Bitter Truths (Crimson Falls Duet 2)

I’m almost certain he’s on his way with the cavalry to kill me. But what he doesn’t know is that I didn’t steal the pretty girl to hurt her, I took her to lure him out. To bring him into my space so I can be in control. I’m surprised my brother survived both gunshots, but I’m not shocked he’s walked out of the hospital without permission from the doctors. It’s just like Lycan to do what he pleases.

When I stepped into Shaw manor, it didn’t feel like home.

Now that I’m here, the comfort of the familiar calms me somewhat.

Scarlett awakens with a start, her wide eyes locking on mine in surprise. She shuffles up the mattress, her back hitting the headboard as she tugs the blanket over her body to cover what I’ve already had a good look at.

“What are you doing, creeper?” she bites out, rage dripping from her pretty, plump lips. I can’t help but grin at her fire. My brother chose well. Even though I’m sure he didn’t plan for her to be like this when he had Horatio sign the contract, he’s gotten lucky. Breaking her in the club would be a pleasure.

“I was enjoying the view,” I tell her innocently with a shrug of my shoulder. I move around the bed and make my way to the window. The sun is slowly setting. She’s slept most of the day away.

“Have you heard anything yet?” she asks, her voice breaking with worry over Lycan.

I don’t turn to look at her, because seeing the affection she holds for him will only anger me. Jealousy is not a good look on anyone. And on me, it makes me violent. Come to think of it, everything makes me violent. “He’s on his way here.”

“What?” She’s on her feet, her small, fragile body inches from mine, and her heat envelopes me. “What do you mean? How can he—?”

“Just what I said, little one. He’s making his way here with his army of men. He’s going to play the hero to save you,” I inform her with a smirk, thinking of just how foolish he is. This is my territory; he doesn’t know what could hurt him. Kahn has intel, that is clear, but he doesn’t realize I have hidden landmines all around the compound. One wrong step, and you’ll be in pieces just outside the property line.

Perhaps he does know.

Maybe he doesn’t care.

Scarlett possibly means more to him than his life.

It’s time to test my brother and see just how much this woman means to him.

“But you shot him. I mean, he should still be healing.”

“He should,” I agree, finally facing the beauty. “But my brother isn’t one to follow the rules, little one.”

“Then he takes after you,” she throws back with a small smile, shocking the shit out of me. I didn’t expect her to say that, or even acknowledge it. But that has my chest tightening when I think about giving her back to him.

“He does.”

“Do you miss him? Do you miss having a family?” she asks then, stepping up beside me. Her wide eyes locking on the side of my face and it feels as if I’m being scorched. “Not the biker family you clearly have,” she adds in a whisper.

I stare out of the window, watching the clouds move across the sky. The memory of having a brother feels foreign to me. It’s been so long. My heart thuds against my ribs, reminding me once again that emotion is weakness.

“No.” I turn suddenly, causing Scarlett to step back, almost tumbling to the floor, but my arm shoots out, wrapping around her slender waist as I pull her toward me. Her mouth is inches from mine. It would be so easy to steal a kiss. To taste her lips and tangle my tongue with hers. My jeans tighten at the crotch when she gasps as I straighten, bringing her along with me.

Scarlett’s hands land on my chest, her fingers burning me right through my t-shirt, as well as the leather cut I’m wearing. “I don’t believe you.”

“Do you like to taunt the predator, little one?” I question, keeping my face near hers, the hot breath that fans from her lips causing my hunger to rumble through me like an awakening volcano.

“I-I didn’t mean… I just want to learn about you,” she whispers, and her voice has a direct link to the desire coiling my gut. I want her. The hunger I have that’s swirling through me is dangerous, and the longer I spend around her, the more I feel like letting go and stealing a taste.

It wouldn’t take long to claim her.

I could do it right now.

“Nobody wants to know about me, sweetheart,” I tell her honestly. With a twinge of regret, I release her. “It’s better that you go back to your wolf and leave the hunter to fend for himself.”