Do you want power, Ms. Emerson?”

Scarlett pulled away, a scorned laugh breaking the barrier between them. “What?”

“The First Heir seeks the throne with a proper wife at his side. He doesn’t see you as an opportunity. He sees you as a possession, as something to be had and used. That’s what he said, didn’t he? That’s how he cast you away? Will you be in the good graces of my brother only after you get rid of the very thing you want?” A hand caressed Scarlett’s face, and the woman wondered how she continued closing the distance between them so easily. “Poor Little Dove. Jordan’s trapped you in a cage and told you pretty lies so you’d never leave. You think looking up into the sky means you’ll fall into it?”

Her fingers took Scarlett’s chin, tilting her head up only an inch before she looked up.

High above, past the hanging chandeliers, was stained glass that led to the heavens. Light cascaded through the storm clouds above Nameless City. Another dying day in a dying city where the Lowborns starved and the Highborns ate to their heart’s content.

“Oh.” A purr. “You look like you want to fly.”

“I don’t think I know how,” came her restless whisper.

“Marry me and I’ll teach you.”

Scarlett’s eyes dropped unto hers, molten gold churning red. Scarlett’s jaw clenched as she remembered what Jordan said, ofa sister who had parted three brothers at the womb, a plague ripe for the taking, empty promises and a call for pawns…

“Fuck you, Jinn. I won’t be part of your game.”

Josephine dropped her hand, though there was no insult or dejection in her eyes. Only intrigue. Constant intrigue. “But you already are. Whether you like it or not, you’ll dance with me again. Only next time, you’ll enjoy it.”

Chapter Five

Lamb To Slaughter

Liam’s gorgeous eyes filled with shock at the latest red light. Normally, he would hold Scarlett’s gaze in the rearview mirror and affix her with the strongest emotions he could conjure. Today, when she’d signed the words to him, he thought it was a mistake.

---