Page 108 of Savage Torment

He tsks at me, almost humored. “Take it.”

I shake my head again, which I quickly realize is the wrong move when he's in my face a moment later. The tip of his elongated nose scratches against my cheek, sharp enough to draw blood as he snarls, eyes burning into mine. “Don't makeme demand it twice, Polaris. That never fares well for others,” he warns, but it feels more like a promise.

Refusing to meet his stare, I look down at the piece of paper that is still folded between us. My pulse pounds in my ears, rendering me helpless, but I still manage to stand firm and keep my hands balled in my lap.

“Tell me what it is first,” I state, words firmer than I expect, and he leans back, almost a chuckle on his lips, as though he finds me amusing.

“Feisty. I like it. Since this is your first time, I'll give you a little leeway. It's the location of what you're searching for,” he states, and I frown in confusion as I try to think of what it is I’m searching for. He quickly grows tired of my silence, sighing heavily as he narrows his eyes at me. “The remaining coins you seek.”

He says it so casually, as if it doesn’t make my entire body stiffen in panic and disbelief.

“How?” I breathe, and he shakes his head.

“It doesn't matter,” he insists, and I shake my head, my mind spinning a mile a minute, completely overwhelmed by the possibilities of what this could mean. To have all of the coins together, that’s…

“And if I find them?” I ask, genuinely considering his offer, even though I wish I weren’t.

“Then you get to keep them. It's as simple as that.” A satisfied grin takes over his mouth like he knows he’s got me exactly where he wants me.

“Nothing is as simple as that with you,” I retort, and he snickers.

“You're learning fast. I like it,” he muses before his face becomes serious. “Now, take the paper.”

The demand in his eyes tells me I don't have any more chances—any more pushbacks—he’s done being humored by me, and he's ready to take action if necessary.

I don't want to know what that is. I'd rather never find out. But with trembling fingers, I extend my hand, my fingers curling around the parchment of paper as my bedroom door swings open once again.

“What the fuck is going on in here?” My eyelids fall closed at the sound of Asher’s voice as The Crow releases his hold on the paper and my arm falls lax at my side.

The deal is now in my hands, and I can't lift my head to see the disappointment on Asher’s face.

“I was just leaving,” The Crow says, and Asher grunts.

“Whatever you gave her, take it back,” he demands, and The Crow chuckles in amusement.

“Polaris,” Asher breathes, the desperation evident as he tries to be the voice of reason, but I shake my head, forcing myself to lift my gaze to meet his.

“No.”

One word and I’ve set my fate in motion, watching as the color drains from his face.

There's no coming back for this. We all know it. I've seen it myself.

Asher gapes at me in disbelief as The Crow flees from the room in a whoosh of black leather, disappearing from sight like he was never here to begin with.

Silently, Asher closes the door behind him, the thud vibrating around the room as he lingers by it. His fingers splayed against the wood, he takes a breath before finding the strength to turn and look at me.

Pain is etched into every inch of his face. “Fuck, Polaris. What have you done?”

I shrug helplessly, letting the tightening in my chest settle all the way into my gut, my soul. I offer a tight smile. “I don't know, but it's like you said, he was never gonna let me say no.”

34

POLARIS

“Wait a fucking minute. Can someone start from the beginning so we're all actually on the same page?”

I raise my eyebrows at the outburst, but Asher nods eagerly.

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