Page 69 of Havoc

“We’ll see about that.” He smiles as he starts to walk toward Levi and Chaos. “Best two out of three.”

“Only because you’re worried I’ll beat you in the first round,” I shout after him.

Soul grins, turning away, and Levi glances up just long enough to meet my gaze. He winks at me, andthen his attention is back on Chaos. But that butterfly he sends flitting through my chest lingers.

We’re standing in the middle of a room full of beautiful women, but I’m the one he pays attention to.

Luna has returned to her computer when I glance back at her, and from the corner of my eye, I see someone heading down the hallway. His eyes are locked on Luna, but the silhouette isn’t Ghost. It takes me a moment to process what’s happening, but the man doesn’t turn like he’s heading toward the main stage like anyone else exiting the hallway. He aims for our direction, straight for Luna, and my vision tunnels.

His hand shoots out.

Maybe for a drink, but it’s too close for comfort with her back to him.

My body moves on instinct, and I cut between them, slipping the pocketknife out of my pocket and flicking it open at his throat. My vision tunnels, and the music in the club dulls to a whisper beneath my heartbeat pounding between my temples.

“Aimee…” Luna’s hand finds my arm, but I stiffen, so she pulls back, taking a step away as she reads what’s happening.

And like Ghost was watching through a camera, he’s barreling down the hallway a second later.

From the corner of my eye, I spot Luna’s eyes widening as she takes in the scene, but I don’t drop the knife.

I don’t move.

I can’t.

The man with dark hair and even darker eyes stares down at me, and for a second, I’m not seeing him. It’s Titan before he shaved his head, wearing a wicked, gleaming smile that promises nothing but the sick things he does to everyone who comes within his vicinity.

I shove the blade harder against the man’s skin until his amusement falters.

Memories swirl with reality, and I’m no longer at Sapphire Rise, just like this man is no longer a stranger.

I’m no longer safe.

I’m in a basement.

A cell.

I’m locked to the floor in chains.

And this man is one of too many who looked at me like I was nothing. Who took without asking. Who hurt the people around me when I couldn’t do anything about it.

The tip of the blade digs into his throat. A beautiful bead of blood drips down his neck, and I’m tempted to drive it all the way in. He wouldn’t be the first man I’ve killed. And while I can rationalize the past as self-defense, I’m aching to take the edge off. To take this anger out on someone who probably does deserve it, even if not for this specific thing.

My hand shakes, and I’m tired.

So fucking tired.

“Firecracker.” Levi’s hand slips over mine, and I don’t know when he came up behind me.

His fingers fit over where mine hold the knife, but he doesn’t pull it away. He steadies my shaking hand.

I’m vibrating.

My skin is covered in goose bumps as I try to place where I am. Who I’m holding a knife to.

The heat of Levi’s chest wraps around me. His thumb caresses the back of mine.

“Let go,” he says in my ear, and I relax my grip. “Let Ghost take care of this.”