Page 205 of Shadowman

“Do you blame her?” I retort. “Youworkfor The Ivory. I mean, you’re here as his spy, for fuck’s sake. Did you think they’d just welcome you with open arms??”

“That’s not why I’m here…” he grumbles, tone deep and containing his frustrations.

“How would I know??” I bark, getting up in his face. So close, I can see his pupils dilating. “I don’t knowshitabout you, Trevel. You could be a figment of my goddamn imagination for all I know!”

Something about those words flips a switch. In a flash, he’s no longer containing his rage. It’s lit the hell up, sparking his violet gaze and illuminating his sharp features.

“Could a figment of your imagination make you comecrying?” he growls in my face, wicked amusement dancing on his lips as they hover over mine.

“Maybe,” I hum out of stubborn agitation.

The lights flicker, and we both glance up at them before returning to our stare-down.

“You think I’m lying to you, Raphael?” he snarls, dangerously quiet.

“You wouldn’t be the first liar I—” My voice dries up, and I gulp. “Do you know where Ren is?” I’m unable to mask the accusatory tone.

His blazing gaze narrows. “Why would I?”

“I don’t know…” I’m stiff, but my eyes are pleading,desperatefor it not to be true…

I really don’t want to believe he’d lie to me about something like this. But I can’t shake this gnawing feeling…

“Why would I keep that from you, Byron?” he growls.

“Because… maybe you were trying to protect me,” I stammer. His eyes soften. “Or maybe you’re jealous…”

“Oh, I’m most definitely jealous,” he bites out, and my brows jump. “I mean, you’ve really spread yourself around in here, my sweet fury.”

What… the… fuck.

Fast, wrathful indignation sweeps me up, and I seethe, “Fuck you. Are you calling me a fucking slut??”

His hand curls around my throat. “If the mask fits, baby…”

“Shut the fuck up!” I rip away, shoving him hard in the chest. “What the fuck do you know anyway?? You’re a fuckingstrangerto me.”

Pain flashes in his eyes, filling my mouth with remorse. But I hate it because I’mright. It’s true…

Idon’tfucking know him.

“You don’t know who I am…?” Trevel hisses, getting back in my face. “Is that right?”

“Fuckingcorrect,” I growl.

He goes for my neck again, but I keep fighting him off. “Well, maybe you should just think that through, warrior… Because if you don’tknowme, then who’s been draining your balls all these nights? Huh??” He’s coming at me quick, grabbing my shirt and my face while I block him and shove him away. “Who have you been letting inside your sweet little pussy, Raphael?!”

“Fuck you!” I roar, vision splattering red. Without hesitation, my arm cocks and I slap him.Hard, right across the face.Like a fucking bitch.“Fuck you, you goddamn head case fucking cunt!”

I slap him again, even harder. His face flings, and he stumbles, clutching his cheek. When he turns back to me, he’s grinning, his lip split and bloody. Licking it, he lets out a deranged cackle. Like a fucking psychopath.

I swallow a mouthful of unease.

This dude is insane. Am I gonna have to beat him into the ground right now?? I don’t want to…

We’re staring at each other, chests heaving, for no more than a few seconds, though it feels like hours.

“Hit me again…” Trevel whispers, tone low and more sinister than anything I’ve heard before.