12. Matias

12

MATIAS

I stalk through the dimly lit corridors, my boots pounding against the concrete with each furious step. The auction is tomorrow, and my brother keeps me in the dark. But it doesn't matter—nothing will stop me from keeping her.

Kali's face flashes in my mind, those big brown eyes pleading with me as I took her over and over again last night. The sounds of her cries and whimpers still ring in my ears like a sickly, sweet symphony. I've taken her to a room the past two nights and had my way with her.

I grip the wall, dragging my nails along it as I imagine her soft skin under my fingers, her trembling body pressed against mine.

A growl rumbles from my chest. She's mine. I'll slaughter anyone who tries to take her away.

My fists clench as I imagine some greasy guy pawing at her, his filthy hands on her. The thought makes my blood boil, scorching through my veins. No, I won't let it happen. I'll burn this place to the ground before I let them take her.

I spot Carlos ahead and stalk toward him, my face contorted into a snarl. "Where's Thiago?" I demand.

Carlos eyes me warily. "I think he went to his room."

I nod and change course, heading for Thiago's quarters. My brother may be a cold, pragmatic bastard, but he's the only one who understands me.

Taking a deep breath, I try to steady my racing thoughts as I storm into Thiago's room. "What's the plan for tomorrow? The auction is happening, and I need to know the plan," I demand.

Thiago looks up, his expression calm and measured. "Relax, Matias. It's all sorted."

I narrow my eyes, studying Thiago's calm demeanor. "Sorted? What exactly does that mean?"

Thiago sighs, running a hand through his hair. "It means Taren plans to get the girls out of here."

I let out a harsh laugh, shaking my head. "And you trust that lunatic? The same one who beat me senseless?" I snarl, the memory of Taren's fists slamming into me still fresh in my mind.

Not many people can get the upper hand on me, but that guy is like a fucking machine.

Thiago raises a hand. "Look, I know you and Taren have issues, but he's the only one who can pull this off without Ileana finding out."

I pace the room, my fists clenching and unclenching. "And what about Kali?" I growl, the thought of losing her driving me to the edge of madness .

Thiago watches me carefully. "Once Taren has ended Ileana, he'll be in control. He's got a plan to get the three of them out. But you need to trust him, Matias. For once, let someone else take the lead."

Knowing Thiago is right, I release a frustrated huff, but the idea of relinquishing control irritates me. "Fine," I grind out. "But if anything happens to Kali, I'll tear Taren apart with my bare hands."

"Fair enough. But Ileana has given us orders for tonight," he announces.

I feel my muscles tense, the urge to lash out overwhelming. "Orders? What orders?"

Thiago raises a hand, silencing me. "Ileana wants us to each spend time with one of the girls tonight to get them ready for the auction tomorrow."

The news catches me off guard, and I feel a sudden release of tension. "Ready, huh?" A twisted smile spreads across my face. "Well, I suppose that'll be interesting."

Thiago nods, his expression softening slightly. "Yes, it should make things easier tomorrow if we can talk to them privately and tell them the plan. Just try to keep a clear head, alright?"

I scoff, picturing Kali beneath me. "No promises," I mutter, turning to leave. As I reach the door, I pause, glancing back at Thiago. "This better go as planned. I won't let anyone take her from me."

I won't tell Kali the plan until the morning. The idea of her believing tonight is the last time she'll feel me inside her is going to make it that much sweeter.

With that, I stride out of the room, my mind racing with possibilities. Kali will be mine, one way or another. There is no world in which I stand by and watch another man take her away from here. Instead, I'll watch the entire fucking compound burn to the ground before I see her with another man.