Page 4 of Reign By Wrath

For the rest of the life she didn’t take from me, I’d ask myself how I was so incredibly wrong about her. There was no sign—none—that lurking beneath the surface of the pretty, pampered princess was a twisted maniac.

Leon stood up, making me step back. “My debt to you is paid,” he told the man.

The stranger nodded. “In full.”

Leon left through a side door, leaving the two of us alone. The man smiled at me.

“You must be hungry,” he said, crossing over to the kitchenette. “Please, sit. I’m useless in the kitchen, but even I can handle a turkey sandwich.”

I didn’t so much as twitch. “Who are you?”

“There’s plenty of time for that,” came the calm response. He was a handsome man with auburn hair flecked with silver; a hooked nose; and a strong jaw covered in stubble. I put him at midforties. He reminded me of someone, but my fuzzy head wouldn’t supply the image.

“Sit, Luna. I know from experience that rubber bullets still pack a mean punch.”

Rubber bullet? Is that what Mr. Dumont shot me with? He truly wasn’t going to kill me, even though Everleigh threatened—

“Rafael,” I cried. “Cato. Lucien. Wilder. Where are they? What did she do to them!”

“She let them go shortly after your home on campus was reduced to a pile of charred wood and melted appliances.”

The man pulled various items out of the fridge and began preparing my sandwich. We looked to be in one big living room—complete with couches, television, kitchenette, and eating area. Outside, there were lounges, a hot tub, and no signs of how far from home these men had taken me.

“Leon confirmed they were safe before bringing you to me.”

“Why would he bring me to you?” I snapped. “Why would he bring me anywhere? Take me back!” The shout was a knife through my sore chest. “I need to see the guys. I have to make sure they’re okay.”

“Okay is exactly what they won’t be if you get near them.” He set to work cutting avocado, slicing tomatoes, and chopping red onions. “Think it through, Luna. They were spared because you died. If it’s discovered you’re still alive and Leon didn’t keep up his end of the deal, Starling has no reason to keep up hers.”

“Everleigh’s not going to touch them because she’ll be too busy having her head bashed in. Now, whoever the hell you are, stop messing around with avocados and turn this boat toward Regalia. I’m going home. Now.”

He smiled through my berating, his eyes getting softer as my voice climbed higher. “Goodness, you look just like your mother.”

I started, moving back again. Was there a better way to trap someone than by boat? “You don’t know my mother.”

“Don’t I?” he asked, amused. “Pretty sure I know Eloise Sinclair better than anyone.”

“I’m pretty sure you’re nuts.”

He laughed. “Don’t know a single person who isn’t. Mustard, mayo, or both?”

My glare drilled a hole in his head. He laughed harder.

“Definitely Eloise’s daughter.” My sandwich done, he made one for himself and brought it to the table. He gestured again for me to join him. “You saw me make it yourself. It’s safe.”

“Doesn’t mean you are.”

He shrugged, taking a bite. “Leon wouldn’t risk everything to save your life just to bring you to someone who meant you harm.”

I tried to wriggle out of that logic, and couldn’t. Moving slowly, I claimed the seat across from him and picked up the sandwich. My stomach was growling too loudly for me to protest further.

“Who are you?”

“Haven’t you guessed? Leon heard what she said to you before he fired.”

My voice was calm. “You’re going to say you’re my father.”

“I am your father, Luna.”

---