Page 14 of While He Breathes

“No,” she snaps. “You’re just trying to make what you did okay. You’re trying to make it okay that you took the only person who has ever loved me away.”

“But that’s not true either, Ember. Because I love you. And I love you a hell of a lot more than your asshole brother ever did. He would have sold you earlier if he’d had the chance. You have no idea what a piece of shit he was.” The words pour from me of their own volition. I never meant to tell her any of this, never wanted her to know just how willing Travis was to betray her.

Her hand comes from nowhere, slapping against my mask-covered cheek, and the shock of the move has her eyes widening.

I catch her hand in mine, holding it firmly so she can’t try again. As amusing as it is that she thinks a slap is going to cause me any kind of pain, I don’t want her to hurt herself trying.

“Did that make you feel better?” I rumble.

“No. The only thing that will ever make me feel better is when you’re six feet under.”

I chuckle and place a kiss to her palm, suddenly thankful the mask doesn’t cover my mouth. “You might think that’s the case, Little Flame, but I think you’re underestimating something.”

“And what would that be?” she asks in a huff.

“You’ll see.” I smirk and release her hand.

Ember rolls her eyes. “I’m going to kill you, Orion. I know you think it’s a big joke, that there’s no way I could ever hurt the great Hunter, but I promise you that your last breath will be at my hand.”

I chuckle. “I look forward to watching you try, Little Flame.”

And without hesitation, I turn on my heel and stride toward the door.

Having Ember’s love was intoxicating, but having her hate is going to be a lot of fun.

CHAPTER EIGHT

EMBER

As much as I hate to admit it, I’m rattled after my encounter with Orion.

I only linger in the bathroom for another minute before rejoining the party, but my stomach is in knots, and no matter where I am in the room, his eyes are on me.

Champagne isn’t the type of alcohol I usually reach for, but tonight, I can’t be picky. I need something to take the edge off or I’m going to lose my fucking mind.

Max, my client, finally arrives, and I immediately beeline toward him.

He’s a big deal in Las Vegas, a property developer who has his finger in a few illegal pies, but he’s been a safe place for me since we first met the day I arrived in Sin City.

He needed a job done, heard on the grapevine that I had some experience, and it’s been a match made in heaven since day one.

His blond hair is perfectly styled, and his hazel eyes have a little glint to them that makes me smirk. The fucker got some before coming here.

Darius must have traveled with him, which weirdly makes me feel even more comforted. He may not be here, but the manwho has become one of my best friends is around if everything goes sideways tonight.

Max’s face breaks into a wide smile when he sees me.

“How’s my favorite girl doing?” He wraps his arms around me, and I sink into the familiarity of his hug.

I lucked the hell out the day we met. He may be my boss, but he’s also become like a brother to me. A fact that sometimes makes me feel guilty. How could I replace Travis so easily?

But both Max and Darius have assured me that Travis would want me to have people who care for me, and I know in my heart that they’re right.

“Not as good as you, I suspect.” I giggle.

A soft blush hits Max’s cheeks as I pull back. “It wasn’t my fault! That man is insatiable.”

I scoff. “Oh yeah, I’m sure it was totally one-sided.”