Page 158 of Ink Deep Devotion

Blaze’s brother shrugs like it’s no big deal. It’s sweet that he’s trying to assure Blaze it’s all going to be okay. Titan would have done the same.

Blaze tugs, with bloody hands, at the collar of his shirt, smearing the color into the fabric like he used to do on his canvas.“I’ve been expecting you.”

I point to the chair.“Join us.”

He walks forward without rebuke, eyes inspecting his older brother, who I had to gag because I couldn’t stand hearing his voice. I can’t bear to hear anyone. It all sounds like nails scraping over concrete, like desperate animals wanting my attention.

All I want is to hear Mila again.

No one else.

“You waited a while to come,” Blaze grunts. There is so much trepidation in his words that the letters try to remain in his mouth. He drops into the leather chair, faking relaxation. He’s smart enough not to fight me. He knows my brothers have been watching him, and if he tried and got away with killing me, his death would be final.

The uncertainty of whether I’ll kill him makes sweat bead on his brow like a string of Christmas lights.

I reach for the heavy crystal glass and swirl the whiskey. His brother has nice ice in the shape of huge square cubes that make a nice‘clank’sound as they rub against the glass. Mila would have appreciated that ice for its artistic beauty.

Blaze runs a hand through his hair, eyes lingering on his brother, who is now trying to fight his ropes.“I don’t know where Mila is.” He lowers his chin, eyes locking onto mine. Yeah, I know you hate me. Join the club; it’s growing daily.

Brave fool. I like that. I can see why Mila liked him.

“We have something in common.” I laugh as I kick my boots up on the glass coffee table.

“Just let my brother go. This is between us. I don’t know where she is.” he leans forward.

I drum my fingers along the glass.

“We all knew she was going to run. You drove her to that. Don’t blame me, King!” He’s growing desperate. Men always bleed more when they sense the end. If only they remained calm and held it together, they wouldn’t have bled out in the first place.

In a swift moment, I reach out and grab the knife from his brother’s leg. He screams behind the gag. Blaze stands, thinks better, and then slowly sinks back into his chair.

“You know what’s funny?” I look at his older brother.“Your brother’s lies are clearly stated between his words.” I spin the knife in the air.“You don’t knowwhereshe is, but,” My feet land hard on the ground.“You knew. You fucking knew!”

“We all knew!” Blaze roars.

“Who helped her?”

“I don’t know.” He tries so very hard to hold eye contact and not divulge his lie.

My eyes slide to his brother.“I know your little brother knows something.”

“You don’t deserve her!” Blaze stands, but keeps his distance.“You wanted to push her away. You got what you craved, Dash. She ran. Leave her be.”

“Maybe I will,” I whisper.

His shoulders sag an inch.“You’ll destroy her.”

“Her lack of presence is destroying me. Call it self-preservation.” I sheath the dirty knife, feeling the weight of the gun at my hip.

“In the end, I choose her. Fuck you, King!” Blaze replies. His brother shouts from behind his gag.

“So you know something.”

“I know she was planning on running. You knew that, too.” His chest widens.“I warned her not to.” His throat rolls.

I crack my neck.“You’re annoying me, Blaze.” I pull out my phone, hit a few buttons, and then toss it to him. His jaw clenches when he sees his family’s warehouse filled with 50 million dollars worth of weapons blow up.

“I’m done with this game. Your parents house is next. They are inside.”

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