16. WYNTER

16

WYNTER

I ’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. Especially since Bones refuses to tell me where we’re going or what we’re doing. This is my first time out of the house since I ran from him at Onyx.

Tugging at the hem of the short black dress he picked out for me to wear, I look nervously up at the apartment building in front of us. It’s in a nice part of the city, but I know that doesn’t mean shit. Bad people lurk everywhere, not just in the shadows.

“I’m going to need you to be really good for me,” Bones says as he adjusts the cufflinks on his black shirt. “We’re meeting someone and I’m going to end up saying some things that you’re going to hate me for. I need you to trust me. Can you do that?” He’s pleading with me, but I still don’t understand what’s going on.

Recently I’ve reached a point where I’m starting to trust him, but I hope tonight doesn’t ruin all of that.

“I’ll try,” I say warily. “Does your friend live here? The one you mentioned before?”

“Dean? No. The man that lives here, Grayson, is not a friend. Remember that while we’re in there.”

“And why are we meeting him in his apartment?”

Bones has sworn I’m his which should assure me he wouldn’t want to share me, but loaning me out to someone might be his idea of fun.

Without answering, he winks at me and presses the intercom buzzer. A deep male voice crackles through the static. “Yeah?”

“Grayson?” Bones says.

“Yeah. You bring her?”

“Yep.” Bones looks across at me, with a disarmingly charming smile on his face. What the hell is he planning?

“I’ll buzz you up.”

We head inside, my heels clicking on the tiles as we make our way through the empty foyer. “Bones, seriously, give me something. The last time you took me out hardly ended well.”

“That’s why you’re wearing stilettos, so you can’t run from me.” I can’t tell if that’s a joke or not.

“Well no—”

“Wynter,” he sighs. “You’re being such a good girl already, so just wait and see the surprise I have planned for you.” That mischievous glint is back in his eyes and it makes my stomach swoop.

I can do this. I can trust him.

We take the elevator to the third floor and at the far end of the corridor a man, who I assume is Grayson, waits outside one of the apartments.

He’s mid-thirties, neatly dressed with deliberately messy short brown hair and thick stubble. There’s a vague familiarity to him, but I can’t place it.

He looks straight at me and I press myself closer to Bones’ side. At least if this guy thinks we’re a couple then he shouldn’t hassle me.

“You actually brought her. Come on, I’ll fix us some drinks and we can talk prices.”

Prices? I’m not naive, I know exactly what that means. “Bones?” I dig my heels into the carpet, refusing to go so easily into this trap.

“Shhh, play along.” His tone is soft, but does nothing to reassure me. Sensing my unease, he places his hand on my lower back and ushers me inside.

“Did you tell anyone else I was coming?” Bones asks the man as we follow him into the kitchen.

“No, of course not! You think I want to share this with any of those meatheads? Just because I worked with them doesn't mean we’re friends,” Grayson scoffs as he grabs a bottle of vodka from the freezer.

He fills three shot glasses, handing us one each. The way he lingers in front of me makes me feel sick. “I don’t want it.”

“Drink,” Bones orders, pushing the glass to my lips.

Grayson is still eyeing me hungrily. Fuck. If Bones is really going to make me have sex with this man then I don’t want to be sober for it.

I knock the shot back in one and Grayson claps his hands.

“Damn! Let’s get a few more in you.” He tips his back and pours two more. And then another two. I drink everything he gives me until Bones steps in.

“That’s enough for you.”

“But I don’t want to be conscious for this,” I retort with a cold glare.

“Believe me you’ll want to be lucid for tonight’s entertainment.” The smile on Bones’ face hurts worse than the betrayal of his actions.

I look at the door and my heart plummets. There’s no way I’ll reach it. I’ll just have to try and find that distant part of my mind to escape into again.

“She always was a feisty one,” Grayson jeers. “I can’t believe you’ve had her all to yourself for this long! Honestly, I thought she was dead.”

Dead? No, that can’t mean…he was one of my abusers. Then I remember his face being on Bones’ computer when he showed me all the men that hurt me.

“Yeah, I’ve been keeping her nice and close, wouldn’t want anyone else getting hold of this little treasure.” Bones loops his arm around my waist and pulls me to his side. I don’t fight him. I’m too numb.

“Want to negotiate now or after you’ve sampled the goods? And believe me, they are fucking good.” Bones squeezes my breast and I turn away from Grayson’s predatory grin.

