CHAPTER 12 #3
"He’s gone," I said, my voice rougher now. "The silence is the best part. You didn't blink. Are you still with me, Ruby? Blyad, you’re stronger than I thought. Most people would be on their knees by now. Look at your hands. They’re steady. You’re a natural, aren't you? The fear is leaving you. I can see it. Don't let the adrenaline trick you. Stay sharp. You’re not like the others. I chose well when I bought you. Tell me you’re okay. "
I slowly removed my bloody hand from the back of her head, but my touch lingered in the dark strands of her hair.
I didn't want to break the physical connection.
A surge of hot, proprietary pride flared in my gut.
I didn't just want to control her anymore; I wanted to own the fire inside her.
I grabbed her waist and pulled her back against me one last time, my arms wrapping around her in a bruising, possessive hug that practically lifted her off the floor.
"You’re mine, Ruby. Do you understand that now?
" I demanded, burying my face in the curve of her neck.
"I won't let anyone else see this side of you. You’re more dangerous than you look.
That look in your eyes... I could get used to it.
We are the only two people in this building who matter.
You survived the first lesson. I'm going to make you untouchable. Don't think about what you were before tonight. That girl is dead. She died in the pen. You’re something new now. My little survivor. I'm the only one who can keep you this steady. You feel that? That’s my heart. It’s only beating for this. "
I crowded her forward, pinning her back against the heavy mahogany doorframe.
My massive chest locked against her spine, trapping her in the small space.
I lowered my mouth to her ear again, my whisper wet and jagged with the adrenaline of the kill.
Her breath hitched hard, her chest rising and falling rapidly against my arm, a single violent shiver echoing through both of us.
That hitch wasn't fear. She was waking up.
"Good," I rasped, sliding my hand up to grip her chin tightly. "Your breathing is steady. You are learning the only language that matters in this city. You’re doing so well. Tell me you liked it. Seeing him break. You’re addicted to the rush already, aren't you? The adrenaline is a poison, Ruby. Use it or it kills you. I can feel your pulse through your back. You’re my perfect little shadow.
Don't be afraid of the monster. Be the monster. I’m going to teach you things that would make your brother weep.
He sold a lamb. He didn't know he was selling a wolf. You belong in the dark with me. Say my name. Let me know you’re still in there. The city is ours tonight. Good girl."
I finally turned my attention away from her and looked down at the mess on the floor.
I wiped the wet blood from my blade directly onto the lapel of Gault’s ruined silk tuxedo, the fabric soaking it up like a sponge.
I sheathed the knife with a sharp, satisfying click.
I gave the captive woman still tied to the chair a single, dismissive glance.
She was sobbing hysterically, violently flinching away from me as I walked past her, the high-pitched whimpering tearing at my nerves.
I didn't even blink. I needed Ruby to understand that pity was a death sentence in this skyscraper.
"She’s nothing to us," I said flatly, stepping over the spreading puddle of blood.
"She’ll either survive or she won't. It’s not our concern.
Don't waste your pity on her. The world is full of victims, Ruby. You’re not one of them anymore.
We move on. I didn't come here to play hero. She’s a loose end I don't care to tie.
The silk cleans the blade best. Is she still crying?
Annoying. Let the next hunter have her. Focus on the door, not the chair.
Survival is a selfish game. Are you ready to leave this behind? "
I completely tuned out the survivor's wailing.
My entire universe narrowed back down to Ruby.
I reached out and grabbed her by the chin, forcing her to look up into my eyes.
My thumb traced the rigid line of her jaw with a possessive, bruising intensity, transferring a fresh smear of Gault's blood from my thumb directly onto her pale skin.
"Eyes on me," I growled, my voice a low command that booked absolutely zero argument.
"The lesson is over for now. We have more floors to clear.
Do you have your knife? Don't lose focus. You’re my second pair of eyes tonight.
If you see a shadow, you alert me. We don't stop until we reach the penthouse. Are you still with me, or did I lose you to the blood? Good. I like the fire in you. Stay close. I mean it. No more distractions. Let’s go. "
I kept my hand on her hip, physically steering her out of the ruined office and back into the red-lit corridor.
I didn't look back at the dead mogul or the bleeding woman left tied to the chair.
The red emergency strobes flashed in a rhythmic, blinding pulse, illuminating the dark, blooming bloodstains on my white shirt with every beat.
I resumed my predatory stance, scanning the long hallway.
"The air is thinner out here," I muttered, my eyes tracking the shadows. "Listen for the elevator chimes. They’ll be looking for Gault eventually. Watch the ceiling panels. You’re holding that knife better now. I can feel you thinking. Stop it. Just move. The stairs are too exposed. We find a new way. Keep your back to mine when I stop. You’re doing great, Ruby.
Just a few more floors. Don't look back. There’s nothing there for you. Trust your instincts."
As we moved further down the empty corporate hallway, approaching a row of darkened, open doorways, I glanced down at her hand.
She was holding the combat knife exactly as I had taught her—her thumb locked along the spine, the matte-black blade angled perfectly for a lethal upward thrust. As we passed the gloom of an open doorway, she instinctively adjusted her grip, her hazel eyes narrowing as she scanned the dark space.
"Look at your hand," I said, a dark satisfaction settling heavy in my chest. "You learned well. You’re a quick study, malen'kaya kukla. That grip will save your life tonight. I think you were always meant for this. The cafe was a waste of your potential. This is where you belong. With me. In the blood. Are you ready for the next one? I'm not letting anyone take you away. You’re part of the Syndicate now. Sleep will be hard tonight, but you’ll be alive. "
I checked the ammunition in my sidearm. Thirty-nine floors left to clear.