Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66334 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66334 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
The clowns rushed back into the ring and unlocked the doors, revealing the mutilated remains of the man inside. The lifeless body was quickly removed, organs pulled off the spikes and tossed into a bucket, the remnants of the hunter's final moments carried away like they were nothing more than trash. The audience erupted in applause, their cheers echoing through the tent, but my mind was elsewhere—already on what I needed to do next.
Kinks thanked her volunteers, her voice dripping with satisfaction, and dismissed them to enjoy the rest of their night. But I was already moving, not wasting a second. I kept close behind the others as they began to disperse.
Ciaran was the first to act, grabbing Lana and hoisting her over his shoulder as if she weighed nothing, his hand firmly holding her skirt down as he carried her away into the crowd, ignoring her protests. There was a determined set to his jaw, and I knew that, like me, he had waited long enough.
Mel passed by next, and I caught a glimpse of Dion, Brody, and Maverick sweeping her away from the mass of bodies. Hayven trailed right behind her, trying to avoid Charon, who was hot on her heels.
And then, there was Sunshine. The moment our eyes met, there was no need for words. I took her hand in mine, the connection between us electric, and guided her out of the ring, positioning her in front of me so I could keep a protective eye on her from behind. I needed her close, needed to feel her against me, especially after what we’d just witnessed.
We took the lift back to the penthouse, the others all crammed in with us. I ran my hands up and down Sunshine’s arms, feeling her slight trembling, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. It was driving me insane, that she was so close, so vulnerable, and yet, I had to wait.
When the lift doors slid open, we heard a loud crash—something shattering, followed by Brody’s laughter.
“Didn’t waste any time,” Brody chuckled, clearly referring to Ciaran and Lana. I smirked, knowing exactly what he meant. Ciaran was never one to delay gratification, especially not with Lana.
I agreed, my own patience wearing thin.
Without another word, I scooped Sunshine into my arms, lifting her bridal style.
It felt right, even though the sight of her white dress splattered with blood was an ironic contrast to the purity it once symbolized. The iron grip I had on my control was slipping, but I still managed to carry her with care.
We entered the room I always used when we were here, a familiar space that provided both privacy and luxury. I headed straight to the bathroom, knowing that she needed to be cleansed of the night’s horrors. The bathroom itself was an expansive, modern design—a glass-enclosed shower dominating the space, lit by soft, ambient red lighting that cast an almost otherworldly glow. The rainfall showerhead hung high, the controls for temperature and water pressure sleek and discreetly embedded in the wall.
Steam was already beginning to swirl inside, the warm mist promising a momentary escape from the brutal reality outside.
I gently set her down inside the shower, out of the spray of water until it warmed. The moment her feet touched the cool, smooth tiles, I could see the tension easing from her body. My hands found the front of her corset, gripping the delicate fabric before tearing it down the center with a swift motion. The sound of the fabric giving way was followed by a small gasp from her lips—a sound that sent a surge of heat straight through me.
“No bra,” I growled, my voice roughened by the mask I still wore.
“Not with this top,” she replied, her voice soft.
I didn't hesitate. My hands found the edge of her tutu, and with another quick, clean motion, I ripped it off, leaving her gasping again, this time my name slipping from her lips.
Now she stood before me in nothing but her stockings, heels, and that mask—the image seared into my mind, claiming every last ounce of my self-control. With the water finally warm, steam at my back, I began unbuttoning the black button-down I had changed into earlier, tossing it carelessly out of the glass enclosure.
The sight of her, so exposed and vulnerable, only fueled the desire clawing at my insides. She leaned back against the wall, instinctively crossing her arms over her chest, trying to shield herself. I was on her in an instant, stepping forward and pulling her arms down, my grip firm but gentle. “Don’t hide what’s mine.”
“What about the cameras?” she whispered; her voice barely audible over the sound of the water.
“I need to see your face,” I murmured, reaching up to remove my mask. It dropped to the floor with a soft thud, my hands immediately moving to hers, lifting it off gently. “There are no cameras. No timers. No audience. It’s just us.”