Page 60 of Smoke the Enemy

Soren killed Alex’s mother, which resulted in him being sent to live with overly religious fanatics who punished him for his parents’ sins. The Carmichaels took over his family’s empire. His motive and rage against The Illicit makes sense.

But who is the other person? Who is helping him commit all these murders? And why did they change their methods? Van Doren has motive, but enough to do all this? Alex’s was revenge fueled byyearsspent harboring hate.

In a way, I get it. I understand him more now. He’s sick and twisted, but he was right, if Rhett Carmichael hadn’t started all this, he might’ve had a chance at a happy healthy life. The real villain is Rhett Carmichael and his insatiable need for money and power.

Tonight I requested we have a picnic since the weather is nice. I left Alex a note in his room at the Brotherhood house to meet me by the swamp under the willow tree. I need to try and convince him that Steffan and Soren are victims as much as him. They’re not his enemy.

“What have we here?” I can hear the smile in his voice.

“All your favorites.”

His eyes sparkle in the moonlight. “You can say that again. My absolute favorite dessert is sitting there looking pretty in that white dress. My precious angel.”

I pat the blanket and he obliges. Alex doesn’t waste any time claiming my lips. I hate how good of a kisser he is. My treacherous body still responds to him. But then like a bucket of cold water, Ava’s dead body comes to the forefront of my mind.Did he…

What would have been the reason to murder my roommate? She hadnothingto do with Delta Pi Theta and The Illicit.That you know of…a little voice whispers.

“What’s wrong?” Alex studies my face. He cups my cheek so tenderly.

“Have you ever thought that maybe you and Steffan are a lot alike. And Soren. I think y’all could work together–”

“Shut up.” I gasp when he grips my jaw. “Why would you do this? We were having a nice time.” He lets my chin go with a jerk. “Is this your way of seducing me to team up with your lovers? Were you planning to share all of us in your bed?”

“No. But I think your anger is misplaced.”

“Misplaced?” He stands up and stomps around. “Hemurderedmy mother. She was innocent. My grandfather and father, I could see that’s the way this world works. But women and children were supposed to be safe — even among The Illicit.”

“You’re right. But you have to understand that Soren was achildhimself. He had no choice.”

Alex nods and gives me a sad smile. He comes back to sit with me. “My precious angel. You have such a pure heart.” He takes my chin between his two fingers. “Don’t worry anymore. Let’s enjoy the sunset.”

“Do you promise to think about it?”

“If you give me a kiss.” Our lips touch. It’s so gentle and I can taste peppermint. This time I allow him to guide me to my back. The bulge between his pants presses against my clit, and I moan into his lips.

“Taylor,” he sighs against my lips. “Please.” He trails kisses along my neck. “I wish you could see what I have envisioned for us.” He moves to the other side of neck. “But you will. I promise you’ll be happy.We’llbe happy.”

“Alex, would you kill for me?”

“How do you know I haven’t already?”

I squeeze my eyes shut. It’s not like Steffan and Soren have clean hands either. “If I asked you to stop, would you?”

“Of course. I don’t take pleasure in it.” His hands slide under my shirt and his whole body shivers. “I only have a few loose ends, and then this will be over, my precious.” He grinds against me and then begs, “Please, Taylor. Let me finally have you. All of you.”

I moan. “Yes. Alex, take me. All of me.”

He pulls back. “Are you serious? Are you sure?” I nod with a full smile. “Oh, baby. I love you.” He kisses me hard and then pulls back again. “I love you so much it makes me crazy. Say it again. Say you’re mine.”

“I’m yours.”

His body presses against mine and his lips suck my bottom lip in. Our tongues massage each other’s. Then I bring my right hand to his side, and he goes completely still. His eyes are wide as he raises up off my body. A shiver of delight runs through me at the shocked look on his face.

“Your death, my life,” I tell him.

He flops to the side, and I stand. “Why?”

I pull my knife from his side. “I begged you to listen. But you haven’t changed. You won’t listen. You were never going to let me live my life. I can’t stand by and allow you to kill anyone else I love.”

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