Page 33 of Inferno

Slowly, I slide my hand under my dress and put my fingers on the handle of my knife.

“Fine. I’ll leave,” he whispers and steps back, holding up his arms.

As he does, he crashes straight into a furious Jimmy, who grabs each shoulder and holds him in place.

My mouth drops and my heart hammers.

Chapter 11

DECLAN

Song- Vicious, Bohnes.

Her hand twitches by her thigh. She was about to go for him. And I want to know why.

“Is he bothering you?” I ask, voice low.

Scum like him deserve more than a beating, they deserve to be buried in the dirt.

“Yes,” she replies, firm.

She glares at him, picking up her drink like it’s a weapon. She holds it out to him with deliberate calm. He shakes his head.

“You wanted a drink, didn’t you? Well, this is my treat,” she tells him.

She thrusts the glass into his chest, and fuck, she’s beautiful. Even more so with that murderous look carved into her features.

She’s fire, fury, and survival in heels. And still, there’s a softness beneath the blaze, like she's terrified of anyone finding it. Especially me.

“Drink the drink.” I follow her lead, tightening my grip on his shoulders.

“I’m not thirsty,” he whispers.

She grins, slow and dangerous, and slides the straw up to his lips. He tries to bat her away, but she grabs his wrist. Hard.

“Open your mouth and drink it. Every single drop,” I order.

Her eyes flick to mine. And my heart fucking somersaults in my chest. There’s that twinkle, and it damn near undoes me.

He starts squirming, so I switch tactics, my hand sliding up to grip the back of his neck. My other discreetly unholsters my gun and presses it into his spine.

I lean in, low and cold. “Do as she says or you’ll never walk again.”

He starts shaking. Good. She shoves the straw into his mouth.

“Very good. Now drink,” she chirps, and I could swear I’ve never seen anything sexier than her in this moment.

I hold him still, gun firm in his back, grinning at her like we’re sharing a secret no one else in this place could survive. Time slows. Just her and me, smiling like maniacs.

Then the idiot starts slurping, and the spell breaks.

She sets the glass down, eyes fierce. “You can let him go. See how far he gets,” she tells me.

I conceal the weapon and let him go. He stumbles like the coward he is.

“Lightweight.”

“Hmm,” she hums, watching him with narrowed eyes.

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