Page 41 of Wicked and Bound

Under the rising moon, they walked close together. He’d give anything to squeeze her hand, reassure her. Since he couldn’t,he grabbed her arm and gave it a yank that looked more vicious than it was. “We need to talk.”

“About tonight?”

“I’ll be doing my part,” he murmured. “But I need you observing everything and everyone, too. Point out anyone you recognize. Keep tabs on who talks to whom and how people interact. Pay particular attention to anything out of the ordinary.”

“Everything here is out of the ordinary.”

He couldn’t argue with that.

“But I won’t let you down,” she vowed.

“I know. But be careful, Hais. You’ve got to look curious, not scheming.”

“We’ll be expected to…perform, I’m guessing.” Her voice caught. “But we won’t be the main event this time, right?”

Nash nodded. “We’ll be background players. Just follow my lead. I won’t let anyone come between us.”

He wished he could say more to put her at ease, but false reassurances did her no good. Since Gray’s attention had turned to them, this island was getting more treacherous. Sugarcoating that fact only put her in more danger.

Back in their suite, a spa attendant—not Karliah—arrived to do Haisley’s hair and makeup. When she emerged, Nash forgot how to breathe.

Haisley had been transformed into a fantasy—copper hair falling in loose waves, exotic eyes huge behind her slip of a mask, lips a flattering red. The sheer dress clung to every curve, leaving nothing to the imagination.

She looked incredible. And resolute. She wanted to take these bastards down, too.

He fastened his cape, and they headed to the Rose Room.

As Nash pulled the door open, incense smoke curled through air already thick with lust and fear. Men in jewel-toned capesprowled, their masks—exactly like his—rendering them eerily identical. Their women trailed behind in tiny wisps of silk and lace, eyes either vacant or terrified. A dangerous anticipation gripped the room, as if every man here was waiting, breath held, for the signal to do his worst.

Haisley’s step faltered when she glimpsed the scene. As he led her into the party, Nash caught her gaze through their masks, trying to convey a calm he didn’t feel.

Hooded figures emerged from hidden doors in the octagonal room and lined the perimeter between the eight giant pillars, one at each corner. They surrounded the guests. Nash watched, not liking anything about this. Haisley’s cold hands clung to him as she fidgeted nervously at his side.

“What’s going on?” she whispered.

“Not sure. Since no one is misbehaving yet, I’m guessing the festivities aren’t officially underway.”

“This seems…choreographed, like the start of some ritual.”

“That’s my read.”

A waiter balancing a tray of heavy goblets approached. He handed them each one filled with red wine. Nash swirled his in its cup, clandestinely sniffing at the vino. He didn’t smell anything unusual…but he didn’t trust Gray and his minions one bit.

Cautiously, he guided Haisley through the crowd, searching for a vantage point that would let them observe the party without drawing attention. But she was a magnet for male eyes, and every predatory stare that drifted her way set his teeth on edge. He yanked her nearer, snarling at anyone who dared to come too close.

When a masked man in a burgundy cape grabbed her arm, Nash’s control snapped. With a furious snarl, he shoved the interloper, using his superior height to intimidate. “Touch what’s mine again, and you’ll lose that hand.”

“Come on, man,” he slurred. “Sharing is caring.”

“Too bad I don’t give a shit about you. She’smybreeder.”

Before the stranger could reply, Mr. Gray materialized at Nash’s side. “Mr. King, I’m glad you and your lovely prize have joined us.”

“I didn’t think I had much choice.”

Gray answered with a tight smile. “Come now… We’re here to facilitate your pleasure. So is she.” He turned to Haisley with a pointed stare. “Drink your wine, my dear.”

“I’ll tell my breeder what and when to drink,” Nash growled. “She doesn’t take orders from you.”

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