Page 109 of Gilded Locks

Hunter crouched beside Jordan’s unconscious form, checking his pulse with clinical detachment. “Ona Moya,” he said, making his claim on her clear. His dark eyes found hers, unapologetic, but no longer cold. In those obsidian pools, she found endless warmth and safety. “We protect what’s ours.”

Ash’s arms came around her, anticipating the moment her knees went weak. “I’ve got you.”

She turned into his strength, hugging him tight.

“Me too.” Stone came to protectively cover her back, his hands sweeping over her in calming strokes.

Sheltered and safe, they held her as two security guards appeared with the bearing of former military personnel. They moved with practiced efficiency.

“Take him to Room Seven,” Hunter instructed, straightening as he brushed off his hands. “Strip him down, tie him spread-eagle to the bed. Then piss on his chest until he wakes up.” His smile was winter-cold, as he closed the distance between the guards and his brothers. “I’ll be along shortly to finish this.”

The guards lifted Jordan between them like he weighed nothing. His head lolled back, hair matted with blood.

As they dragged him out, Hunter pulled Marigold into his arms, his demeanor instantly softening as he inspected her for any sign of harm. “I told you to stay put until one of us came for you.”

She bit her lip and wrung her hands, failing to appear the least bit contrite. “I didn’t listen.”

Ash and Stone prowled to her like wild animals. Hunter framed her face with his massive hands. Their surprising gentleness shocked her, and when they kissed her, their touch was soft and reverent, nothing like the violence they’d just displayed.

“Clever little fox,” Hunter whispered against her lips. “How did you get past Cole?”

Stone’s laughter spiked, as he swiped his finger over the screen of his phone. “Goddamn, Goldilocks. How’d you manage that?”

Ash pulled her close, pressing his lips to hers as soon Hunter snatched the phone. When she broke away from the kiss, Hunter looked back at her with equal shock.

Ash frowned. “What?” He took the phone and looked back at her with wide eyes.

She stepped back, holding her hands up defensively. “He was going to retrain me! I needed to be here, with all of you.”

Hunter laughed. “One of you go unlock him.”

“On it,” Ash said.

“The keys are in the closet,” Marigold called after him.

“His ego will never recover from this,” Stone laughed, then eyed her with dark intent. “Neither will your ass.”

Her smile vanished. “Why?”

Stone took a predatory step closer, his hand sliding possessively between her cheeks. “There are consequences for breaking the rules, Zayka.” He captured her mouth in a punishing kiss. “Consequences I can’t wait to reveal,” he murmured against her lips like a wicked promise.

“How do you feel?” Hunter asked, stroking a gentle hand down her arm.

“I’ll be fine.” It was the truth, but her voice still shook. “The things he said?—”

“Meaningless lies, Lisichka. The desperate lashing out of a cornered animal,” Hunter finished firmly. “He knew he lost, so he tried to wound whatever he could reach. Don’t give him that power.”

“What are you going to do to him?” The question came out smaller than she’d intended.

Hunter’s smile was sharp as a blade. “Only what he deserves. He’ll wait, imprisoned by his worst fears, powerless without his autonomy. But you need not concern yourself with that.”

Stone rubbed her hands, which were trembling and cold. “In the end, Katya will decide his punishment.”

“But if you have any suggestions, we’re happy to listen.”

“He’ll live?”

“Yes,” Hunter assured. “Scarred but breathing.”