Page 97 of Monsters Wear Crowns
“You’ll see,” Moreau said softly. “When you realize that he’s just been using you. He doesn’t give a shit about you, girl.”
I didn’t know what scared me more–the words or the flicker of rage in Rafe’s eyes.
Moreau turned toward the exit. “Bring them.”
The last thing I saw before they forced me forward was the blood on the floor and the empty, lifeless stare of Vincent’s eyes. And Rafe’s silence followed me like a storm about to break.
Chapter 19
They separated us. Hands gripped my arms, dragging me down a long, dark hallway. The air was cold and damp, the kind of chill that sank into your bones and stayed there. My breath came fast and shallow, but I forced myself to stay calm.
Panicking wouldn’t help. I needed to think.
But it was hard when my mind kept flashing back to Vincent, his blood, his wide, empty eyes. And Rafe…God, Rafe. He hadn’t said a word after Moreau’s command to separate us. Had barely looked at me. And maybe that was what scared me the most, the quiet. The tornado pulling itself inward.
They shoved me into a room and slammed the door behind me. A cozy, warm office with low, modern furniture and a fireplace that sat cold and unused. But the door locked with a solid, mechanical click. A cage, no matter how pretty. I paced the length of it, adrenaline still burning through my veins. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking.
What was happening to him?
I sank into one of the chairs, forcing myself to take deep, steadying breaths. I needed to hold it together. I needed a plan. But before I could come up with one, the lock turned. The door opened, and Moreau walked in like he owned the place.
“Well,” he said, his smile lazy and sharp. “Youcertainlyknow how to make an entrance, Miss Sinclair.”
I didn’t stand. Didn’t speak. Just stared at him with every ounce ofhate I had.
He seemed delighted by it.
“Come now,” he said, moving closer. “Is that any way to greet your host?”
“This isn’t your fucking house.” I snapped. “Where’s Rafe?”
He ignored the question, circling me like a predator. “You know, I’ve been watching you for some time,” he said conversationally. “Long before Rafe made his move. Sinclair Solutions is quite…impressive.”
I forced my face to stay blank. “You’ve been wasting your time, then. My company isn’t for sale.”
“Oh, I’m not looking to buy.” His eyes gleamed. “I’m looking toruin.”
The words hit like a gut punch, but I didn’t let it show. “Why?”
“Because it matters to him.” Moreau’s smile widened. “And Ialwayshit where it hurts the most.”
My blood turned to ice.
“Don’t worry,” he added. “You’ll survive the fallout. If you’re smart.”
“And what’s your definition of ‘smart’?” I asked, my voice low.
“Distance,” he said simply. “From Rafe. From his empire. From this...little conflict.” He leaned down, his face close to mine. “I could make youverycomfortable, Adela. Safe. Powerful.”
“I’m already powerful, you sack of shit. I don’t take this threat to my company lightly, you know that.” It took everything in me not to flinch. “You really think I’d sell him out?”
“Everyone has a price,” Moreau said softly. “Even Vincent. And look how well that turned out for him.”
The reminder made my stomach churn, but I kept my face still. “I’m not Vincent,” I said flatly.
“No,” he agreed. “You’re smarter. You know when the tide is turning.”
“I know you’re afraid of him,” I shot back. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t be trying so hard to take away his advantage.”
