When He's Torn (The Olympus Pride, #5)

by Suzanne Wright

I don’t kill those who wrong me. It’s more entertaining to break their mind.”

“Believe what you want,” began Bailey, waving her fork dismissively, “but I’m telling you, Deke loathes me. He thinks I’m evil.” “No, he doesn’t,” Havana assured her. Bailey snorted. “He splashed me with holy water to, and I quote, ‘see what happened.’ He claimed to be disappointed when I didn’t burst into flames.”

“Do any of the staff believe that Ginny’s right?” He snorted. “No. They know full well that Bailey isn’t a person who’ll hide her crimes. As one of the staff said … ‘Bailey won’t stab a person—metaphorical or otherwise—in the back; she’ll aim right for their fucking eye.’” Smiling, Bailey put a hand to her chest. “Aw, that’s sweet. Also accurate.”

Her snake couldn’t believe the woman was even suggesting it. “How could I actually bond with someone who I once begged the universe to make fall face-first into a steaming pile of horse shit?” Aspen looked at Havana. “That sounds like love to me.” “Agreed.” The devil ate the last of her pastry. “The bond is already forming.”

Artificial autumn wreaths hung on doors. Pumpkins and colorful planters lined porches. Leaf garlands formed arches around doorways.

She quickly scanned it and then looked up at Deke, who was still staring at her. “This isn’t you.” His brow pinched. “How do you know?” “You don’t have that many friends.”

“Remember you said you don’t hate me?” “Yes,” he grunted. “Fuck me like you do.”

“I don’t think I’m superior to you. I just think you’ve been sent here to do the devil’s work, and it bothers me that you’re not fighting your fate.”

“Relax. He’s just a snake.” Relax? Seriously? “He hissed at me yesterday.” “You were being rude.” “Rude?” “You told him to get out. That’s hurtful.”

Her brow creased in surprise. “I never took you for a hand-holder.” He gave a careless shrug. “You’re so easily distracted I can’t be sure you won’t wander off. This way, I know you’re with me.”