After everything…he’s selling me. Handing me straight back to a man he vowed to kill for me. What made him change his mind?

“Let me get my dick nice and wet, then I’ll see what I can give you. Fuck, she’s going to make me so much money! I know a few guys that will pay plenty for a go.” He brings his face close to mine, his stale breath fanning over me.

“No.”

“What was that?”

“I. Said. No.” I spit in Grayson’s face and he raises his fist to hit me. I don’t close my eyes, don’t back down. He will not terrorize me again.

Before he can hit me, Bones steps between us. “No damaging the goods before you’ve paid for them. You can do what you want with her once she’s yours.”

“You’re scum! The pair of you.”

I step away from them and Bones crooks a brow at me. “She’s not very good at listening though.”

“Come on, let's get her into the bedroom where it’s soundproof.” Grayson heads out of the kitchen and Bones grabs my elbow forcing me to follow.

“You’re doing good,” he whispers in my ear and I try to pull my arm free, but he’s too strong.

“I fucking trusted you! Everything you said to me, everything you made me believe…it was all to break me down so you could dress me up like a whore and sell me?”

Bones opens his mouth, but Grayson speaks first. “Do you plan on joining in? I’d rather you didn’t, but I guess it would be fine if you wanted to watch. Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been inside her with an audience,” he chuckles, his tongue loose from the vodka.

I can get through this like I’ve got through everything else. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Taking a deep breath I step into the bedroom. It’s lit up by neon strip lights that circle around a platform in the center of the room. My jaw drops as my eyes travel up to the pole on top of it. He has a fucking stripper’s pole in his bedroom?

“Ready for the fun, my love?” Bones eyes glitter with excitement. I can’t believe this was his plan all along. “What shall we start with? Want her to hop up there and give us a nice show?”

Grayson’s eyes light up and he nods eagerly at Bones’ suggestions.

Putting back up all the defenses I had been letting down for Bones, I head straight to the platform. I’m going to end up breaking my neck in these heels, but death would be the preferable outcome.

“Actually, I’ve thought of a better idea. Grayson you sit right here.” Bones steps ahead of me and taps the platform. “And Wynter you sit on the bed. Best seat in the house for tonight’s show.”

I’m hesitant to move, but do so anyway. I don’t have much of a choice.

“You’re going to part those lovely long legs of yours and ride your fingers until you come.”

“No.” Bones is clearly more delusional than I thought if he thinks I’ll do that with an audience.

“I want her to suck me off first. Her throat was always so tight when she was out of it. We used to have a game where we’d place bets on who could hold their cock in her for the longest before she choked. What’s she like when she’s awake? Bet she sucks dick like a pornstar.”

“You’re a sick bastard! You both are,” I shout. My nails dig into my palms hard enough to draw blood.

Bones plants a hand on Grayson’s shoulder, forcing him to sit down with his back against the pole. “Trust me you’re going to want to see this.” His eyes are fixed on me as he speaks to Grayson.

“Alright then, show me what I’m buying.”

“No,” I repeat, firmer this time.

Tilting his head to the side, Bones smiles. “It’s touch yourself or suck cock. Your choice.” If he specified his cock there’s a chance I might have taken that offer up, but I’m not falling for another trick.

I let out a shaky breath and part my legs enough to slip my hand into the side of my underwear. It’s dark enough in here for them to not see my pussy like this, but from the way the lights are positioned I can see they’re both hard.

“Is that it? At least make some noise like you’re enjoying yourself. Is she always so uptight in the sack? Suppose it doesn’t matter really, I always end up making them scream. Hey, watch it!” Grayson rolls his shoulder where Bones’ fingers are digging in.

“Sorry, man. I’m just excited.”

Bones hops up onto the platform. Towering above us, dressed all in black he looks like all my dark fantasies come to life.

I can’t take my eyes off him. The cat-like way he moves. The darkness unfurling from him. The way he doesn’t stop holding my gaze until his eyes go lower. I forgot what I was supposed to be doing and start up the movements on my clit.

When I slide my fingers down to my entrance I’m wet. My breath catches in my throat and a deadly grin curls Bones’ lips.

“Do you think Grayson deserves a taste of your sweet little cunt?” he asks in a light tone.

“No,” I say, my voice full of nerves. Grayson grunts in annoyance, but I don’t look at him. All I can see is Bones. My dark savior & my nightmare in one, watching over me from up there.

