Page 161 of Ravaged Soul
He cuts me a look. “This is my deal to strike, Em.”
“No! You’re not thinking straight!”
“Gunnar wants to settle what he believes to be an old score? Fine. He’s welcome to try. But not until we’ve located and rescued Gracie Livingstone.”
“You’re willingly surrendering to me?” Gunnar guffaws.
“I’m offering the opportunity to settle this between us once the job is done.” Axel engages the safety on his pistol then shakily tucks it away. “Nobody else has to be involved. This is our fight.”
“Axel.” Warner tries to reach for him. “No.”
“Stay out of this. I made this mess, so I’ll be the one to clear it up.”
“He wants to kill you!” Hyland’s eyes are wide as saucers.
“Then he’s welcome to give it his best shot.” Axel eyes his smiling twin. “I’ve already explained myself. If he doesn’t want to listen, then we’ll deal with this the old-fashioned way.”
I can’t believe what I’m hearing. More worryingly, I’m astonished to see Gunnar stand up then reach out a palm towards his brother. Their hands lock, sealing the agreement in fresh blood.
“This is insane.” I shake my head in disbelief.
At my side, Warner gawps at the scene. “He can’t go through with this.”
“Should’ve thought of that before you alienated him. Now he’s willing to sacrifice his life to make amends.”
Standing side by side, the way both twins even move similarly is disconcerting. If it wasn’t for their hair and differing tattoo coverage, I wouldn’t be able to tell them apart at all. It only makes the deal they’re signing off even more sickening.
“Perhaps you’re not as cowardly as I thought.” Gunnar grins broadly.
Axel drops his hand like he’s been scalded. “Ever consider that you don’t know me well?”
“I know enough. If this is your offer, then I accept the terms.”
“Good.” Axel nods decisively. “Help us to rescue Gracie.”
“There’s no need.”
Axel cringes as he lifts a hand to put pressure on his oozing shoulder wound. “What does that mean?”
My heart lurches into my mouth, already bone-dry from watching their little pact take shape. We all wait on tenterhooks for Gunnar’s answer. He simply shrugs, barely casting us a second glance.
“I’ve already found her.”
“Where?” Blaine demands.
Gunnar ducks to pick his red-stained hunting knife off the floor where it was discarded. He doesn’t even blink while wiping it off on his vest and re-sheathing it.
“Estonia. She was purchased by an international buyer.”
I step into The Hunter’s line of sight. “Who?”
The glance he casts over me is contemplative, scrutinising. Full of professional curiosity. I can’t decide if it makes my skin crawl or fills me with pride that he sees me as a threat at all.
Yet his next words kill my brief thrill.
“Nolan Madden.”
CHAPTER 23
