Page 70 of The Beautiful Dead

I turned to him, really looked at him. Pity curled in my chest—not for myself, but for him. For thinking he could save me from something I didn’t want to be saved from.

I leaned in just enough so he could see the truth in my eyes. “I was never meant to be part of this world.”

His expression cracked, something breaking behind his gaze. I didn’t wait for him to speak. I yanked my arm free and walked away, my steps sure, my destination inevitable.

A roar split through the air, sending shivers down my spine. The deep, guttural growl of a motorbike engine. I knew that sound like I knew his footsteps. Like I’d know him in the dark.

Domino tore down the long driveway, gravel skidding in his wake as the bike kicked out underneath him. He revved the engine, the sound a thunderclap against the stone walls of Devereaux.

A smirk curled my lips as he pulled off his helmet, eyes locking onto me instantly. A tether snapped taut between us, pulling me home. His lips twitched in response. The tip of his tongue ran along his bottom lip, and a moan built in my chest. I could still taste him. Could still feel the ghost of his touch, the imprint of his claim on my body.

My blood surged under his gaze as I stepped up to him. He pinched my chin between his fingers, tilting my head back, something unreadable flashing across his features before it was gone.

Students and teachers stopped to stare as he leaned in and claimed me in front of them all. I should have been embarrassed. But I didn’t give a fuck.

These people didn’t matter.

Their opinions meant nothing.

“Did any of those fuckers mess with you?” His voice was a low snarl against my lips.

I inhaled his fury and let it breathe life into me. “No,” I said simply, rolling my eyes. “You’ve marked your territory so well they’re afraid to even look at me.”

Domino sneered, his gaze flicking past me, locking onto someone. “Not everyone.Hetouched you.Again.”

He was all steel and blood and wrath.

“It was nothing.”

My voice was quiet as I turned to see Kyran, his face twisted, confused. Two guys held him back as he threw his weight against them. He looked wild, like a man possessed—like he wanted to rip me from Domino’s arms.

“Hop on,piccolo agnello.”

I swung my leg over the bike, took the helmet he offered, and wrapped my arms around him.

Kyran broke free, screaming my name.

Domino’s body vibrated with laughter. I saw the smirk on his face. He revved the engine, the sound rolling through me like a promise. As Kyran lunged forward, Domino released the throttle. The back tire spun, kicking up gravel and spraying it like shrapnel.

Each hit landed. Hard. Crimson dots bloomed on Kyran’s skin as he collapsed to the ground. Then we were gone, leaving Devereaux behind in a blur.

I didn’t look back.

I had made my choice.

I chose hell.

I chose my devil.

CHAPTER 15

REMI

Domino walked into the living area of his apartment, bare-chested, water droplets glistening on his skin as they slid over his pecs and down his abs, tracing the lines of his ink.

I licked my lips hungrily. His intense gaze caught mine, a smirk lifting the corner of his mouth as he prowled toward me. He didn’t slow. Didn’t hesitate. He placed a heavy hand on my chest and pushed me back against the couch. His thick thighs caged me in as he sank down behind me, his nose skimming my shoulder, dragging up my neck as he inhaled deeply, a groan vibrating against my skin.

“What are you doing?” His low rasp wrapped around me like silk, like a noose tightening around my throat.

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