Page 98 of The Blackened Blade

“Where's the asshole gone?” I hope he hadn't gotten away. Assholes like that needed a little more than just a few broken fingers to learn a lesson.

The sickening look in his eyes had my hackles up. It was a twisted look I’d grown too used to from the guards in the Facility and from creeps like Adam Manser and Dean Phillips. Boys who thought they were above you and could take what they want with no repercussions.

And I didn’t want some young girl getting caught in the crossfire later on.

I’m looking around the room when I hear Annex chuckling.

“What, did you want to finish him off, Red?”

“...Maybe.”

Annex’s laugh cuts off, his gaze unreadable for just a brief moment before a wicked grin stretches his lips.

The others fall silent around us too. And I could feel each of their gazes on me.

Did they think I was crazy? That I was taking ittoo far?

“We’re going back,” Barks Creed as he turns toward me, “Fights over.”

“Pity.” I call.

“You wanted in, Red?” Annex steps closer, a dark glint in his eyes as they trail down my body. “Or do you just like the idea of being locked in a cage with me?”

A smirk stretches my lips.

Annex was crazy and unpredictable, and thecompleteopposite of Mr. Valor, so I would be lying if I said the thought of sparring with him didn’t excite me a little.

“Who needs a cage, or even a reason…” I take a step closer, the tips of my shoes hitting his as I stare into his eyes, “I’ll take you anytime.”

A slight tremor works its way down Annex as he closes his eyes before slowly opening them again. He shakes his head before gazing down at me, a grin that screamssingrowing on his lips.

He leans in closer, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispers. “Don't make promises you can’t keep–”

“I don't.” I meet his gaze as he tilts his head toward me, his lips just a fraction from mine as our breaths begin to mix together.

A throat clears behind us as Ezra awkwardly rubs the back of his neck, his gaze flickering back and forth between me and Annex.

“Creeds waiting.” His eyes lands on me, his mouth slightly opening before quickly closing again, a questioning look forming in his eyes before he quickly schools it. He shakes his head before turning around and walking in Creed's direction.

I pull away from Annex and follow behind Mallyn and Ezra as we make our way out to the now empty parking lot.

We head over to the bikes when Annex suddenly starts chuckling.

“Damn Red, you look hot in leather. How the fuck did I not notice it before?”

Ah.I was still wearing his jacket. With everything going on I had forgotten.

I pull it off as he raises his hand, a frown pulling at his lips.

“I wasn’t asking for it back…it suits you.”

I take it off and throw it to him. “You look like you need it more.”

He was covered in blood, his torso and face splattered in the red crimson liquid with only his bare inked skin beneath it.He slides a hand down his bare and bloodied torso before meeting my eyes again.

“Ah, the jealous type…I like it. I’ll cover upfor now.” He gives me a wink and puts his jacket on, a mischievous grin pulling at his cheeks. But he soon freezes, pulling the collar toward his face and taking a deep breath in, a small groan leaving his lips. “...Fuckin’ hell.”

“Annex!” Creed shouts from the dodge charger, his expression back to its familiar cold and stoney glare.

---