Page 53 of Crave

“Things could get really ugly for you,” Theo’s tone was dangerous as he lifted his gaze to mine. Hunger moved behind them, like the predator he was. Still, he pulled the strap lower, until the satin strained as he murmured. “Tell us what happened. Tell us now and this can all stop.”

For a moment I couldn’t breathe. Memories collided, the way Theo caressed my nightdress was exactly like him, the man in my dreams.

“No.” I shook my head, trying to force away the memory, but when I looked at Theo…all I saw was him.

It was his hand that dragged my nightdress lower. His big, powerful hand cupping my breast. His fingers exploring. I stood there, trapped by my brother’s wrist around mine and thememories of that place. Memories that lulled me. There was no panic here, no sadness or hate.

That’s the way, listen to the sound of my voice. Let me in, Angelica. Let. Me. In.

“We don’t want to hurt you.” Theo’s voice sounded dull now, and so far away. “But we will.”

I couldn’t fight him even if I wanted to. My face went slack, my own need passive and robotic. “Okay.” My whisper was so faint I barely heard it. “Whatever you want.”

“Whatever I want?” Theo repeated, his chest heaving with a hard breath. There was a flicker of panic, of hunger and excitement as he slid his finger under the thin strap until he brushed the top of my breast. He wanted this…no, he craved it.

“What I want…” He started, then stopped before slowly lowering his gaze. “Is the truth. Tell us.” His nail dug into my flesh, inciting panic inside me. “Tell us and this can all end here.”

Do what I tell you to do,that deep throbbing voice echoed from a memory.That’s a good girl, just like you’ve been trained. Now, on your knees.

My knees trembled. I was moving before I knew it, looking up at him as I sank lower until I hit the floor. This was where they wanted me to be. Where I needed to be. On my knees with my hands behind my back.

That’s it, now open your mouth.That hypnotic command resounded in my head and every cell inside me wanted toobey. My lips trembled, slowly parting.

“What the fuck is she doing?” Jude stepped forward, reaching out to grab me.

“Don’t you fucking touch her.” Theo growled, his dark hazel eyes fixed on mine as he licked his lips.

“That’s enough.” Jude pushed past, grabbed me and dragged me forward along the floor.

Like a sudden screech of tires, Jude jolted me from that hypnotic hold and slammed me into the present. “Don’t you…don’t you dare do that to me again!”

Only Theo and Silas both stared at me.

“Both of you need to calm the fuck down.” Jude barked. “This is the second goddamn time this has happened. We’re supposed to stick together, not fucking attack each other. What the Hell has gotten into both of you?”

They never answered as Jude yanked open the study door, steadied me, then pushed me out the door.

“Go to your room.” He commanded. “Don’t come out until I figure out what to do. It’s not safe for you here anymore.” His voice lowered. “Not even amongst family.”

I didn’t wait for him to say more, just tore away from him as I raced back to my room and slammed the door behind me. Warmth slipped from my eyes and raced down the side of my nose. Jude had finally realized what I’d known all along. This place wasn’t home for me…not then…and not now.

No, this was a war zone.

And I was the enemy.

Chapter Fourteen

SILAS

Jude didn’t closethe study door, leaving me to track the soft thud of her bare feet on against the floor as she fled from us. I took a step, then stopped, fighting that howling need to go after her. Heat raced along the back of my neck as I turned my head finding the disgust in Gabe’s stare.

“Who the fuck are you?” He whispered quietly, then looked at Theo. “It’s like I don’t know you anymore.”

I clenched my fists and bit down on all the things I wanted to say to him. Because the truth was, I didn’t know who I was myself.

Beep.

My cell chimed as Gabe strode out of the study after them, leaving Theo and me behind. I reached into my pocket, pulling my phone free.