Page 48 of Deadfall

Seven’s lips twitched. “Did she now?”

He studied Marcello for another long moment while he fought off a smile then locked eyes with me. We shared a long, communicative look. Our girl was dangerous, and boy did I want nothing more than to see her in action.

25

EMERSYN

Well, that was—interesting.

I watched the men until they disappeared into the guardhouse. The short one gave me the creeps with the way he stared, but the others I wasn’t sure about. I looked down at the nearly empty water bottle in my hand and thought back to the interactions with the other two.

The one who’d backed me into the tree was the literal definition of tall, dark and deadly with black hair, slightly long on top in neatly laid waves. His sharp jaw had a dusting of facial hair and his brow was perpetually crinkled in a frown as though he didn’t like being here one fucking bit. At the time I’d been convinced he was going to force me into something, so when he didn’t, I was shocked. Even more so when he didn’t even leer at me as I stood in front of him completely naked. His eyes hadn’t drifted from my face once.

The other man was almost the opposite in every way. His brown hair was pulled back in a bun with a few strands loose like he couldn’t have been bothered to make sure he’d gotten them all. He had more of a beard, and whiskey-colored eyes that twinkled in a way that made me think he smiled easily and often. A few tattoos peeked out around his tactical gear and disappeared beneath his gloves. I would have bet money he had them all over his hands.

I didn’t know if they were the ones from last night, but they both seemed equally appalled to learn my food had been drugged. I scoffed at the thought of how affronted the dark-haired one had been when he’d learned someone had touched me. It could’ve been an act, but he didn't look like he was joking. At all. He didn’t really look like he knew how.

As the hours passed by, the Menagerie felt untouched by the storm outside. It was lit by warm, glowing light fixtures throughout, and the dirt paths were lined with additional strips of LEDs. It would have been a magical place if not for the dark undertones of what lurked in the enclosures. Through the patter of rain on the glass, I heard the occasional feminine sounds of distress from off in the depths of the place. I tuned it out as best I could, there was nothing I could do for them.

I dozed with my head in my arms, legs drawn up. I drank the rest of the second water bottle and when it wasn’t drugged either, I became convinced that the two men were up to something. I just didn’t know what or why, but everything always came at a cost. So, what was theirs? I spent a ridiculous amount of time lost in thought about it.

The electronic click of the lock woke me from a nap, and I looked up to see the dark-haired one step through. He had another two water bottles and a cluster of packets with him. I stayed where I was and watched him approach.

He set everything down. “We’re about to head off shift soon,” he said gruffly.

He didn’t look happy about it at all, but then again, I wasn’t sure if he ever had a different look other than pissed off. I picked at the grass and pretended to ignore him, even though there was no way I could ignore this man’s presence. He oozed authority so viscerally that I found it hard to breathe properly.

“Should be enough here until we’re back on.”

He hesitated, but when I stayed silent he left without a backward glance. I inspected everything carefully before I decided on something labeled electrolytes. I stashed the rest away in a crevice in the rocks. The packet was gross, but I sucked it down anyway and drank half of the water.

A short while later, I heard a tap on the bars. It was the brown-haired one this time. Again, I didn’t move, but as soon as I glanced his way, he grinned and unlocked the gate. He stepped inside and tossed an article of clothing at my feet.

“Here.”

I looked at the pile of dark fabric and then up at him questioningly.

“It’s a hoodie,” he said. “Couldn’t find a blanket, but thought this would be better anyway—although I’ll probably get in trouble.” He winked and didn’t look at all disturbed by that idea.

My throat closed at the gesture, but I ignored it and quickly yanked the sweatshirt on. It was better than being naked. I tugged the hood close around my face. It was warm, cozy and—oh fuck—smelled like a very delicious male cologne. I wondered if it was what this one smelled like. I looked up and just caught the tail end of a look that told me he’d seen every bit of my reaction. He ran a hand over his face, the look long gone, replaced with cocky amusement.

“Check the pocket.”

I slowly slid my hand into the main front pocket and felt something small. I pulled it out and in my hand was a mini Three Musketeers bar. That weird feeling latched onto my throat again—

Why the fuck was he being so nice?

It was weird and extremely offputting. I frowned down at the chocolate as I turned it over in my hands.

“What’s wrong?” He asked. “I’ve never seen someone look at chocolate with such a sad face.”

I scowled at him. “What’s the catch?”

He tilted his head, brow furrowed in confusion. “The catch?”

It took him a few seconds, but my meaning seemed to click because his eyes hardened and there was a flash of anger that sent a chill down my spine as his entire demeanor shifted. His jaw clenched and I steeled myself for whatever he was going to do.

He stepped closer and I froze, but he only reached out and closed my hand around the chocolate. He held my closed fist gently between both of his gloved hands. When he spoke, his voice was even and measured—like he had to try very hard to keep his emotions in check.