Page 68 of Reaper

“You do. Every man will know you’re mine, and if they even fucking look at you, they’re dead.”

I narrow my gaze at him. “Nico, people have eyeballs.”

He chuckles softly.

“I can fix that.”

“You’re insane.”

He grins wide, and it makes my heart pound when he looks so happy, when I know that hasn’t always been the case.

“I know I am, baby. That’s why we’reperfect for each other. If one of us were normal, this wouldn’t work.”

“What’s normal?” I ask, because I honestly am not sure if I even know.

He makes a face like he bit into a sour lemon.

“Boring. Going to work every day, dealing with people’s stupid shit. Not craving bringing people to their death, I suppose.”

“Weird,” I say, and he chuckles.

“We’re doing God’s work really, because there are too many people. One trip to any public place will tell you that. There are too many fucking people.”

I run my fingers over his chest to his shoulder, and trace the intricate eyeball tattoo on his skin. Not so long ago, it scared me, but now I find it fascinating. After three days of him getting almost no sleep, he closes his eyes, and his breathing gets heavier.

I whisper almost inaudibly.

“I’m sorry, baby. I have to do this, and I hope one day you understand. If the roles were reversed, you’d agree. I’ll miss you, but hopefully if things go my way, I’ll be back in your arms soon. I love you, Nico.”

I kiss his lips softly, slowly removing myself from his arms, and climbing off the bed. Loving someone doesn’t mean looking the other way when someone has hurt them. While I understand why he can’t do it, I can. If I get killed in the process, I’m okay with it, but I can’t continue to live in a world where a monster that destroyed him lives. Vengeance will be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced, tainted only by Nico not being with me.

Glancing back at him one last time, after I’m dressed, with two knives in my sheaths on each thigh, I hold my hand to my heart.

If I die tonight, find me in the afterlife, because I’ll be waiting for you to make me whole again.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

REAPER

Before I even open my eyes, I reach for her, and come up empty. Forcing my still tired eyes open, I find her side of the bed vacant. I groan with irritation, but get up and toss on some boxer shorts to go find her. I should spank her sexy ass for leaving my bed cold without her, and I just might, the second I find her.

Walking downstairs, I notice it’s quiet, almost as if she isn’t here, but I know that can’t be the case. Maybe she fell back to sleep on the couch. I take a look in the living room and she isn’t there either. When I make it to the kitchen, there’s still no sign of her, except for a handwritten letter on the counter.

My Dearest Nico,

I have some things to take care of. Dangerous things, but things that need to be handled, regardless. As always, I promise to be as safe as I can be, but know I am only doing what has to be done. I carry you in my heart wherever I go, and I expect you to do the same. This time with you has been wonderful, life changing. If I don’t come back, please know I tried. There is no scenario where I wouldn’t. I didn’t leave you, I’m just righting some wrongs. Fingers crossed, I’ll see you soon, to get the spanking I have no doubt you’ll think I deserve.

I love you, Nico.

Always and forever,

~ Living Dead Girl

Itrace my fingers over her beautiful writing, as I try to figure out the absolute mindfuck of a riddle she left me. What the fuck is she even talking about? After reading it five times, I still don’t know where she went, and I don’t fucking like it one bit. All the hairs stand up as my neck begins to tingle. If someone hurts her, I’ll slaughter everyone in sight.

Think, Nico, think.

Grabbing my phone off the island, I call Bones, unsure of what to do, but honestly, I haven’t spoken to him since I told him we weren’t family anymore, so it may not go my way.

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