Page 35 of Broken Surrender
For fuck’s sake, she had killed her husband. I wouldn’t let her kill me too.
A blush crept across her cheeks. “It’s the anticipation, I guess.”
I flexed my fingers, keeping my facade calm. This was part of the plan. But every time a man walked in, his eyes were immediately glued to Lena, and a battle waged within me. Did it fill me with pride to know that every man wanted a taste of my Lena? Or did it drown me in rage, knowing that I had to offer her, and as much as I repressed it, that I had no desire to let another person touch her?
I had to rip it off. To run headfirst into the challenge. Otherwise, the attachment would make me weak.
Lena leaned into me: “Are we the only ones that are new?”
Standing off by a nearby table, a tall, white-masked man focused in front of him, his eyes vacant. The sides of his head were shaved with thick black hair on top, his gray eyes empty, topping off his white suit.
“No,” I said.
I grabbed Lena’s arm, escorting her over to the man. “You must be in the process of initiation too,” I said. We shook hands. “I’m Desmond Callen.”
“Finn Carter,” he said.
“Of Carter Care?”
He nodded. I had heard of it. On the surface, Carter Care provided in-home euthanasia for pets, but there were rumors that they also took care of other slaughter for a unique set of clientele.
“And you?” he asked.
“I own Universal Medical Industries.” We exchanged a look, acknowledging each other’s reputations. I continued: “Have you completed any of the tests?”
Finn shook his head. “We do contract work for the Syndicate. But my father wants me to join.”
He must have had no interest in the syndicate, then. “Have you participated in the evening’s events yet?”
He bared his teeth, clicking them shut. “I save that energy for work.”
So it was true, then. Carter Care dealt with murder on demand. Finn must have been one of their lead workers, which meant that if Lena were offered as an execution, he would have been eager to partake. He was hungry for more than a chance at death.
A thin man from Shin & Co Inc entered the ballroom. Floyd Vaughn, a white mask covering his face. His hard jaw turned, his eyes instantly on Lena. I pulled her closer to me, then acknowledged Finn.
“I’m inviting you to enjoy my sacrifice later,” I said. Finn nodded, seeing past me. Still, it was better Finn than Vaughn. “Excuse us.” I gripped Lena’s hand and she shivered. My cock twitched with the need to conquer her, and my head pulsed with jealousy. She was sensitive already, what would happen when the rest of the men were around her? When they could hurt her?
Could I actually sacrifice her?
I had no other options.
Vaughn came toward us. “Vaughn,” I said. “I had no idea you would be interested in the Marked Blooms Syndicate.”
“My boss is a member, but it never hurts to have more sway, especially when your boss escapes on a business trip.” He beamed a wide smile. “How are you, Mr. Callen?”
“Busy as ever.” I pulled Lena into me.
“As you should be,” he winked. “And are you enjoying yourself?”
Lena shifted in her stance next to me. “Of course,” she whispered.
Zira appeared at our side, snaking an arm around Lena’s back. “Let the men talk. I’ll show you around.”
Vaughn and I watched the two women walk away. Vaughn’s eyes focused on Lena’s neck, down to the yellow and green bruises healing on her back. The single-tail wounds. I imagined strangling him, the life draining from his eyes.Make one move toward her,I thought.
I motioned at the space behind him. “No personal bodyguards tonight?” I asked. “Your shadows are missing.”
His nostrils flared, though he forced a smile. “I gave them the night off.”
