Page 35 of Entombed In Sin

Thatcher’s feet hit the floor and he leans toward us. “If you can win our sister back over by the end of the night, Knox, you get to stay here with her tomorrow while Sagan and I suffer through the event. Sound like a deal? She doesn’t need to run this place by herself anymore.”

“Yes!” I throw a victory fist up into the air. Jumping off the desk, I start to trot toward the door. I stop halfway there and shoot the Hunt twins a grin. “Just so you know, I plan to pick the lock of this stupid thing so I can wear my leather pants tonight.”

Sagan smirks but it’s Thatcher that says, “Pick the lock, Pretty Boy, but just so you know, that cage isn’t the only punishment for fucking up. Have your fun, but just know, once we’ve gotten Beatrix to calm down, we’ll take care of you.”

I wonder if I should tell them about Beatrix’s desire to punish me. Quickly, I think better of it. They’ll dismiss her feeble attempt to teach me a lesson just as I have. They may even try to intensify theirs just to overcompensate for her lack of deviancy.

A shiver of excitement races down my spine, but it’s chased by a hint of dread. The Hunt twins are creative with their punishments. I never know what to expect. I won’t even pretend I can figure out what’s in store for me.

Right now, I have to focus on Starr Girl.

12

BEATRIX

“Sagan, remember to smile or you’ll scare people!” Knox calls as Thatcher and Sagan climb out of the truck. It’s almost comical when the twins turn in unison, reach back, and open the cab doors for both Knox and me to get out.

Or maybe it’s just funny because, well,everythinghas been funny today. The lightness in my body is indescribable. I never noticed how much tension I carried in my chest until it uncoiled, loosening with each stab of the blade into that man’s back last night. Nor did I notice how wonderfully unstoppable I am. The energy that surges through my veins right now makes me feel like I could take on Superman.

And win.

I thought when Patrick and my mother died, nothing could beat that feeling. How wrong I’ve been. If I felt buoyant then, I feel like I can fly right now. Who knew how heavy morals could be? Shackles have fallen off my limbs. I’m free and I’m… I’mhappy. How messed up is that?

“What are you talking about? My brother always smiles,” Thatcher drawls as he steps back to give Knox space to hop out.

I giggle at Knox’s exasperated sigh. Sagan certainly doesn’talwayssmile. I’ve only known them a short time, but that’s longenough for me to come to the conclusion that out of the three of them, Sagan is the least likely to express his emotions outwardly.

As Knox climbs out of the back of the truck, my eyes dip to his butt. His tight black leather bell bottom pants hug it perfectly. It’s a pretty butt. Everything about Knox is justpretty.My gaze lifts to the flash of a gold chain hugging his exposed pale midriff. The heat, present all day in my body, grows hotter. It’ll cool a little in a bit, probably when I step out of the truck in this ridiculous outfit Knox put together for me. This crazy ebb and flow of glorious elation is like riding a float out on the ocean under a hot sun but I’m graced with the occasional gentle breeze.

I bask as the temperature rises under my skin, and I fight the urge to reach out and touch Knox’s butt. He’d hate that, and I’d be back to square one with him. At this point, I’m just glad he wants to make amends after burying me alive.

Jerking my gaze away from Knox, I take Sagan’s offered hand and allow him to help me out of the back. Immediately, I miss the warmth of the car. The cold is biting and the harsh wind adds to the intensity. Chicago, the Windy City, is living up to its name tonight.

The black lace corset and black mini skirt do nothing to keep me warm, especially since they’re both a little too tight. My boobs are practically shoved all the way up to my chin in this thing. Not only am I cold, but I’m super self-conscious. This is definitely not something I ever would’ve worn before. I’m out of my element for sure. I prefer my skin covered. I’m less likely to be noticed or singled out that way. But tonight, that’s gone out the door. The outfit, put together by Knox—I’m sure as an attempt at a peace offering—is made up mostly of his clothes and is guaranteed to draw the gaze of many. He even made me leave my jacket behind. There’s no hiding to be done tonight. At least he let me wear my own mini heels.

But despite how far out of my comfort zone I am and how cold it is, nothing seems to be capable of bursting my bubble.

“Smiling like the Joker doesn’t count,” Knox complains.

I laugh softly as I look up at Sagan. He shakes his head, a hint of exasperation twisting his brows upward before his lips twitch as if he might smile. He throws an arm over my shoulders to drag me close and tuck me into his body.

“I like you this way, Little Viper,” he murmurs, looking down at me.

“Cold?” I tease, snuggling closer to his side.

His body trembles with muted laughter. “I was going to say excited.”

I beam up at him and he bends down to kiss me. As our lips touch, a shudder rushes through me, and suddenly I’m no longer cold. My nipples harden.

“Ready to go have what Knox considers fun?” he murmurs against my lips as he starts to pull away.

My head bobs quickly. “Let’s go.”

Sagan steers us around the truck and up onto the sidewalk where the other two wait for us.

“Knox promised I could play like you guys do,” I tell him, keeping my voice low. “You’ll guide me again?”

“Should the opportunity arise, yes,” Sagan promises. I let out a little squeal of delight that causes my stepbrother’s mouth to twitch again with anotheralmostsmile. “But not only is this a different type of playground, Little Viper, we have to be careful. Remember, someone knows what we do for fun. We need to be cautious.”

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