Page 17 of House of Soot

“One what?”

“To give myself to for the first time.”

Her first time. The knowledge should fill me with smug satisfaction, another way to hurt her. To take something precious from her before I destroy her completely. Instead, an unwelcome heaviness settles in my chest.

I turn away, unable to look at the pure adoration in her eyes. This wasn't part of the plan. She wasn't supposed to be so… genuine. So trusting. The memory of her soft gasps and innocent touches haunts me.

"Are you okay?" She props herself up on an elbow, concern etched across her features.

"Yeah." The word comes out rough. I force myself to meet her gaze, to maintain the façade. "Just processing how amazing that was."

Her answering smile is radiant, and for a moment I forget that she helped destroy my family. I forget everything except how she looks right now, hair wild from my fingers, lips swollen from my kisses, completely unguarded.

The guilt claws at my insides. I'm no better than Ronan Kean, using her innocence for my own ends. But then I remember my parents, their bodies in that burning house, and I steel myself against these unwanted feelings.

This is just another step toward revenge. Nothing more.

I pull her closer, pressing a kiss to her temple while she sighs contentedly. Her complete trust in me is a weapon, one I'll use to bring down everyone who wronged my family.

It was almost too easy. A few sweet words, some attention, and she fell right into my arms.

"I love you," she murmurs, nuzzling closer.

The words should please me. They're proof my plan is working perfectly. Soon, I'll have her wrapped so tightly around my finger that when I crush her, she'll shatter completely. Just like my family shattered because of her.

I picture her face when she realizes it was all a lie. When she discovers who I really am. The devastation in those trusting green eyes will be beautiful. Maybe I'll wait until she's totally dependent on me, until she thinks we have a future together. Then I'll tear it all away.

The power I hold over her right now is intoxicating. One word from me and she'd do anything, give me any information I need about the Keans, tell me all their secrets. And she'd do it with that same innocent smile, never suspecting she's helping destroy the family she's so loyal to.

"I love you too," I whisper to play my part perfectly, ignoring the feeling that I’m the biggest piece of shit in the world.

I trace the curve of Jenna's spine, plotting my next move. I need answers. How did such an innocent-looking creature orchestrate my parents' murder? What did Ronan offer her? Money? Status? Protection? Saving her mother?

“You said someone else used to live here?”

“Mmm-hmm. The Ifrinns. But they died when the house burned down.”

My fingers still on her skin. "Tell me more about the night of the fire."

She stiffens slightly, and there it is, her guilt coming through. "What do you mean?"

"Must have been scary, watching a house burn down."

"I try not to think about it." She shifts against me, her voice small. "It was terrible. All those people…"

"But you were here? You saw it happen?" I keep my tone casual, though rage bubbles beneath the surface.

"I was in bed. Mom woke me up when she smelled smoke. By then, the whole east wing was engulfed." She shivers. "The screaming…"

I bite back a snarl. East wing, where my parents' bedroom was. Where Ash’s room where the woman he loved slept. Where Ronan's men trapped them.

"Did anyone make it out?"

“A few, but…” Her voice cracks. "So many didn’t. Mr. and Mrs. Ifrinn. Some of the staff…”

“None of the Ifrinns?”

She shrugs. “Their sons may have lived. Their bodies weren’t found, but they haven’t been seen either. That’s why the Keans stepped in. They took care of everything after the fire. The funerals, the staff, making sure we all had jobs. Rebuilding the house. Keeping the businesses going."

---