16. Matias

16

MATIAS

I slam Kali against the cold stone wall, pinning her in place. "Stop this foolishness," I growl against her neck. "You're only making this harder on yourself."

My grip tightens as she struggles, her small frame trembling beneath my hold. "Let me go!" she cries, her voice laced with fear and defiance.

I lean in closer. "You know I can't do that," I murmur. "I've got to keep you safe."

Her body stiffens, the fight draining from her as she realizes she can't do this alone. Behind us, Luna hovers uncertainly, her eyes wide with a mixture of terror and hope.

"Please, Matias," Kali whispers, her voice wavering. "We've got to find a way out before it's too late."

I let out a harsh laugh. "A way out? And where will you go?" Rage hits me as she acts so hot and cold. Last night she was begging for my dick, and now she acts like she never wanted me. I slam my fist against the wall. "You're not going anywhere," I snarl, my eyes locked on Kali's trembling form. "You need my protection—both of you."

Luna steps forward, her eyes blazing with defiance. "We don't need your protection, you psychopath," she spits. "We can take care of ourselves."

I laugh. "You think you can survive out here on your own? You're nothing but a couple of helpless rabbits."

Kali flinches at my words, her eyes darting between me and Luna as if she's ashamed of Luna hearing my pet name for her.

I glare at Thiago as he approaches, my grip tight on Kali's arm.

Thiago raises an eyebrow, taking in the scene. "Everything alright over here?" His gaze flicks to Luna, who's watching us warily.

I bare my teeth in a feral grin. "Just chatting with the girls about their options."

Thiago steps closer, his expression hardening. "Well, why don't you let me do the talking?" He turns to Luna and Kali. "Girls, we know you're scared. But Matias and I... we can protect you."

Luna scoffs, folding her arms across her chest. "Like hell, you can."

"It's true," Thiago continues smoothly. "We're headed back to the States soon. If you stick with us, we can ensure you get home safe and sound."

I feel Kali's breath catch as the implication sinks in. Going home... a chance at freedom. Her gaze darts between me and Thiago, a flicker of hope igniting behind her eyes.

"You'd do that?" she whispers. "Take us back to America?"

I pull her closer, reveling in her soft curves against my body. "Of course," I purr. "We'll keep both of you safe. Won't we, brother?"

Thiago nods once, his expression unreadable. But I can see the gleam in his eye, the dark promise lurking there. He knows as well as I that we have no intention of letting these girls go.

Not a chance in hell.

Kali is mine. And whatever lies we have to spin, whatever games we have to play, I'll ensure she stays right by my side. She can chase her dreams of freedom all she wants.

But in the end, I'll be the one to devour her.