Page 88 of Ruthless God

His eyes meet mine. There’s something there. Something I don’t know how to name.

“Oddly enough, it was because of my face that I was allowed access to my first auction.”

I blink. And then it clicks. They thought he was Gabriel.

“So you let them believe that.”

A slow nod. “I did.”

I shake my head, trying to piece together what the hell this means.

“So you’re on some kind of crusade to buy women.”

The words feel wrong in my mouth.

I narrow my gaze.

“And then what?”

His jaw tightens. Like he knows what I’m really asking. Like he knows I won’t like the answer.

“And then I bring them here.”

Claudius’ voice is measured, but I hear the weight behind it.

I step closer. Demanding. Unyielding.

“Why? Why don’t you take them home?”

His jaw clenches. “You know why I can’t.”

“Because you’re a monster like your brother?”

His eyes darken, flashing with something lethal. And then his voice drops, low and sharp.

“Because they will die if they’re seen in their hometowns!”

The air crackles between us. His fists tighten at his sides.

“They’re branded, Cecely.”

My breath hitches.

“Marked as sold.”

I think about Leyla. Polina. The scars. The ones on their wrists. But what about the ones I didn’t see? A sick feeling twists inside me.

“If a runner were to see them, they would know what I’ve done.” His voice is calmer now. More resigned. “They would kill the girl. And then come after me.”

I swallow. Hard.

He runs a hand over his beard.

“I don’t like this any more than you. But at least here, they are safe.”

Safe.

Safe?

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