Page 39 of Ravaged Saints

“I…” I stammer, but Dante’s hand presses gently into my side, grounding me.

Knox’s blue eyes flick down to where Dante’s hand rests, his brow furrowing slightly. He steps closer, and my breathing quickens.

“What do you want, pet?” His words drop low, deep and commanding, his gaze locking onto me with a steady, unyielding intensity, and I feel heat crawl up my neck.

“I want to ask if, starting tomorrow, I can do something—help out.” My hand gestures vaguely.

He tilts his head, exchanging a glance with Dante.

“Do something?” He crosses his arms over his chest, his stance wide, towering over everyone, commanding not just attention but fear. My fear.

“I’m good at farming,” I blurt. “I had seeds in my bag—”

“You think I’m going to let you roam around freely? Give you another chance to run?” Knox laughs darkly. “No fucking way, Aspen.”

“So I’m just going to stay locked in the damn room for the rest of my life? Is that the idea?” I snap, crossing my arms.

Knox smirks, his eyes dragging over me before flicking to Dante, like this is amusing to him.

“Watch your tone, Aspen.” He steps closer, the heat of his presence overwhelming as his eyes narrow, his posture shifting to one that exudes control and warning.

Hearing my name on his lips sends a shiver down my spine, but I force myself to hold my ground. My heart races, but I lift my chin anyway.

“Or what?” I push, stepping forward. “You are going to lock me up? Control my eating and peeing schedule?” My voice rises. “Guess what? You already do!”

“Aspen,” Knox groans, his stance widening like he’s trying to rein himself in.

“What?” I throw my hands up. “You don’t scare me, Knox!” I stand my ground, defiant. To hell with this—I have nothing to lose.

“Fuck,” Max mumbles from the couch.

Knox steps even closer. Our bodies stand inches apart from each other.

“So?” I ask, crossing my arms over my breast.

“Let’s give her another chance, Reaper,” Max says, walking over, hands in his pockets. He smiles at me, and I stare at him, the kiss coming to mind.

“She’s been eating, staying quiet, obeying,” Dante adds, drawing out the last word, and a shiver runs down my spine.

“So you have two in your corner, huh?” Knox smirks, his eyes never leaving mine. He is towering over me, muscles tense, but I don’t move an inch, facing him, knowing damn well that a simple slap from him would send me flying across the room.

Knox lets out a breath. “Fine. But you two are keeping an eye on her at all times. No exceptions.”

They both nod, smirking.

“Good,” I say coldly, turning on my heel and heading for the stairs.

“Fucking brat,” Knox mutters under his breath.

I smirk. If he wants to play, we’ll play! I think I need to dig more into those magazines. They might actually help.

As I reach the door, I feel Dante behind me, “Just getting the tray, doll.”

He walks to the dresser, and I lean my back against the cool wall, watching him.

He stops like he can feel my eyes burning his back.

Aspen

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