Turned out madness ran in the entire family tree. They all had to die.

“I’ll let that slide.” His fingers dug into my side. “But I need you to listen to me. Okay?”

Every instinct boycotted the idea but what he said before echoed in my ears. Don’t believe in the evil of everyone.

Could the man who taught me to ride still save me? Could I trust him enough to wait and see? Did I have the strength to hope?

Do I have a choice?

Haltingly, I relaxed.

The instant he felt me give in, he let me go. “Good girl.”

I hated that phrase.

All I could do was take whatever he gave and hope I survived.

I have no other option.

This wasn’t a physical debt—although parts of it would hurt and no doubt destroy me for life—it was more mental. The stripping of everything that made me female—of any right over my own body.

Rustling sounded as Kestrel grabbed the bedding and placed it over me. The warm comfort of cotton covered my nakedness.

He’s drawn the covers.

Why?

Kes’s naked body moulded along my side, his hand resting on the swell of my arse. My skin smarted with revolting dislike. “I’ve covered us. No one will see what we do. It will be our little secret.”

I frowned. Secret? Why would it be a secret? He was doing what he’d been told. The bed dipped a bit as he wrapped his arm around my waist, rolling me from my stomach to side.

I flinched as his warmth nestled behind mine in a loving embrace. His hand stayed on my belly. I was achingly aware of how close his fingers were to my pubic bone.

Questions formed: What will you do to me? How long am I yours before you hand me over? But I couldn’t voice them. I couldn’t ask, because I couldn’t stomach the replies.

Kes kissed my cheek, nuzzling his nose into my hair. “You’re so beautiful, Nila. So goddamn beautiful.” Dragging his fingers along my collar and down my spine, he whispered, “I’ve wanted you since the moment you arrived. I’d never wished to be firstborn before. I’m happy with my allotment within this family, but seeing you that night and knowing Jethro had full rights to you—well, it was the first time I was jealous of my brother.”

I gasped as his touch landed on my arse again. Every muscle clenched. My eyes squeezed and I panted faster, terrified of him invading my body—especially in a place I’d never been touched before.

“Just because you have me now, doesn’t mean this is right.” I kept my eyes closed behind my blindfold—a double layer of blackness.

“I know.” His fingers suddenly latched around my jaw, angling my neck.

His lips landed on mine.

All sensation ceased to exist.

The switch inside me flipped. I shut down completely. I didn’t feel the heat of his lips or taste the flavour of his mouth.

Everything was chalk and beige and nothingness.

His lips coaxed mine, but I clamped them closed—remaining forbidding and not softening in any way.

Pulling back, he ran gentle fingertips over my chin. “I’m not going to make this worse for you by dragging it on.” Kes shifted his weight, rolling me closer. Gathering me against his naked form, I tried to ignore the heat of his erection against the crack of my arse.

“Kes, please…” I begged as his hand disappeared down my front and found my clit. His fingers didn’t venture lower—just stayed on the outside of my pussy. I flinched but had nowhere to run.

His hips rocked, pressing himself into me. “My father expects me to hurt you. That sex isn’t sex unless you’re screaming and bruised.” He imprisoned my face again, sealing his lips over mine.

I tried to angle away, but his mouth locked against me with swift finality.

He didn’t force me to kiss him back, just kept his mouth on mine and his fingers rubbing my clit. His hips rocked harder and a moan swelled despite my horror.

Tearing himself from my mouth, he nibbled on my earlobe. “I’m supposed to rape you, Nila. Take from you what you don’t want to give and break apart your mind piece by piece.”

My unwilling moan turned into a sob. “You don’t have to. You could just let me go.”

He chuckled. “No, I can’t. That’s the thing. No one can leave. Not you, Jet, myself. We’re all locked in this game until the very end.” He trailed kisses along my cheek. “There can be no victors if there are no players.”

Fury prickled my skin. I snarled, “If that’s the case, just do it then! Destroy me—seeing as Daddy told you to.” My mind wouldn’t shut up; my lips wouldn’t censor. “What is it with you and Jethro? You are men. You know right and wrong. You could end this by stopping him. Why don’t you grow some balls and do it!”

Kes stiffened. His cock twitched against my lower back. Instead of anger, he laughed quietly. “So black and white to you.” Cupping my throat, he thrust once. “Nothing is ever black and white, Nila. You should know that by now. It’s all how you survive the grey.”

His fingers fluttered over my clit—reminding me he had me at my most vulnerable. His touch wasn’t cruel or hurtful—not the way Cut had commanded. My heart scampered in hope.

“What happens next has to be authentic. Do you understand?” His fingers moved faster, teasing my body, forcing nerve endings to respond despite my mind screaming with loathing.

His breathing turned harsh. “You need to relax and let me do what needs to be done.”