Prey Tell (Ravaged Castle, #1)

by Amanda Richardson

But I don’t think she understands that she has the capacity to ruin me.

“I didn’t mean you. No offense.” My eyebrows pinch together. “Chase would never let me get within ten feet of you.”

I look at Miles, and he’s watching me with interest. Something tells me that Miles knows about my history with his brother.

so I can always find someone else.” He huffs a laugh and looks away. Anger blooms through me.

I put myself out there like that and he’s laughing? “What?” I exclaim, irked by his mocking response. “Yeah, that’s not happening.”

Have fun hunting, little brother. I hope you catch something worthwhile. ;)

I should’ve caught on when he sent it. Miles has always been a meddler—always scheming and planning.

But Juliet is here now, and Miles will get a tongue-lashing the next time I see him.

“Your cologne.” I laugh. “I’m not wearing cologne.” Her lips twist to the side, but she keeps her eyes closed. “Of course you aren’t.”

My heart stills. 1124. November 24th. My birthday.

“How’s the hunting going?” There’s a lilt of amusement in his voice. “Catch anything interesting?” “Fuck off,” I grumble.

Also, I want it in writing that an employee of Saint Helena can’t ever be fired over their sexual orientation or gender identity or for any other discriminatory reasons.”

It hurt. That’s what she tells me. I make a mental note to find out who he is, but before I file it away for later, she stops and looks at the ground.

Perhaps someone like Liam Ravage—my eldest brother and a creative writing professor—needs to make some calls to local universities.

“Did he know how much you love that house?” I ask carefully. “Of course. But it is small, and I wanted him to be happy—” she prattles, walking ahead of me.

I tug at her elbow, pulling her back. “Add this to your stipulations for future partners then,” I growl, and her light green eyes bore into mine with surprise.

“Stipulations?” I nod once. “I know how much you love a g...

“One, they must treat you like a seven-course meal.”

“Two, do you remember what I told you when you came to the party at my apartment?”

“You must know that you hold his heart in your hand. You need someone who will love you with every cell in his body.”

“Three,” I add, my voice gentler. “They must be okay living in that house until the day you decide to sell it. And maybe that’s never. And they have to be okay with that. Am I making myself clear?”

I would trip over myself and sprain my ankle. Juliet Parker… ever graceful.

“You asked me earlier why I was taking on Saint Helena Academy as a client. It’s because of Jax. Because I have the capital and the resources to change his environment. Whether he chooses to utilize the new clause or not, it’s there for him. I did it all for him.”

“You would’ve walked out of that door just to prove a point,” he says, something akin to amusement dancing over his features.

Dear Juliet M. Parker, We are pleased to inform you that your student loan(s) referenced below have been paid in full.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be dragging my date into the bathroom and making her scream so loud that she forgets every other man who’s ever been inside of her.”

I arch a brow as I take in his disheveled look. “Hello, Miles. I’ve been dying to ask if you’ve swindled a poor, innocent soul into holy matrimony.”

He gives Chase a wan smile. “Unfortunately, yes. Though I am discovering that the whole primal thing is very much not my thing.” His eyes scan mine. “No offense to the two of you.”

I’m not sure I could handle funding the man who took something that was supposed to be mine.” I actually gasp this time, my body turning molten. “I did ask you first,” I whisper. “Sir.”

“Gallery opening. New client. Though her husband is a fucking creep,” I mutter.

“Fuck, why am I so nervous?” he asks, laughing. “If you’re here to tell me you’re in love with me…” I joke, and he laughs again.

He blows out a shaky breath. “I’m gay. Okay? I had this whole speech planned, but I’m so fucking nervous that I have to tell you now before I shit my pants,” he continues, lips trembling.

“I’ve known you since you were fourteen. You think I didn’t notice?”

“So I suppose it’s the same with you. You’re Jackson, and I always noticed how you were attracted to men. I’m observant. But of course, I didn’t want to say anything, and it didn’t matter to me.”

Still, I can’t help but feel like the best thing that ever happened to me just walked out of the door.

“If you think that girl hasn’t been in love with you for years, you’re fucking delusional.”

“Sure. Let’s call it a hobby, then. Is your hobby also dressing the woman you’ve loved for years in the most famous dress in the world?”

“Trust me. I know. You’ve been unintentionally hoarding her away for years like a greedy reptile. And I don’t even think you realize you’re doing it.”

“That’s not true⁠—” “Every single woman you fuck looks a little bit more like Juliet Parker. Long brown hair, golden skin, light eyes… you have a type.

“Sometimes I wonder if the reason you asked Jackson to move in with you is because you hoped Jul...

“She hasn’t,” I blurt, scowling. “She’s usually there when I’m away.” “Right....

“You compare every woman to her, keeping her high up on your reptilian pedestal.

Someone to treat her like a goddamn seven-course meal: check.

Someone who will love her with every cell in their body: check.

Someone willing to live in her house until the day she decide...

“So? She’s not going anywhere. If you guys can put a stopper on your tension for eight years, you can wait five more days.

Jackson makes a noise of disgust. “I can’t believe he would sleep with y⁠—” “He didn’t. He rejected me.” Jackson’s face relaxes a bit. “Oh.”

“I, um, have been seeing someone. A man.” He wrinkles his nose and looks away. “The guy from⁠—” “I know,”

“Sorry. I just meant that I know who he is. Please go on.” Jackson stands, shaking slightly. Oh, Jax…

Jackson chuckles as he takes a bite. “What?” He shakes his head. “I should’ve seen it sooner.” I scowl. “Seen what?” “The two of you. It actually makes perfect sense.”