“Did he deserve to put his hands on you?”

“No,” my voice is firmer this time. My chest heaves as my orgasm builds and that sleepy tranquil feeling starts to wash over me. I’m on the edge of slipping back into the darkest parts of myself and I ache for Bones to be inside me, grounding me.

“What is this? She’s just a whore! Everyone used her. That’s what girls like her are made for.” Grayson breaks the spell Bones seems to have on me.

It feels so wrong to be touching myself in front of him, but he’s barely paying attention. Unlike Bones, who’s looking at me like I’m the only thing in existence.

“Did he deserve to see your body?” Bones’ voice booms from up on his pedestal, but only Grayson flinches.

I shake my head.

“Use your words, little viper, I know you have them. They’re stewing in that venom inside you so let them out.”

“Seriously what’s going on? Let's get on with it, or you know what? I’ll pay the full sixty we agreed on and do this by myself.”

Bones completely ignores him and I notice him reaching into his back pocket. “Does he deserve to still be alive after everything he did to you?”

Any fear I came into this room with completely fades. “No,” I say calmly. At the same time, Grayson turns to look up at Bones.

“The fuck—” Bones wraps something around Grayson’s neck, tugging him back until he’s flush with the pole. He claws at his throat as Bones secures some sort of collar there.

“Now then.” Bones claps his hands together once Grayson is attached to the pole. “Here comes the real fun. You ready, Wynter?”

My mouth hangs open and I pull my hand from my underwear. There’s only one way I see this going and to be honest I feel stupid for not seeing it sooner. Still, I ask the obvious question. “Are you going to kill him?”

“He dared to touch you, he haunts your nightmares. Of course, I’m going to kill him. That is after we break him first.”

Getting up off the bed, I go to stand in front of them. Grayson’s wheezing as the collar cuts into his neck. It’s not tight enough to kill him, but he’s panicking so much that he’s choking himself with it.

“Grayson, I’m hoping you can answer some questions before you go.” Bones jumps off the platform and lands with a thud in front of me, making me jump back. Securing his arm around my waist, he drags me to his side. “Anything you want to ask him first, my love?”

I try to push away, but he’s got me held tight.

“I want to know why you didn’t tell me this was your plan all along.”

He sighs and kisses me on the forehead, breathing in deeply. It’s endearing and nice. “We had to make it believable.”

“Or you just wanted to mess with me.” I scowl at him.

“You have to let me go! Please!” Grayson rasps out as he keeps tugging at the collar, which I can now see is made of black leather and has a silver metal heart on the front.

“Is that a sex collar?” I ask and Bones bursts out laughing.

“It’s an old one I had lying around, thought I’d make use of it before getting rid of it. Help save the planet and all that.”

Grayson shouts out again and I’m starting to wonder just how soundproof this room is. “Won’t someone hear him?”

“No.” Bones’ tone turns serious. “Grayson here likes to hire escorts and record them as he brutally fucks them half to death. I’m sure there’s plenty of footage on that laptop over there.” He nods towards the dresser. “Now, where was the camera again?”

Tapping his chin, Bones walks around the room and Grayson is suddenly quiet as he watches.

“The bed’s there which means it must be…” Bones picks up a diamond-encrusted skull off a high shelf and holds it in front of Grayson’s face. “Smile for the camera!” When he tips it forward, a small black camera falls from the eye socket.

“Screw you! Both of you!” Grayson spits out and Bones slams the skull into the side of his head. It shatters on impact, leaving a nasty cut on Grayson’s cheek.

“The only ones screwing will be me and my little viper over your corpse when we’re done with you. Speaking of—did I say you could stop touching yourself?”

“I’m not doing that while you torture a man!”

Bones narrows his eyes at me. “You either help me torture him or you can thank me for doing all the work by letting me watch you come.”

As much as I want to see Grayson die for everything he’s done, I don’t think I have it in me to do it myself. “I can’t.”

Bones pulls a pair of pliers from his pocket and waves them in front of me. “You sure? You won’t even need to get your hands bloody?”

“Please, don’t make me.”

He sighs, his shoulders drooping. “Fine. I’ll be your personal executioner this time, but think about what he and the rest of them would have done if it was your sister in your place. Would you still say no?”

If I knew he or anyone else had touched her then I’d want them screaming in agony.

