Page 203 of BounBound By Scars

“What?” he barked.

“Absolutely not,” Delara said. “Not until we know—”

Lia snapped, voice sharp, shaking, but certain. “Open thefuckinggate. Now.”

Everyone started to speak at once—protests, confusion, warning tones—but she cut through all of it with one look.

Commanding. Fierce.

And terrified.

I nodded at Zane, quietly.

He didn’t like it.

But he obeyed.

And the gate began to open.

Four figures strolled in like they owned the damn place.

Casual. Unhurried.

Their faces were covered with matte black masks and balaclavas, but their body language was anything but anonymous. They knew where they were. Who they were dealing with.

The tallest one clocked Amelia immediately—his attention snapping to her like a compass finding true north. His hands were tawny, covered in intricate black ink. Tattoos up to his throat, barely hidden behind his black t-shirt he was wearing.

He stepped forward.

I immediately moved between them, blocking the path.

Zarek and Sebastian flanked me instinctively, Logan and Zane stepping silently toward Lia like a wall of quiet defense.

The tattooed man cocked his head at me, then glanced at Lia again.

“Let’s chat,” he said, voice smooth and infuriatingly calm.

My jaw clenched. “Who the fuck are you?”

He didn’t even blink.

“We’re contractors,” he said. “Formerly hired by Romlinson.”

Rage flared, violent and immediate.

I knew these bastards.

“You were with him,” I growled. “With Ling. You stood there while he pummeled me like a fucking punching bag.”

Tattoo Guy gave a single nod, his gray eyes boring into me. “Correct.”

Zarek stepped in, voice sharp. “And now what—you just waltz in here expecting what? A thank-you card?”

“You’re either suicidally arrogant,” Zane added calmly, his hand on his gun, “or just plain stupid.”

The other three didn’t move. Two of them—smaller in frame, feminine posture—stood with relaxed, practiced ease. Both of them carried enough muscle to take any of us down. The last one, a taller man, was rigid. Silent. Eyes hidden.

“I’d choose arrogant,” Tattoo Guy said.

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