Page 65 of Rescuing Rebel

Alone, I press trembling fingers to my lips.

An undeniable truth haunts me—some fires, once ignited, can never be quenched.

TWENTY-THREE

Rebel

Later that night,I present myself for Kaufman’s inspection. With a lurid stare, I apparently pass because he grips my arm like a vice and yanks me into the opulent dining hall. Haven is a place of great beauty amidst gripping evil, and the grand ballroom is where that beauty and evil collide.

Gentle candlelight illuminates crystal glasses and makes the silver cutlery shine. My pulse spikes as I spot Ethan seated across from my chair. Next to him, his team lines the long table. They all give me weighty, judgmental stares, and there’s a woman with them. Young and fierce. Does she understand what this place does to women? Why would Ethan risk her safety, bringing her here?

Kaufman’s oily voice drips false charm as he introduces each man, his grip tightening when Ethan’s icy stare meets mine. Suspicion smolders in Kaufman’s gaze. I’m his prized possession, and he’s a jealous man. I pray he never discovers the ties linking Ethan and me together.

Kaufman seats me with a rough shove, pushing me into my chair, displaying his dominance and my submission. It’s one of many ways he stakes his claim and tells others he’s in charge.

He immediately rounds on Ethan. “What progress have you made tracing the breach?”

“We’re investigating several potentials. It’s a tedious process, but I expect results soon.” Ethan meets Kaufman’s gaze coolly, unfazed by Kaufman’s rough treatment of me. It’s like I don’t exist, which hurts the most.

But isn’t that what I asked for?

Kaufman’s fist clenches, knuckles whitening. “I dislike disruptions in my business, and I have an auction slated for the end of the month.” His smile doesn’t reach his flinty eyes.

Too risky to look at Ethan directly, I feign boredom and disinterest. Why is he here? Why is Charlie team with him? Who is the goth girl sitting at the far end of the table?

There are too many questions. None that I can ask. To show interest is to arouse suspicion. My job here is singular and focused. I’m arm candy to Kaufman and nothing more.

Ethan’s much better at this game than I am. His stoic mask reveals nothing. My nerves fray as Kaufman’s possessive hand settles on my thigh under the table.

My thoughts churn as Ethan and Kaufman force idle small talk between them. Kaufman’s suspicion toward Ethan compounds the danger we’re both in. One misstep, and we’re done.

“I heard you met Rebel in the halls?” Kaufman’s gaze bores into Ethan as his grip on my thigh turns punishing, nails digging into my flesh.

“I did.” Ethan leans back, completely at ease. “I did not know she belonged to you.”

How does he maintain his composure like that?

“I don’t like others putting their hands on what’s mine.” Kaufman’s rancid breath invades my nostrils as he stakes his claim. “You’d be wise to keep your distance.”

“Didn’t know she was taken.” Ethan’s gaze flicks over to me. He cants his head to the side, then turns back to Kaufman. “Apologies. Your woman made it abundantly clear my attention was unwanted.”

Ethan’s words hit me with the weight of a sledgehammer, knocking the breath out of my lungs. It’s over. Not that there was ever a future between us, but Ethan just hammered the last nail into the coffin of our very brief relationship. My heart splinters and breaks into a million pieces because there’s no coming back from this.

I have to accept the truth.

It’s over.

“See that it doesn’t happen again.” Kaufman’s jaw ticks, the muscle pulsing erratically. He refuses to let his dominance go unchallenged.

“It won’t.” Ethan inclines his head slightly, but his stormy eyes flick to me, piercing in their intensity. “I have no interest in what is clearly not mine.”

I sit immobilized, scarcely daring to breathe, hyperaware of Kaufman’s bruising hold and the violent tension in his body coiled tighter than a viper ready to strike. He’s threatened by Ethan and desperate to establish his supremacy, no matter how petty the matter.

Kaufman’s cologne makes me wrinkle my nose. He leans in, moist lips grazing my ear. “You belong to me. Never forget your place.” His stare dares me to defy his claim, but his words aren’t for me.

They’re meant for Ethan.

I meet Kaufman’s gaze, my polished mask never slipping. “Of course.” The lies taste like a bitter pill on my tongue.