Nero (Alliance, #1)

by S.J. Tilly

“What’s his name?” His voice is still quiet, but it’s also different. A little menacing. “Wh-whose name?” His head tilts, and it reminds me of the nature channel when they show a wild animal stalking its prey. “The man who laid his hands on you. Tell me his name.”

“I bet you’ve never told anyone. I bet you did as you were told.” I can feel his exhale against my lips. “Break the rules for me, Sweet Girl. Put yourself first and give me a name.”

I sit up and watch, eyes wide, as he bends down and picks up a pair of my underwear from the top of the pile. “Those are dirty,” I choke out. The man smirks at me over his shoulder, as he shoves them into his pocket.

the loose length of board has been laid back in the track. My poor man’s barricade.

“This is your one chance, Payton.” His voice is rougher than I remember. The deepness of it filling the room. “Your one chance to make the right choice. The only time I’ll let you tell me no.”

Seething, I go to the back of the line and wait like the rest of these fucking mouth breathers.

“The villains always have more fun.”

“I heard once that soulmates aren’t just for romantic relationships. You can have friend soulmates.”

And King might be my brother. But you are my life.”