Page 67 of Brutal Collateral

“I likethatbetter,” Griffin says, admiring me.

“Yay me! I contributed.” I’d like to celebrate this little victory, but five months of captivity has winded me after a few hours on my feet.

“You’re safe here, Ava,” Griffin says, stalking up to me.

“You called this place ours.”

“You’re living here.” He shoves those big hands into the jeans he changed into before dinner.

When I look closer, I see they’re Levis. I expected that he’d go for a more expensive brand. Compared to my posh and well-dressed brothers, Griffin and his bros look rugged but sophisticated.

On the outside we’re different. Opposites.

But on the inside, I’m starting to think Griffin and I are exactly the same.

Ares tried to dress me up like a doll in the few months I was home. I never felt comfortable with the expensive look he forced on me. I went from a private school uniform and denim shorts in the summers to military fatigues. For the last five months, I’ve worn rags.

I’m not ready for a ball gown.

“Your hair is different,” Griffin comments.

I touch it on reflex. “Alexander had it dyed before he dropped me off at the Navy recruiter. I can dye it back if that’s what—”

He grips the ponytail I made and stares down at me. “It’s your eyes. I never forgot these big, brown shiny eyes. I knew it was you in one beat of my heart. Do whatever you want to your hair. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Hair won’t change that.”

Gasping, I grip his hand and lay an arm-twisting technique meant to flip him and put him on his back. Only, he’s too strong. Or, I’m too weak.

“Ouch,” I mutter.

“If you want me on my back, woman, just say so.” He lets me go.

I glance around. “Your house people left. Do we really have to sleep in the same room?”

“No.”

“Good.” I relax.

“But I don’t trust you. You’re sleeping right next to me, and I’m locking you in.” He grips my face. “Kill me. You won’t get out of that room.”

“I see no need to kill you.” I let out a shaky breath, the fight draining from my soul. “It’s clear that... Never mind. Can I see the rest of the house?”

“It’s clear your brother Ares doesn’t want you.” Griffin stands over me.

“My aunt is under his thumb, too,” I acknowledge bitterly.

“Is she important to you?”

“My mother left us when I was young. Aunt Lena stepped up. So yeah.”

“I’ll take you to see her tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” I squeak, surprised. “Aren’t you busy running your empire?”

“Not too busy for my fiancée.” He steers me toward the stairs. “The tour you wanted.”

The living room is double height with floor-to-ceiling leaded panes of glass that line the entire rear façade of the townhouse.

Up one flight of stairs, Griffin points. “Bridget said this is the ‘parlor’ level. There’s a library and reading room my aunt used. There’s a television in there, too. Feel free to use both.”

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