Page 117 of The Silent War
Their eyes didn’t move. Neither twin spoke.
“So why,” I continued, “would a Crow—one ofyourfamily—willingly give up his power and swear to protect someone who’s nothing more than a peace flag?”
Bastion ran his knuckles across my shoulder. He traced a single line down my spine, right at the edge of my dress.
“Baby,” he knuckles paused, “you’re forgetting the most important part.”
I arched a brow. “Which is?”
“A war,” Luca mouth was beside my ear, “has to start.”
My breath stilled.
“And most times,” he continued, his fingers sliding inside of my thigh, “it’s because a Crow wants something.”
Heat flickered low in my stomach—but I kept my voice even.
“And what… exactly… does a Crow want?”
“You said it yourself,” Bastion voice was heavy against my other ear. “There’s nothing in a merger for the bride’s family.”
“We take,” Luca lips brushed my ear. “Always have.”
“And most families,” Bastion fingers moved under the back of my dress, “don’t take kindly to having aninvestmentstolen.”
I swallowed, pulse ticking.
Because I knew what dynasty daughters were. I knew what we were groomed for. A bargaining chip dressed in expensive dress.
“You start wars,” I said quietly, “to take who you want.”
“Exactly,” Luca rings rested cold against the inside of my thigh.
“And no one stops us,” Bastion finished.
I could feel their breath, warm at my neck. The air between us tightened.
“You look beautiful tonight,” Luca voice so low it made my thighs clench. “You always do. But right now… fuck,right now…” His fingers pressed in just slightly, reminding me he hadn’t let go.
“You look flushed,” Bastion’s knuckles now at the curve of my neck. “Stay with us tonight. I made a promise, remember.” His mouth now against my ear, “This dress belongs on the floor. And you belong between us. Naked. Begging.”
“I told you,” I turned my head slightly, “I mightn’t beg.”
He took a rough inhale.
Luca hand went up under my chin, his mouth grazing my cheek. “Eat your dinner. So we can leave and eat you.”
I took a broken breath and nodded.
“Good girl,” Bastion kissed my neck, at the same time Luca squeezed my thigh.
And I didn’t say anything, because as per normal. I had lost my ability to think clearly with their hands on me.
Chapter Thirty-Six
EMILIA
Bastion stood by the window, threatening someone on the phone.
