Page 92 of Cruel Possession

The bullet goes into the ceiling, shards of plaster raining down around us.

Noah’s hand closes around my throat, and he slams me back into the wall, ripping the gun away from me before pressing it beneath my jaw, forcing my head back. “You want to try that fucking shit again?”

Aiden takes a step forward like he’s going to get involved, but then he stops, his gaze locking on mine. And then he stands down, watching the scene in front of him.

I don’t know if he wants to help me or if he’s planning on running the moment he thinks he gets a chance.

I hope he runs, saves himself. He can’t save me, but we don’t both need to die here. But whether he stays or goes, I don’t think there’s going to be a world in which I’m coming out of this alive.

At the very least, I can give Aiden a chance to get back to his family, though. I love him, and this is all my fault, so I have to do something to help him escape.

He’ll protect Gia. Even if he isn’t happy about having the connection to Noah, tome, as much as that hurts, I’ve seen how much he cares for my sister and the kids. He’ll keep them safe, and that is all that matters.

I wish I could look at my own family with the same kind of confidence. My life was lived walking on eggshells, knowing Noah would kill me as soon as he would keep me alive.

Noah shoves the gun harder against me. “You try that shit again, and you’re going to regret it, you stupid bitch.”

“Hardly stupid when I was the one who came up with the plan to fake your death.” I glare at him, hoping that by not cowing to him I might still have a chance.

He’s always respected people who fought back far more than he respected ones who gave into him.

And yet, when that cold look in his eyes pierces straight through to my soul, I’m sure I’m dead. Surer than I was before.

There’s nothing that’s going to keep me alive, so since I’m going to die, I may as well give him a great reason.

“You should just kill me and be done with it.” I tilt my head down, the gun pressing harder against me, pain radiating where he digs it in. “I’ve been more trouble than I’m worth. You’ve always told me that, haven’t you?”

Noah looks at me like he thinks I’m pathetic. “If this is just some attempt to save your boyfriend, give it up.”

“He’s not my boyfriend.” I force the words out even though it feels like swallowing shards of glass. “He’s nothing to me. I played the part you told me to play. So, if you want to be done with me, if you want to think that I’m not loyal to you, then kill me. It’d be easier.”

“It would be.” Noah smirks and shakes his head. “But you’re not going to die until Gia is in front of you. Just think of the look on that bitch’s face.”

A shiver runs down my spine. “You said you were going to leave her alone.”

“And you’d think after all these years, you’d know I lie.” Noah shakes his head. “You always were stupid. Now, you’re going to do what I tell you, and then after that, you’re going to escort me to Gia.”

“I’d rather die.”

Aiden glowers at me. “That’s not happening. You’re mine to kill.”

Noah scoffs. “She’s my sister. And she’s my problem to deal with. You’ll be dead and in the ground long before you have a chance to kill her.”

“This is fucking ridiculous.” Aiden shuffles to the side like he’s heading for the door.

I hope he does. If he can get past Noah and get back to his family, he should.

And right now, Noah is distracted with gloating and pretending that he’s smarter than everyone else.

After all, being in hiding for over a year has left him unable to stroke his own ego in the presence of others. There’s only been a very select few people who knew he was alive.

However, instead of getting out, Aiden grabs a vase from the table beside the door, holding it high.

My eyes widen, and I give a slight shake of my head.

My gaze cuts to the door, but he doesn’t move.

Noah looks over his shoulder at Aiden. “A smarter man would’ve left.”