Page 51 of Madness

“Of course.” Tessa smiled at him before turning back to me. “And do you need anything? I know Kitty is your favorite, but it seems she’s found other things to occupy her time.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. What did she know? Kincaid had talked about her during our many dinners. She appeared to be the only person Kincaid was close to. Had she told Tessa about our arrangement? Was Tessa trying to discourage her from coming to me?

She must have a death wish if she thought she could speak to me like this. If she thought I’d allow her to keep what I wanted from me. I would eliminate her. If she came between Kincaid and me, I’d end her life. Before I could imagine her gruesome death, Tessa spoke again.

“I love that for her. I just hope she’s safe.”Her words were soft, but her eyes held a threat. She was threatening me if I hurt Kincaid. Interesting. Maybe she was tougher and more loyal than I thought.

“She’s well taken care of…I hear.”

Tessa smiled before exiting the room again. Constantine was talking, agreeing to my plan, but I didn’t hear him. An edgy restlessness seeped into my bones. Churned my gut.

My mind wandered to how Constantine had looked at Tessa. Weak. Everyone had a weakness. It was often a person. A person they felt for. Is that what Kincaid was becoming to me? My weakness?

Tessa knew about Kincaid. How many more people knew about her? How many would try to use her against me?

I finished my drink and left Constantine with his instructions. Even the burn of the whiskey couldn’t stifle the anger in my blood. I knew it was a mistake, but I needed to see her. Needed to know what this feeling was. Tristan fell in step beside me as I headed for the exit.

“Did Constantine admit it was one of his men?” He asked once we left the music of the club behind. The cold night air did nothing to soothe my nerves.

“He’s looking into it. Let’s go. We have someone to pick up.”

He looked at my expression and smiled. “If she survives tonight, will you give me a chance at her?”

I didn’t know what happened. One second, I was looking at the smug smile on his face; the next, my fist was driving into it. I felt my knuckles split against his teeth. Blood dripped from his mouth as I cocked my arm back and hit him again. He stumbled away from me, falling to the ground. I stalked after him. Needing to feel his pain. His blood.

“Jesus, Mad.” He turned and spat the blood from his mouth. “What is wrong with you? She’s a whore.”

My fingers curled into the lapels of his jacket as I yanked him back up. His face was inches from mine. I could see the fear and confusion. He wasn’t the only one who was confused.

Why did I care if he touched her when I was done? Why didn’t I like how he looked at her? How he’d called her a whore? Technically she was; I was paying her to spend time with me. It hadn’t bothered me before, but now it did.

“She’s off limits. Anyone who touches her dies.” I tossed him back to the ground. “Get yourself cleaned up and head to the gambling club. Make sure the leaks are closed.”

Tristan stared at me for another minute like he was trying to figure out who I was. I had no issue with administering punishment when it was needed. I lived for the torture. But both of us knew he hadn’t earned this. Not that I cared. He’d been failing enough that he needed to be reminded of his place.

He stood on shaky legs and left me standing on the sidewalk. The sounds of the city filled my ears. I tried to calm the anger burning my blood. Tried to understand my reactions. I knew the only thing that would calm me down was more pain. Pain on my favorite toy.

Her. Her presence. Her touch.

It was time to end this. Time to get back the control I’d once had. She was a distraction. A weakness.

Tonight I would break her. I’d stain my hands with her blood. I’d ruin whatever feelings she thought she had for me. I’d wash away whatever this was inside me that wanted to keep playing with her.

Tonight it would end.

28

Kincaid

My stomach fluttered as the sleek black car pulled to the curb in front of my apartment. Even the thought of the drive with Tristan didn’t stop my excitement. Excitement I shouldn’t have been feeling. But instead of Tristan, Sebastian came from the driver’s seat and opened my door. Physically he looked scarier than Tristan, but there was something in his eyes. He didn’t want me, and he wouldn’t hurt me.

“Thank you.” I started to smile, but it died on my lips when I saw Maddox in the backseat.

He never came to pick me up. He was always waiting back at his house. I could feel the rage pumping off his body as I examined him closer. There was blood staining his white shirt. His hair was more disheveled than usual, falling over his forehead. His knuckles were split with blood dried on his hand.

“Are you okay?” I reached for his hand and brought it into my lap as the car drove away.

I gently probed the knuckles, feeling for a break. He didn’t wince or make a noise. I reached into my bag and pulled out a few wipes I kept in there. Softly so I didn’t aggravate his injured fingers, I scrubbed the dried blood off his hands. After I was finished, he intertwined our hands. I stilled at his touch.