Page 130 of Ruthless Desires: Vol. One

Rhett pulls away, a mixture of concern and fear in his eyes. He’s stiff again. “Wren—”

“Oooh. I didnotuse waterproof mascara, princess.”

I laugh, but it comes out sounding more like a sob. When Oliver pulls me away from Rhett, I follow until he has me in a ridiculously luxurious bathroom.

“Is this whole thing made of marble?”

“Basically.” Tissue in hand, Oliver dabs at my cheeks, and then under my eyes, until he steps back, satisfied. “That’ll do, I think. You okay?”

Breathing deeply, I nod. It’s a lot to take in. I can’t even imagine losing a sibling, let alone dedicating my life to revenge for them. How difficult must it be for them all, especially Rhett, knowing that Ludo is still alive and very much so enjoying his life? At least that’s how it looks.

It’s disgusting. He doesn’t deserve to live.

“Oh my god,” I murmur, glancing at my reflection with disbelief.

“What?”

Turning to look at him, I say, “I think I want to kill him, too.”

He raises his eyebrows, his lips parting slightly from shock. And then something that looks suspiciously like attraction flashes in his eyes. But as soon as it registers, it’s gone.

Looping an arm around my waist, he presses a kiss to my temple. “Let’s dance, princess.”

Chapter fourteen

Oliver

Rhett and Elliot stay in the room Holloway always keeps reserved for us. He may think he hides it well, but I know Rhett absolutely detests having any kind of fun when Ludo is around. And considering Sammy got brought up, it’s best Elliot stays with him.

But I, personally, am in the mood to celebrate.

We told her. We showed her our deepest, darkest secret, and she didn’t shove us away.

As I drag Wren onto the dance floor, I think back over the past week. She’s been through so much. And she’s handled it beautifully.

I think I want to kill him, too.

When those words spilled out of her mouth, it took everything in me not to fuck her senseless right there. Because it means she gets it. She fucking gets it.

And I couldn’t be more relieved.

When we pass by Ludo’s spot, I give him a nod. He’s still wearing his signature smirk, even more pronounced than usual since one of his top competitors is dead. He tips his head down slightly, his eyes tracking Wren, before he raises an eyebrow at me. With a wink, I turn away, making sure to keep Wren tucked into my side.

Being friendly with your worst enemy is a weird, gut-twisting feeling, but you get used to it eventually. It’ll be worth it.

Wren and I fall into the crowd, and soon we’re lost in the music and lights. She’s been somewhat tense all week, so it’s nice to see her let go.

At some point, we get drinks, and I glance up to find Elliot and Rhett watching us. We’re safe here, but it’s nice to know they have our backs in case there’s trouble.

Not that there will be. This place is exclusive for a reason. Ludo Holloway may love violence, but not when he’s not in control of it.

“You’re about to find out,” Wren shouts over the music, “that I’mvery mucha lightweight.”

I laugh. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

Her eyes soften, and she kisses me for a second longer than appropriate before she goes back to dancing.

She seems fine through her first drink. But as she starts sipping her second, it doesn’t take long for the alcohol to hit her system. Then she turns into a giggling mess. She can’t stop eyeing me, and she gets increasingly handsy. Which I find incredibly cute.