Page 12 of Bride By Initiation

"He hasn't threatened me."

"Then why did he come into the pub?"

I open my mouth and then shut it. No matter what Sean asks me, I can't tell him anything. There's too much to risk.

He slides his hand through my hair and palms the back of my head, like he did earlier.

I gasp, the butterflies in my stomach ferociously fluttering.

He leans over me, seething, "I saw it. Now, tell me."

"Saw what?" I whisper, my chest rising and falling faster.

He studies me for a moment, and I think he's going to kiss me, but he doesn't.

He takes several deep breaths, his exhales like fire on my lips, adding kindling to the flames scorching within me. He grits through his teeth, "I saw it, Zara."

"Sean, I-I don't know what you're talking about," I insist.

A world of turmoil explodes over his sharp features. The SUV stops, but he doesn't take his gaze off mine. He implores, "Don't lie to me, Zara."

I still don't know what he's referring to, so I just ask, "Sean?"

Neither of us moves, but it slowly hits me. Goose bumps pop out on my skin. Still, I'm too afraid to speak, but something in my expression must give it away.

He insists, "Tell me everything."

What does he know about it?

I try to inhale, but my lungs are already full of stale air. I murmur, "What did you see?"

Another moment passes before he finally answers, "I saw the skull."

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Sean

Zara's face pales, and her breaths come shorter and faster. There's no doubt she's seen the skull before too.

I wish I could place where I've seen the mark before. It's as if it's right there in my brain, teasing me, but I can't figure it out.

I demand, "Tell me what you know about it."

Zara shakes her head. "I have nothing to tell you. I saw it on John's hand. It's the first time I've ever seen it."

"You're lying," I declare.

"I'm not, and don't call me a liar."

"But you knew what I meant when I mentioned the skull.'"

"You were just talking to John outside. Yes, I know he has a skull tattoo. It's pretty obvious what you're referring to," she argues.

"It's not a tattoo. It's a brand," I inform her.

She shrugs. "Whatever it is, I don't know any more than you do."

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