Page 6 of Tell Me Why
“So, what? I’m supposed to just walk into Rush House and seduce the Sacred Sons intonotkilling my brother?” I ask, one hundred percent joking. It’s an insane idea.
Skye plucks at my hoodie. “I’ve seen what you hide under these baggy clothes, and yeah, I think you could.” She steps back and sighs. “I know you think it’s impossible, but you’re forgettingonevery important thing—guys are basic creatures, and even the ruthless ones can be manipulated.”
Hmmm.
To be fair, she’s not wrong. Guys aren’t that complicated, especially not the Sacred Sons. Allegedly. From what I’ve seen, they’re all arrogant fuck-boys and maybe she’s right. Maybe that’s a weakness I can exploit.
But as the idea starts to take shape, a thread of doubt snakes through me. What if we’re wrong? What if the Sacred Sons see right through me? One misstep, and it could cost my brother his life.
But then again…isn’t his life on the line anyway?
Glancing down at my plain clothes, I look back up at Skye with a sigh. “So, what exactly would this plan look like?”
CHAPTERTHREE
Eve
Sucking in a sharp breath,I adjust the small black duffel bag on my shoulder, and glance up, up,upat the imposing Victorian mansion in front of me. Even in the morning light, the house has a spooky vibe. I mean, it’s painted black, for God’s sake. Black to reflect the hearts of the guys who live there.
A frigid breeze blows off the ocean, and a shiver rolls down my spine. It feels like a bad omen. A warning from the Universe.Abandon all hope ye who enter here…
But I have no choice.
I close my eyes, count to three, then open them, stepping forward before I can rethink this whole dumb plan and turn around. My stomach churns as I pass two gnarled gargoyles and walk up the front steps.
There’s a large, muscular guy on the porch, hands clasped in front of him, on alert. He and a few other security guys appeared right after the Shadow and Ash attack several weeks ago.
As I approach, I study the guy. He’s all muscle and unflinching focus as he stands with his legs arm’s width apart, hands behind his back, his emotionless eyes trained on me.
How much are the Sacred Sons paying him to stand here all day? I’m sure it’s a lot, not that it matters. The Burning Crown is flush with money, and hiring a private army to protect their four exalted leaders is probably just a drop in the bucket to them.
I plan on ignoring the security guard, but as I step up to the door and lift my hand to knock, he addresses me sternly. “Name?”
“I’m here to see the Sacred Sons.”
His expression hardens when he realizes I’m not a member. “Name,” he repeats, his thick jaw tightening.
Goddamn.“My name is Eve, and I need to talk to them about something sensitive.”
The guy tilts his chin up and looks down at me, like he’s already suspicious.Shit. He holds out one massive hand, palm up. “Identification.”
“I don’t have any with me.”
His hand moves to the gun tucked in his waistband, and he steps forward. “Leave these premises at once or the police will be alerted.”
My already churning stomach is a complete mess now, and my heart is beating so fast that I’m starting to feel dizzy. Unfortunately, I don’t have the luxury of leaving. There’s too much at stake. So I do the only thing I can and tap into the microscopic pool of bravery I have buried deep,deepdown.
Sucking in a gulp of air, I straighten my shoulders and lift my chin. “Call the police if you want, but I’m not leaving until I see the Sacred Sons. You can tell them I’m here to talk about Shadow and Ash.”
His nostrils flare when I mention Shadow and Ash, his gaze flicking over me critically. “Your bag, over there.” He points to a corner of the porch that’s several feet away. “And you’ll need to consent to a full-body pat down.”
My hand tightens on the strap of my duffel bag, reluctant to give it up. “Will I get it back?”
He pins me down with an aggressive, drill-sergeant stare. “As long as you’re not hiding any weapons.Are you?”
Pressing my lips together, I slide the duffel bag off my shoulder and allow it to fall with a heavythudonto the wooden planks. “Keep it close. My EpiPen is in the outside pocket.”
He acknowledges that with a curt nod.
