Page 86 of Beneath the Starlight and Storms

“How easy it must be to be able to live without conscience. To be able to take what you want without any morals.” I turn to leave when Hook grabs my arm to stop me, forcing me to look up at him.

“You think I have no conscience? That I’m a heartlessmonsterwith no morals?” There’s a vicious, wild look on his face but it’s his choice of words that hit too close to home making some of my ire ebb. I slightly deflate realizing that my anger isn’t really aimed at him.

To be truthful, I’m more envious of him than anything else. Envious that he does what he wants with no remorse. Whereas I live with it, daily.

“I think you take what you want and damn the consequences,” I whisper.

“How I wish it were that easy. But nothing in this life ever is.” He smirks with no humor, a cool look in his eyes that slowly warms as he releases me.

“I’m selfish. Cruel to those who deserve it. Ruthless to many more. And monstrous when I need to be.” His eyes search mine, looking for something I doubt he’ll find.

“I’ve never denied that. But even a dark, heartless monster like me has his limits. And you seem to be mine.”

I frown at his words as he steps closer. Slowly reaching out he places his hand at the side of my neck, brushing his thumb along my cheek. An action that is a complete contrast to what he just told me.

“They call me a villain and I guess to them I am. But I don’t care about what others think about me. I only care aboutyou. I care about your past and your future. And I especially care to know who has hurt you.” He grits out as anger darkens his eyes. “So, if it’s a villain you need, then fine. Make me your villain. Paint me as dark as you can and make me out to be the monster, they all say I am.” His dark stormy eyes alight with passion and fury.

“But don’t forget, I’myourvillain…yourmonster andnothingwill take you from me. I’ll burn this world anew before I ever see anything bad happen to you. Before anyone lays one finger on your head. They can all burn. They can all taste my wrath. But not you.Neveryou.”

I swallow hard at the look he gives me. An intense look full of pain and promises. There’s another look there too. One I’m too afraid to look further into for the fear of what that would mean. What itcouldmean, if I let it.

Hook wanted to protect me. To keep me safe. But it wasn’t me who needed protecting. Because they’re not the true monster in this story.

I am.

CHAPTER22

A coupleof weeks pass as we settle into a routine. Breakfast with Hook, and sometimes Cash or Ryland. Then to the gym to work on my self-defense, where Hook cheats and out runs me using his powers, toying with me before he heads off with either Cash or Ryland for work while I go read or explore the house and island.

Neither of us mention my little break down and we mostly continue on as if it never happened. But sometimes I catch Hook watching me too intently. As if trying to read the secrets from my skin or capture them from my eyes.

I decide to become a little too focused on my task at that point and he eventually leaves me to it.

I’m on my way into the kitchen for breakfast when I find Hook and Cash in an intense stare down. Both wearing layers of anger and frustration like a second skin.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

Cash’s eyes flicker to me before moving back to Hook. “Good timing. Now you can talk some sense into him.”

Hook glares at him one last time before he turns and walks over to me. He opens his mouth to say something but then stops himself, giving me a look I can’t decipher, before quickly heading out of the room.

“Cash?” I frown at Hooks retreating back as he leaves, before looking to Cash.

Cash sighs. “It’s time Tink. We’rethisclose to getting them. We just need you.”

A jolt of nerves shoots through me when I realize what he’s talking about. But I knew this day was coming. And once the Hunters are out of the way, Hook can finally focus on finding my permanent solution to stay hidden.

But that still doesn’t explain Hook’s mood.

“Then what’s wrong with Hook?”

Cash scrubs a hand down his face. “He doesn’t want to do it anymore. He wants to try to figure something else out. Another way that doesn’t involve you.”

“But why?” It doesn’t make any sense. This is why I’m here, isn’t it? Our deal.

Cash gives me a look before shaking his head. “You’ll have to ask him. But Tink… you’re our best option. Nothing has brought the Hunters this close to us. We have a real chance of catching them and figuring out where they come from and what they have planned.”

Cash moves closer to me, glancing over my shoulder before looking back at me. “Hook doesn’t want you to know this, but a lot of Fae have been going missing. And they never show up again. It’s bad. If we don’t do something soon, I don’t know how many more people are going to disappear.”

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