Page 46 of The Colour of Revenge

I jerk back instinctively, suddenly hyper-aware of what just happened here—where it happened. My face heats, but I force myself to meet Kai's gaze, offering a half-hearted wave.

Nate, noticing my hesitation, grips my chin between his fingers and tilts my face toward him. His dark eyes search mine. "You're not having second thoughts?"

"No," I reply quickly. Maybe too quickly. "Just… processing."

His lips twitch, and something softer crosses his face for a moment. It's fleeting, gone before I can name it. Then, just as fast, he leans down, pressing a swift, possessive kiss to my lips before pulling away.

"We need to do this fast."

Nate and Kai move with precision; their practised efficiency makes my stomach twist. It's not the first time they've done this. I shouldn't feel comforted by that, but I do.

"I have one last thing to do," I murmur.

Nate's eyes burn into mine. He doesn't ask. He watches, his expression unreadable. But then, after a tense beat, he nods once and turns back to the body, preparing it for Kai’s plans.

Twenty minutes later, I press send. The video is out.

A breath rushes out of me, too sharp, too unsteady. I knew killing Robert wouldn't be enough. I needed the world to know what he was before he rotted in the ground. My voice has been distorted; my face concealed. Only he is in view, strapped to a chair, confession spilling from his bloodied lips. The moment I took his pinky, the proof was mine. And now, it belongs to the world.

Risky? Yes. But it was worth it.

"Let's bounce. Kai will handle the rest." Nate reaches for my hand, ready to drag me outside.

"Are you sure? Shouldn't we help?" I chew my bottom lip, guilt creeping in. Kai shouldn't have to clean up my mess alone.

"I'm good here. This is what I do," Kai calls from the other room.

Nate squeezes my fingers. "He's a professional, Princess. Don't worry about Kai."

I hesitate, then nod. If they say it's fine…

Nate leads me out, our steps crunching over gravel as we move toward the edge of the property.

"How'd you get here?" he asks.

"Walked. My car's parked two towns over."

His brow lifts. "Smart. You're learning. But how were you planning to clean the scene?"

I smirk. "I knew my trusty murderous stalker would have it covered."

Nate barks out a laugh. A real one. And damn, it's intoxicating. The sound is unguarded and effortless, as if none of this touches him.

"You think I'm stalking you now?" His voice drops to a lethal whisper, teasing but laced with something darker. "Just wait, Princess. Now that you're mine, you'll never be free of me."

A delicious shiver skates down my spine. "Can't wait to see where else you 'randomly' turn up."

He chuckles, low and dangerous. "Come on. My car's this way."

The drive is quiet, but my mind isn't. I should be focused on everything that just happened, but I watch him. The way his fingers flex over the wheel, strong and steady, like he's not just driving—he's in control of everything around him.

Then, after a long silence, he speaks.

"I know you want revenge," he says, voice measured. "But you should be careful about recording your crimes."

The statement is casual, but it sends a chill through me.

"That's what the coverings and modulator were for," I reply, my voice tight.