Page 212 of Chandelier Sin
I tried to convey my intentions to help her. That no matter what, I’d fight to keep her alive.
If she made a scene, if she struggled against my hold, she’d draw more attention from Lance and everyone else.
Aemon, Jewel, and the mystery figure behind the mask were now all seated upon the dais, which could only mean one thing—they were about to rule on their punishment.
I could see from the way Lance studied my gloved hands that he might have suspected it was me, but he was too busy making this session into a charade. He wanted it to be about him.
Aemon leaned forward in his seat. “It’s a pleasure to see you, Mr. Merrill. We always welcome those who find the courage to join us.”
Lance brushed his fingers through his disheveled salt and pepper hair, his scruffy appearance proving he’d roughed up Stella and creased his suit in the process.
He’d been hard on her, his sweat-soaked shirt carrying the evidence of his violent delights.
She’d not yet recovered from his assault.
He peered over at us, at her, his expression full of contempt and pride. Stella stiffened against me as Lance studied her, seemingly drawing pleasure from her terror.
“Look at me,” I whispered.
Stella’s eyes glistened with recognition.
Surely, after she’d gatecrashed our meeting at Jake’s home, she knew I was on her side.
She snapped her head back and broke free from my grip. I allowed it.
Stella faced the center of the chamber where Lance stood. Then, her focus fell on the dais.
Jewel crossed her legs casually, enjoying the scene, as though anticipating what came next. Probably a dazzling display of cruelty.
Something told me I was about to witness what could have happened to me.
“You weren’t invited here, Mr. Merrill,” she said.
Unperturbed, Lance said, “I’ve poured millions into this place.”
I glanced at Eve, wondering if she knew this.
As though sensing my attention, she turned away from me, refocusing on Lance. Perhaps she hoped this would cause others to stare at him as well.
I was, after all, in her domain and the moment of truth was upon us. If I’d been wrong about Eve, if she was a seductress who’d drawn me into Pendulum’s most dangerous corners, I was about to face the consequences.
Still…
A kiss doesn’t lie. Nor does a touch or a look. With so many moments of affection between us, I refused to doubt Eve.
Her beauty shone brightly, even with her face shielded by that elaborate mask. It was the way the feathers crowned her; the way she held her own in this sea of danger.
She stepped forward. “You’ve broken the rules, Mr. Merrill.”
“I’ll pay the fine.” He shrugged like it was nothing, like he was amused at this charade.
The room fell quiet.
The backdrop of classical music created an ethereal atmosphere as incense wafted through the air, along with the chamber’s secrets.
I felt a chill creeping into the marrow of my bones, whispering truths of forgotten atrocities and the echoing screams of victims who’d once died within this chamber.
How the fuck had I survived?
