Page 221 of Shadowman
“Lemuel,” I sing his name, loud enough to get his attention.
Dr. Love freezes from the floor, where he was fighting against Byron, eyes widening in sheer dread.
“Don’t fucking move,” I hiss at him. “Or you’ll get to watch yourfiancébleed out.”
I can see him weighing his options, the wheels of his mind turning while giving away very little emotion. He’s extra smart; we know this. Calculating enough to read every situation andplay out the angles that’ll get him what he wants. But I see it… His fear, his anger, his helplessness.
It’s bloodyintoxicating.
“Right,” Dr. Love breathes out as Byron stands him up slowly, twisting his arms forcefully behind his back. His chest is heaving, eyes locked, not on mine, but on Felix fucking Darcey’s. “Whatever you say, just… don’t hurt him.”
My jaw strains while I watch them,staringat one another. Communicating without words. But then I glance behind him, at Byron.
“Hold still,Doc,” Byron whispers in his ear, winking at me.
My stomach flips, a distinct flutter in my chest.
God, he’s sexy.
We’re just as connected as those wankers. I think maybe… he’smygrumpy counterpart.
When Byron begins tying Dr. Love’s arms behind his back with the silk rope, Felix squirms in panic. “No, no… Please,” he gasps. “Don’t do that—”
“Baby, look at me,” Lemuel says in a hushed, comforting tone. “I’m alright. Everything will be fine.”
“Wouldn’t bank on it,”Leo scoffs while poking around in their things.
“I wouldn’t bank on it,” I sneer at them.
“Why are you doing this??” Felix barks.
“I refuse to believe this prissy little twit killed thirty-something people…”Leo mutters.
“I’m sure yourdoctoris well aware of why this is happening,” I grunt at Felix. “But if you’d like an explanation, I’ll give you one word… Retribution.”
Byron has Lemuel’s wrists bound behind his back. Our eyes lock, and I purse my lips.
“Use his belt,”Leo says. My eyes fall to Lemuel’s waist.
“Raph,” I hum. “His belt.”
Byron looks like he wants to smirk, but is keeping himself professional—I sort of love how he acts like this is a job.He removes the belt while I slowly bring Felix back to the bed.
“Trevel, listen to me,” Lemuel rumbles, robot-mode barely breaking. “You don’t have to do this. Whatever you think is—”
“Shut up,” I bark, glaring at him. “Not another word.”
Byron brings me the belt, and I hold Felix down while he straps his neck to the wrought iron bedpost.
“Make sure it’s nice and tight,” I tell him, grinning wickedly at Lemuel.
“Trust me, I want this to hurt,” Byron seethes, his wrathful gaze on Felix Darcey as he tugs the belt, digging it into Felix’s throat.
“Ooh, I like his angry side,”Leo beams.
I use the razor to keep them both at our mercy while Byron ties Felix’s hands and feet. Once he’s done, he stands posted beside Lemuel with his arms folded over his chest. Relaxed, fearless…Hot as fuck.
My warrior.
