Page 157 of Cruel Abandon (Fallen Royals 5)

“No need,” the ex-detective calls through the trees. He clicks on his flashlight. It’s industrial-grade, or something close to it.

I raise my hand, squinting against the bright light.

“Recognize this place?” he asks, taking the light off us and casting it around.

“N-Natalie,” Sky murmurs.

“Your sad attempt at burying a girl,” I say.

He chuckles.

Anger surges in me. “How could you go from protecting girls like Sky to hurting them?”

His laughter cuts off abruptly. “Ask that to the chief who said I wasn’t worthy of the badge anymore,” he yells. “I was backed into a corner. And no one noticed. No one said a fucking thing—”

“Their parents noticed,” I snap. “You’re a killer.”

Masters sighs and clicks off the flashlight. He saunters closer. “Liam, Liam, Liam. Haven’t you learned by now that this girl attracts trouble? Why bother?”

I grip her arms. “Why? Are you fucking kidding me?”

He shakes his head. “I was so close to discovering who her original abductor was. I would’ve liked to shake his hand for how he played it out. He got his money, tormented the girl enough to make her lose her mind, and he’s probably still walking around with Buckley money in his pockets.”

Disgusting.

“I’m taking her,” I tell him. “You’ve lost.”

He shrugs. “I’ve still got one.”

Sky’s fists twist in my shirt. “Stop him.” Louder, she yells, “Where did you stash Jasmine, Detective?”

His face contorts. “Don’t fucking call me that!”

She doesn’t so much as flinch. “Where is she? One body, two, three—it doesn’t really matter, does it?”

“She’s still in the treatment plant,” he says. “I don’t know why you even care, Skylar. You’re surrounded by so much destruction. Why would you want to make it worse?”

I tighten my grip on her.

“Liam!” Caleb shouts, sliding down the slope.

“Ah, Mr. Asher,” Masters drawls. “Was wondering when you’d make your presence known.”

“Fuck you, old man,” Caleb spits. He skirts him and comes to us, helping take some of Sky’s weight. “You don’t have shoes on?”

She shakes her head. Even with my coat on, she’s like an ice cube.

Without a word, Caleb lifts her into his arms.

And me? Well, I’ve been itching for a fight.

I walk toward Masters slowly. He grins at me, suddenly wild, and sheds his coat.

“Is this what you want, boy? A cage match? Just you and me.”

I scoff. “Caleb doesn’t need to fight my battles for me.”

The detective nods. “Fine.”