Page 8 of Welcome to Carnage

“It’s not like I have a decoder ring for cryptic men,” I retort, crossing my arms over my chest. “You could just tell me.”

He steps back, still smirking. “And where’s the fun in that?”

“Nothing about this is fun!” I snap, my voice rising with frustration. “This is my life, and guys wind up dead whenever I go on a date. What am I meant to do, never date?”

There’s a dark flash of something in his eyes. “Perhaps that would be the best idea.”

I growl and storm into the living room, wanting to escape him.

He follows me, and I hate it. It’s impossible to shake this feeling that perhaps he has more to do with this than I want to admit.

I spin around and glare at him. “Why are you here, Nyx?”

“Because Pierce asked me—”

“—no,” I interrupt, shaking my head. “You don’t do things because someone asks. Why are you here?”

His expression darkens, and he stalks toward me. “Perhaps because this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

My eyes narrow. “That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the best you’re going to get.” He turns and walks out of the living room and back upstairs, leaving me to my chaotic thoughts.

He’s exactly where he’s supposed to be. What kind of bullshit answer is that?

I try desperately to ignore the suspicion flaring to life inside of me. What if Nyx killed those two men? And why the hell would he do that?

I pace the living room, knowing I won’t be able to rest until I get the answer to the mystery. Who the fuck is targeting me, and why?

AVINA

I’m jerked awake by a knock on my bedroom door. It’s been a few hours since the cop left, and I decided to lie down and fell asleep. My heart jumps into my throat, knowing Pierce won’t be back from work yet. “Who is it?” I call out, my voice shaky.

There’s a pause. “It’s Nyx.” A chill runs down my spine.

The door creaks open, and he steps in, closing it behind him and turning the lock with a soft click. My breath stutters in my chest. “Nyx, what the hell are you doing?” I demand, my eyes never leaving his shadowed form.

“I think we need to talk, Avina,” he says, leaning back against the doorframe.

I wish I weren’t so attracted to him. The tattoos over every inch of his skin drive me crazy, especially the serpent snaking up the right side of his neck and onto the side of his head.

I swallow hard, my mind racing. “You killed James, didn’t you?” I blurt out, my voice barely above a whisper.

He doesn’t respond, and the silence stretches between us.

“Did you?” I press, my heart pounding.

“That’s not what I want to talk about, Avina,” he says, stepping forward into the light streaming through my shitty blinds.

I can’t believe he’s not answering my question. I fumble with the hem of my shirt. “I need to know, Nyx. James was Luna’s friend and a nice guy.”

A heavy silence falls between us. “Was he, Avina? Or was he another pawn in this messed-up game we’re playing?”

“What game, Nyx? What are you talking about?” I ask, my voice rising in frustration. He’s always been cryptic, but it’s the last thing I need.

“Well,” he muses, his head tilting as he regards me with those dark, unreadable eyes. “Isn’t that the million-dollar question?” The smirk on his lips is creepy. I’m both fascinated and horrified by the man standing before me.

A chill snakes down my spine despite the warmth in the house since the heating is on. I cross my arms over my chest, ignoring the prickling sense of vulnerability. “Stop with the riddles,” I say.

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