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He’s not nearly as indignant as I’d expect after hearing the word “sacrifice.” He sounds…scared.

No, terrified.

My heart clenches for him.Oh, Rhett. You never were one for standing up for yourself or the people you love.In high school, he’d certainly hovered over me when his athlete friends were around—not wanting them to get too close—but he’d never stood up for me. They’d make subtle jabs about my innocence, my prudishness.

He let them.

I forgave him. Courage is easy for goody-goodies like me, because the consequences don’t hurt as much. We value being right more than we value our social statuses. But someone like Rhett—who never got enough attention from his parents or older brother—can’t help but crave the approval of others.

“She’s not…” Rhett takes an unsteady breath. “She won’t do it. I’ll do my part by bringing her to our parties, but I can’t make any promises beyond that. She’s her own person.”

Damian’s chuckle is low and deep. “She’s her own person for now.”

My head grows heavy as my vision blurs. Does that not sound exactly like a cult leader? One who’s so entitled he doesn’t even value human autonomy?

“I don’t like it,” Rhett says. “But I’ll bring her.”

“Your opinions don’t matter to me. It’s your job to obey.”

An otherworldly aura settles over me, making my head heavy and my knees wobble. I find myself gripping the stone railing to keep upright.

The fear that was only smoke a few minutes ago has now taken shape, grown into an unimaginably large weight pressing against my chest, making it hard to breathe.

I think Rhett really is in a cult.

“Just please…” Rhett’s voice is shaky. “Promise me you won’t hurt her.”

“What do you think we are? Criminals?”

“No, of course not. I’m sorry.”

My jaw clenches.He didn’t promise you anything, Rhett. You’re letting this man toy with words while you give them meaning.

You’re letting him manipulate you.

“She’ll probably get attached to me,” Damian says. “When I’m done with her, she’ll be in need of your friendship more than ever.”

His words are coaxing, and it sends a rush of rage through my veins like a crushing waterfall. Attached to him? What a megalomaniac. As if I would ever have feelings for someone so depraved.

“Your job is to make sure she’s here.” Damian’s tone is cold. “At every event we have. It won’t take long for her to come on her own. Get her to the ball. Your work should be over after that.”

My cheeks grow hot. He really thinks he can weave some kind of spell over me.

But he already did, didn’t he?

I don’t understand it, but he’s magnetic. When we were alone in the garden, his nearness had made me senseless. Like my body hadn’t gotten the memo my brain kept screaming.

Stay away.

“I’ll do what’s necessary,” Rhett finally says. There’s a resignation in his tone that makes my chest clench with compassion, but there’s something else within me too. Is it anger?

It’s all so strange. How is this my protective Rhett? The man who, moments ago, didn’t want to leave me alone?

My pulse drums in my ears, louder than the waves crashing against the cliffs below, louder than the murmur of voices and clinking of glasses.

I’ll have to be the protective one this time.

I’ll be the one to save him.