Page 60 of His Dark Cravings

The table falls silent. Rico leans forward, his movements deliberate, and stubs out his cigar in the ashtray beside him. His eyes never leave Xavier’s as he speaks.

“You’re bold, Ravenwood. I’ll give you that. But courage doesn’t always pay the bills. Or save the girl.” He snaps his fingers, and one of his men steps forward, a burly mass of muscle with a cruel grin spreading across his face. “You want to play? Fine. Let’s play.”

The room seems to hold its breath as Rico deals the cards with a flourish. I feel Winter’s hand brush against mine, a silent reminder to stay sharp. My heart races as I glance at Sable, her eyes now locked on the floor, her body trembling slightly.

My pulse hammers in my ears as Xavier takes another step forward. My hands tremble, but I clamp them together, trying to steady myself.

“Let her go, Rico. She’s not worth the trouble.” Xavier’s voice cuts through the tension, calm and even.

Rico’s laughter is low and guttural. He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he regards Xavier.

“Trouble? You’re the one walking into my territory, Ravenwood. Tell me what you’re willing to give in exchange for your little toy.”

Sable’s head lifts slightly, her shattered gaze landing on Xavier before dropping again. My stomach twists at the sight of her. Bruised, broken.

“Money. Information. Whatever you want. Just let her go.”

“Money?” Rico smirks, rolling the cigar between his fingers. “You think money will fix this? I took her from you, Xavier. Right from under your nose. She’s a statement now. And statements don’t come cheap.”

The man beside him shifts. My eyes dart to him, and I gasp softly as his hand moves to the butt of his gun.

Before I can react, before anyone can, a sharp crash echoes from the back of the room. One of Rico’s men stumbles forward, his eyes glassy and unfocused, a crazed grin twisting his face. He’s high, his movements erratic, and his hand is on the knife at his belt.

“Fuck this shit,” he slurs, weaving drunkenly toward Xavier. “Let’s show him what we do to people who think they can just walk in here.”

He lunges, the blade glinting. My heart leaps into my throat, but Xavier doesn’t flinch. Instead, he steps sideways and grabs the man by the wrist. There’s a sickening crack as he twists it, and the knife clatters to the floor.

But the room erupts. Shouts fill the air, and the sound of chairs toppling over fills the space. Rico’s men move, some drawing weapons, others standing frozen in uncertainty.

I act on instinct. Grabbing a nearby vase from the edge of the table, I hurl it at the nearest man. The vase shatters against the man’s temple, the sharp crack echoing through the room. Blood trickles down his face as he stumbles, dazed. I don’t hesitate. I dart toward Sable, my heart pounding like a wild animal in my chest. The chaos around me blurs, a cacophony of shouts and crashing furniture.

I drop to my knees beside Sable. Her wrists are bound behind her back with thick rope. My fingers shake as I work on the knots, her skin cold and clammy beneath my touch.

“Everly... leave,” Sable whispers. I can barely hear her over the chaos. Her swollen eyes flicker toward mine, filled with pain and grit. “Go. Now.”

But I don’t stop. My fingers move faster, the rope burning me. “I’m not leaving you,” I hiss.

Above us, I hear the sharp crack of Winter’s kick, followed by the thud of a body hitting the wall. Xavier moves like a predator, taking down Rico’s men one by one. The room is a whirlwind, but I block it out, focusing only on the rope and Sable’s labored breaths.

The first knot comes undone, and I yank at the next. Sable’s head tilts slightly, her lips parting as if to speak, but no words come. Her body is tense, her muscles coiled as if ready to spring into action the moment she’s free.

“Almost,” I mutter, sweat dripping down my temple. The rope cuts my fingers, but I ignore the sting. “Hold on.”

“Enough!”

I freeze, my hands still on the rope, as Rico’s voice rings out. Suddenly, the room falls silent. Not a full silence, but the kind that happens when everyone pauses to listen.

I glance up, my breath catching. Rico is standing now. The men who were fighting hesitate, their eyes darting toward their boss. Xavier and Winter pause, too, their breathing steady, their stances ready for more.

I keep working on the final knot, my fingers moving with a desperation I’ve never felt before. We're right behind Rico, in the worst position.

“This doesn’t have to end badly,” Xavier says, his voice steady, his eyes locked on Rico.

“I’m not done with her yet.” He gestures toward us without turning around.

Xavier and Winter see us both, but their faces don't change.

Rico’s chair creaks as he sits back down, his eyes still fixed on Xavier. My breath hitches as Sable’s wrist finally comes free, the rope slithering awkwardly to the floor. I glance up at Xavier’s face briefly, but his focus never leaves Rico.

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