A Death to Seek (Thornes & Roses 3)

Jarred’s gaze locks on mine, and he asks, “Do you think she would accept us?”

“What makes you think someone who’s so perfectly poised on social media is going to want a bisexual husband? Also—”

He holds up his finger to interrupt me. “She’s the daughter of an influential family. They won’t take kindly to having their daughter slumming it with two men who want to bone all the time.”

That makes me laugh. It’s not a lie. “But also two men who like to watch the other fucking some pretty pussy,” I add on, reminding him that there is more to the equation than just the two of us.

Jarred considers this for a long moment, then nods. “True.” We’ve enjoyed playing voyeur, and we’ve also enjoyed playing our game—The Burning Roses—with a number of girls in the past. Even though he’s not a Thorne, or a Haven, he’s mine, and I introduced him to the cat and mouse game that the two families enjoy.

There are three Haven siblings—Creed, Keirin, and Brody. And that’s where the game originated, from Creed Haven’s diabolical mind. One summer when Damien was home on break from college, he and Creed needed to entertain themselves. And that’s how the little seed of darkness was planted within the forest of Thorne Haven.

It’s also how I lost my best friend and my first love—Eloise.

“Don’t you dare go down that dark path,” Jarred warns, and I realize my expression must have turned because his stare is vicious. Whenever I’ve lost my mind to the memories of seeing her dead, my depression would take a hold, and it’s a task for him to draw me back to the here and now.

“I don’t know how else to get through this,” I admit. “She’s coming here tomorrow. I don’t trust her. I don’t want her here, and yet, there’s nothing I can do but obey my father’s rules.”

“You could walk away,” Jarred offers. It’s a gentle nudge, one we’ve spoken about before, but it’s not an option. My life is with Thorne Industries. My loyalty lies with my brothers, but my heart, that’s another story altogether. “I’m not leaving you.” There’s a promise in his voice that I can’t ask him for. I can’t expect him to live a life in secret.

“And what happens when you get tired of being the other man?” This time, I swallow my pride and look directly into those steely gray eyes. They’re watchful, taking in my demeanor. I’m so thankful the house is empty; it’s given us time to talk.

But the moment I think it, Joy flourishes into the kitchen. Her happy smile is bright and friendly, but her gaze is shrewd as she regards Jarred and me standing at opposite ends of the breakfast bar. It’s as if there’s a canyon between us. A large, open gap that can’t be filled.

“Hungry, boys?” Joy asks, arching a brow as she takes us in and moves to the fridge. I’m sure the tension in the room is heavy, and it must be noticeable. But she doesn’t make mention of anything other than what’s for breakfast.

“I need to get to the shed,” Jarred announces suddenly. “I’ll see you later, Mama Joy,” he tells her, offering her one of his bright smiles. It’s one of those that could break hearts. But there’s nobody here for Jarred to break, because I’m already shattered. “Have a good day, Finn.” With one last look, he turns and leaves the kitchen.

I can feel Joy’s questioning gaze on me, but she doesn’t say anything. I want to tell somebody about him. The confession sits on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t bring myself to utter a word.

“Nice boy that one,” Joy says, as she readies herself to cook for the entire staff as well as the Thorne men who are currently home. My stepmother will be back from London tomorrow. And then, it’s time to plan two big parties—Halloween and a wedding.

4

ZARIA

The last of my suitcases are taken to the car. I should be more nervous than I am, but when I woke up this morning, it was as if I was resigned to my new life. Also, leaving the home where I last saw my father has gifted me a sense of peace. I’m not sure I would want to live here when his memory lingers. The reminder of what he did, taking his life haunts me.

I haven’t touched my phone since last night’s interaction with Finn. And as I slip the device into my purse, I don’t turn it on; instead, I leave it off for my trip. It’s meant to take me four hours in our private plane to get to Thorne Haven, and I intend on reading, perhaps even studying, instead of allowing myself to dwell in the darkness that is the bullies online.