Page 132 of Lady Killer

His fingers teased idly up and down the back of my neck. “She was one woman. Without any power, what would she have done if you were caught?”

Indignation flared in me. “We made ourselves powerful.”

“I didn’t mean it as an insult, Starbright,” he said, concern etched on his brow. “When I kill, I have the full force of the Blackwells behind me, no matter how pissy Lucian gets with me. There’s a better chance of me being struck down dead by lightning than there is of me getting caught.”

He caressed me.

“You and your mother, you killed because it was the right thing to do, knowing you might get caught. Fearless, brilliant, bold . . . Maybe one day, I’ll be half the killer you are, darling.”

I blinked, fighting back the tears building in my eyes. “That might have been the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

“I told you, Starbright, I see you.”

My throat felt swollen, but I forced myself to speak despite the discomfort. “I think . . . I think I’m starting to understand that.”

Ever’s eyes flared, and he captured my lips in a rapturous kiss, pulling me on top of his lean frame.

When he released me, we were both panting, and I had the urge to pull him right back to me. But before I could, he spoke.

“Do you want to see me, darling?”

“Always.”

The word slipped out from me, but before I could take it back, I realized it was true.

I wanted to see Everest. To truly know him. Alister too.

From their first kills to their favorite foods to why Everest always wore loafers. I wanted to know everything.

Giving me one of his patented Cheshire smiles, Ever patted his chest, and I laid my head down and snuggled up against him.

“Four score and seven years—‍”

“Stop.” I giggled, smacking his chest.

I, Luz Torres, just giggled. Over a man.

He planted another kiss on my forehead. “Sorry, love. I’ll always take the chance to make you laugh. Now, where was I?

“Once upon a time, there was an itty-bitty baby named Everest. He was born to a mommy and daddy, who were just about the nicest, kindest people around.” His voice was light and happy.

“From the very beginning, he knew he was different. That he wasn’t very nice or very kind at all. But his mommyand daddy were so good, so kind, that they loved him anyways, no matter how different he was. And so, while he wasn’t always the nicest boy, he was smart, and he tried hard to make his mommy and daddy happy.”

I could oddly see it. Everest would do anything for those he cared about.

“One day, they told him about this big fancy school that he might be able to go to, if he worked really hard. So, he did, and he got in, and his parents were so excited! The school was a great opportunity for him, and it was there that he made his first friend, a boy named Lucian.”

I tried to imagine a young Everest and Lucian meeting. I would have to hear that story another day.

“Lucian was like Everest, smart and hardworking, but not very nice.”

He paused, weaving his fingers in between mine.

“Unlike Everest, Lucian was very, very important. So important, that sometimes, other people wanted to hurt him.”

My heart panged for a young Lucian. I knew what it was like to be raised under the constant threat of pain . . . of death.

“One day, two men tried to hurt Everest’s new friend. He couldn’t have that. So, do you know what he did, Starbright?”

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