“Where is she?” I direct my question at Grayson.

“Who?”

“Summer, my sister. You and your friends, do you have her?”

“No! I don’t know who you’re talking about.”

I don’t believe him in the slightest. Bones doesn’t seem to either. He grabs Grayson’s leg and manages to pull his sock off while taking a few kicks to the ribs.

“We’re going to play a little game. How does the rhyme go again? Oh yeah, this little piggy went to market.” Bones grabs Grayson’s big toe, bending it upwards until Grayson is screaming and there’s a crunch .

“Fuck, it’s been a while since I’ve felt that. I always forget how good it is.” Bones moans in appreciation and tips his head back.

He’s getting off on this. Why am I surprised? I seem to have forgotten how much of a psycho he really is.

“You ready to talk?” Bones asks.

“Yes! Yes! Just please don’t do that again!”

“We’ll start small since we’ve already started that way.” He gives Grayson’s gnarled toe a wiggle and spit flies out of his mouth as he hisses out in pain. “The company you work for, it’s a front, right?”

“W-what? No.” Sweat beads on Grayson’s forehead and he looks ready to pass out.

“You honestly expect me to believe you and a bunch of guys were just hired to watch over her?”

“It—it wasn’t like that exactly.” Bones grabs another toe and Grayson goes silent before quickly saying, “We already worked for the Abatos. A couple years back one of the guys heard crying from the basement. Word got around and soon enough everyone knew. We came up with a plan to keep quiet about it as long as we got to make use of the girls ourselves and got our pay raised.”

“So you knew I was there against my will and you chose to hurt me?”

“No—” he breaks off into a cry as Bones snaps the next toe.

“I don’t like liars.”

“Did you really do those things to me while I was drugged?”

Grayson looks anywhere but at me as he says, “Yes.”

Bones holds the pliers out to me and I take them. “Your turn. You don’t have to kill him, but at least give him back some of the pain he inflicted on you.”

The pliers shake in my trembling hands and I grip them tight so they don’t fall. Bones holds his hands to my cheeks and presses his forehead to mine. “You can do this.”

“I can’t.” I press closer to him, wanting to bury myself inside his twisted mind and get lost there forever.

“Wynter. Your fear is mine now. Every emotion you feel will be mine and mine alone. So if you’re going to fear anyone, make it be me. He doesn't deserve an ounce of your pain. It’s mine.”

My breathing quickens and the last shackles I’ve kept tight around my heart fall away.

“I trust you.”

His hands tighten on my cheeks and he crushes his lips against mine. I let him in without a fight.

Better the devil you know. Right?

“God, I love you.” Bone pulls away and saunters over to Grayson like he’s on cloud nine.

I am in no way ready to say that, but I might not exactly hate him anymore. I’m not going to tell him that though.

Bones holds Grayson’s leg down and his broken toes jut out awkwardly. Then he brings his boot down over and over until the rest of them are a mangled mess.

Seems like those platform boots aren’t simply a fashion choice.

Grayson doesn’t stop screaming and he looks closer to passing out. Bones gives him a few slaps to keep him awake.

“Right, shall we move this along? I’ve got my own bone that needs tending to." He adjusts the bulge straining his pants. "Where were we? Oh, looks like all the piggies have gone home. We could see what’s in the other boot, but let’s move straight to the fingers. Your turn, little viper.”

Bones grins up at me as he holds Grayson’s right hand down, splaying his fingers apart.

I step towards them, the pliers pointed outwards like I’m holding a knife.

Grayson struggles against Bones’ grip and manages to grab his hair, pulling it until his head yanks back.

“Get off him!” I snarl, an overwhelming protective urge coming out of nowhere.

I thrust my arm forward and the pliers plunge into Grayson’s eye socket. The feel of his eye popping lingers in my hand long after I’ve let go of the tool.

“Oh my god,” I whisper, frozen to the spot, my hands held out in front of me.

Grayson doesn’t stop howling in pain and each cry makes my stomach tighten. I caused that pain.

“Look what you’ve done now. You’ve upset her again.” Bones motions to me. How can he sound so casual when there’s a man right there with blood pouring out from where his eye should be?

“I still had a few questions, but there’s no way you’re talking again tonight are you?” Bones lifts Grayson’s head, examining the wound closely. “You did a very good job, Wynter.”

