Page 28 of Insanium
Eryx’s smirk widened, his eyes locking onto mine with a playful yet intense look. “You’re also a bit batshit and maddeningly beautiful, Kennedy. Who wouldn’t want you on their side?”
I laughed, shaking my head slightly. “Now you’re just trying to make me blush.”
Raphael leaned against a workbench, arms folded, a smile playing on his lips. “He’s not wrong. You’re like a storm no one can look away from.”
“I would say I’m more a whole damn disaster making landfall,” I replied, enjoying their somewhat poetic descriptions.“So, how exactly did you two pull off the masks and cameras being down?”
“Technically they’re on a loop, but it’s only temporary. And as for the masks, we took them off some other guys. Their bodies are in the woods somewhere. It made it easier for us to move if we … blended in,” Rafe explained
Eryx shifted his gaze between Aisha and me, his expression serious. “And just so we’re clear upfront, Sinclair’s included in this pact. We’re aware of his importance to you, and we respect that.”
Raphael nodded in agreement. “We’re not out to disrupt what you have with him. In fact, it’s in our best interest to keep all your … interests safe.”
Aisha looked at me, eyebrows raised, as if to say,Are you really buying this?
“Sounds tempting,” I replied, watching them both closely. “But I also want assurances. Not just your words. I want something solid.”
“What do you need?” Rafe asked, his tone earnest.
“A guarantee. Something that proves this is legit.”
They exchanged a quick glance before Eryx responded. “Well, that’s easy. You get us.”
“Get you how?”
“However you need us,” Raphael replied smoothly.
“However you want us,” Eryx added with a slight smirk,
I glanced at Aisha again, who returned my look with a silent nod, giving her tacit approval. I turned back to them, my expression playful yet calculating. “And if I want two collared, obedient pets?”
Eryx’s eyes glinted with amusement, and Raphael’s lips twitched at the corners. “Not sure about obedient,” Eryx admitted, “but loyal, protective, unhinged, and at your beck and call. How does that sound?”
The proposal hung in the air, charged with the promise of danger and the thrill of control. It was an enticing offer—one that had more pros than cons. Control. Power. Chaos. All elements I thrived on, and they were offering it on a silver platter along with watching out for Sinclair and being in the know about plans for the Infernal Syndicate.
“Sounds like a deal to me,” I said, extending my hand to seal the pact. “But keep in mind, if you fuck me, I’ll fuck you harder.”
“As will I,” Eryx said, a wry smile forming on his lips as he took it.
I did the same to Rafe and asked, “What would you have done if I said no?” I asked curiously.
“Our long-term partnership was always contingent on you,” Rafe replied earnestly.
“So, you two wouldn’t have linked up?”
Eryx shook his head, his eyes serious. “We already did before this all came about. We had our own reasons for working together. If we hadn’t, we’d be trying to kill one another.”
“Shirtless?”
Eryx’s lips twitched, a hint of amusement breaking through his typically stern demeanor. “What exactly do you mean by that?”
“Never mind.” I waved him off. “So, how does this grand pact work?”
“Well, for starters, we’re going to put these masks back on and get out there to clear your way. Wait two minutes and then come out. Go around to the other side of this building, and you’ll see the path. A little way down will be someone you’re waiting for.”
Aisha glanced between us, her expression a mix of intrigue and concern. “Just like that?”
Rafe nodded. “Just like that.”