He looks over at me when I don’t answer. “Oh. You’re in shock. Guess the torture’s over for tonight then.” Dropping Grayson’s head, Bones hops up onto the platform behind him and pulls the collar.

Grayson chokes on his screams as he struggles for breath. Bones doesn’t stop pulling until there’s an audible crack and Grayson’s entire body slumps.

“He’s dead,” I say numbly.

“Unfortunately. I had a whole night of fun planned. But don’t worry it’s not your fault. I’d much rather leave here with the memory of you fighting for me than give him a few more broken bones.”

“Bones.” I start to laugh hysterically.

“Yes?”

“No, I mean bones ! That’s why you have that name.” I never really thought about what it actually meant before. Honestly, I just thought it was some dumb edgy nickname. Shaking my head I walk to the kitchen. “I need a drink.”

Grabbing the vodka bottle I tip it back. I don’t feel the burn as it slides down my throat. I don’t feel anything right now.

It’s not until Bones spins me to face him that I even know he’s there.

“You shouldn’t feel guilty.”

Is that what this feeling is? Guilt? No.

“That’s the problem. I don’t. I just helped end a man’s life and I don’t feel an ounce of guilt.”

Bones eyes flash with approval. “I knew you could do it. We’ll make a killer out of you yet.” His words brush over me, not really sinking in.

“Do we need to dispose of the body?” I ask mechanically.

“No.” Bones gets his phone out and starts typing a message. “I have a guy for that.”

One of the many perks of being rich I suppose.

I try to comprehend what just happened. “You were going to make me suck his cock. You said—”

“I said cock . Not his cock. I’m offended you even thought I was referring to him.” He brushes the pad of his thumb over my lower lip. “It would have been me you were demonstrating your superb skills on.” The way he says skills makes my insides buzz.

“You were never going to sell me?” The answer seems obvious, but I need clarity.

“Wynter. I would carve my own heart out before I put you in any real danger.”

My stomach does that weird somersaulting thing again and this time I don’t think I can blame it on the vodka. “Can we go home now?”

“Not yet. I really can’t drive in this condition.” I look down and press my palm to the bulge in his pants. He's not lying.

My mind feels all floaty. Drunk on vodka and adrenaline.

The gory scene in the other room is long gone. Once again all I can sense is Bones. His heat under my palm, the way he twitches as my nails drag up the zipper, his vodka-scented breath fanning my cheeks.

“I need you.” I was supposed to think those words, but my tongue has a mind of its own.

“I know, my perfect little love.”

I start lowering to my knees, eager to feel the weight of him on my tongue, but he stops me. “Tonight’s not about me. You need a reward for doing such a good job.”

Sucking his cock doesn’t sound like such a bad reward to me.

He leads me back to the bedroom and I’m in a daze as he sits me down on the bed. This is wrong on so many levels, but I’ll do any disgusting thing he asks of me right now if it means I get to break apart on his cock.

“Shatter me, please,” I whisper.

Lying me down, he positions my head to fall off the foot of the bed. I open my mouth ready for him and he chuckles, tapping my jaw closed.

“This is what I meant when I said you don’t listen.” He climbs between my legs and tears my underwear off with a loud and painful snap. “I told you outside to trust me. That I’d be saying things I didn’t mean. But you didn’t listen. Naughty girl.” He slaps my pussy and I yelp “God, look at how wet you are. Is this from watching me torture for you?”

I squirm my hips with need and he pins them down.

“Keep your eyes on him as I taste your delicious pussy. I want you to come with the knowledge that everyone who’s ever hurt you will end up the same way.”

My mouth opens in a silent scream as he plunges his tongue inside me and devours me. He doesn’t let up for a single second as he sucks and bites, licks and tugs at my most sensitive parts.

Heat spreads rapidly through my body and I reach out for him. My hands weaving through his hair, holding him tight to me.

“You’ve turned me into your whore,” I gasp out.

He chuckles and I wish he’d do it again because fuck did that feel good. “My whore. My slut. My entire fucking world.”

Just like the first time he did this to me, he brings his hand to my mouth and I willingly let him in this time. Feeling the need to suck on his fingers, to know that he’s part of me. His mouth works me into a frenzy while his fingers relax me and when my orgasm washes over me it’s like drowning in a storm at sea. Pulled from all angles, unable to stop the torrent of pleasure that assaults me.

My eyes roll back and darkness takes over. This time it’s different. Now it’s a secure blanket that Bones’ presence has wrapped around me. I’m not lost or alone anymore.

There’s a sharp sensation in my stomach and I smile through the pain, knowing exactly what it is.

With his fingers still in my mouth Bones pulls my body upright.

Looking down I see him buried deep inside me. Fucking me ruthlessly. Drawing out another orgasm from me. His hips pummel me so hard and fast I’m sure my insides will be bruised for days after this. I've already been dealing with the ache from the last time he fucked me, but what's a little more pain when I get to feel such intense pleasure?

I bite down on his fingers until I taste blood and he smirks. “You’ve seen the lengths I’ll go for you, my love. I will happily kill anyone you ask me to. My life is yours. These hands that have killed so many are now yours. I’ll do anything you want, all I ask is that you’re by my side for it all.”

Anything.

I truly believe that he will keep his word.

He removes his fingers from my mouth and pulls my dress down, exposing my breasts so he can bite down on my nipple. The pain sends more pleasure straight to my pussy and I come for a third time.

Stars dance around my vision and I’m not sure how much more I can take, but I don’t want this to stop. I want him to fuck me into oblivion.

Desperately I beg him for more. He hooks my legs over his shoulders and bears down, bending me in two. “Yes! Break me, please!” I want to be consumed by him until there’s nothing left of me.

Grabbing the collar of his shirt, I tear it open and dig my nails into his chest as I try to hold on.

“Fuck,” he groans, his cock hardening.

“Please,” I whine out, wanting to come apart once more before he comes.

He presses his fingers to my clit, but I need more and he knows that. “Thank me first.” His voice is rough and strained.

What’s more important to me? Another orgasm or my dignity?

“Thank you.”

“What for?” Sweat drips from his brow as he holds his orgasm at bay.

There are countless things I could thank him for, some of them are true and some of them would be to pander to his ego. But there's one thing I'm truly grateful for.

“For keeping me.”

Bones’ hips jerk violently against me. His fingers pinch my clit, making me scream out and we come together.

The heat of him once he’s filled me stays with me long after he pulls out.

Collapsing down, he rolls us over so I’m on his chest. I’m grateful as I slowly start to remember whose bed we’re actually on.

“Tell me you're mine.” Bones’ fingers trace over the tracker in my back.

He’s always so insistent on hearing those words from me. I don’t really have a choice in being his, but I think I’m starting to warm to the idea of it.

Lifting my head up I say, “I can be yours if you do something for me.”

“Anything.”

Taking a breath, I organize my thoughts before putting all my cards on the table. “You’ve played so many games with me, made me unsure of what to believe anymore, but I do believe that you want to help me. I want you to extend that to Summer. I’ll let you do whatever you want to me. I won’t say no or fight you. Unless you want me to.”

He frowns at me. “I do that anyway and you love it every time.”

“I’m serious. You won’t have to manipulate or sweet talk me into anything. My body will be completely yours. I’ll never say no to anything you want if you find my sister. I know you’re rich and you have all the resources to do it.” I gesture to the corpse lifelessly staring at us. “So please use that to help her. I can't live with myself if I do nothing while she's going through hell. Do that and I’ll be yours for as long as you want me.”

Something akin to grief washes over his face and I think he’s about to say no.

“I’ll do it.”

“Really?” I can’t hide the surprise in my tone.

“Yes. I’ll do what I can. But if you want to stop your own conscience from eating away at you, you’re going to need to protect her from them yourself.”

I look over at Grayson and take in Bones’ words.

He’s right. As much as I want to hand the reins over to Bones, plunging those pliers into Grayson’s eye felt morbidly good.

“Okay, but as long as we have the deal you’re not allowed to fuck anyone else.”

“There will never be anyone else.” He runs the backs of his fingers over my cheek.

“And you can’t share me or make me have sex with your friends.” I no longer think he would, but he’s a master manipulator and I don’t want him twisting this deal around later on.

Tucking my hair behind my ear, he gives me a lopsided smile that melts my heart. “Wynter, if I ever do anything to hurt you like that I want you to kill me yourself.”

My fingers curl into his warm chest and I try not to break down from this new unknown feeling of being so wanted. “You make sure Summer’s safe and I’ll be yours. Do we have a deal?”

His lips spread into a wicked grin. “Seal it with a kiss and I’m yours.”

Without hesitation, I bring my lips to his and make the deal.