Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66334 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66334 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
“It’s a flesh wound,” Ciaran replied, brushing off the concern.
“You always say that,” Kinks pouted before suddenly brightening up. “Oh, where are my manners?”
“Guests, meet my friends.” She spun around dramatically, pointing first to the lilac-haired girl who waved with a soft smile. “Aisha.”
Next, she gestured toward a blonde with two low ponytails who looked less enthused. Kinks leaned in, pretending to whisper but making sure everyone could hear her anyway. “And this is Jewels…more of an acquaintance, really.” Jewels rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything.
“And now, my pets,” Kinks announced with a gleeful smile, her tone teasing and affectionate. “Eryx,” she pointed to the first man, who nodded in acknowledgment.
“Rafe,” she continued as another man stepped forward, pulling off his mask and offering a friendly salute. He had strikingly good looks, characterized by sharp, chiseled features. His bright, clear eyes and charming smile gave him the air of an archetypical golden boy, the kind who seemed open and approachable. His light, tousled hair added to his carefree, youthful appearance, making him appear inviting.
After seeing him drag a girl down the street by her hair—I knew better.
“And last but certainly not least, my precious Hael,” Kinks said, her voice almost reverent as she introduced the last of the group. Hael had wavy, dark hair that framed his intense eyes—eyes that conveyed a myriad of emotions, from mischief to something deeply troubled. His facial structure was marked by strong, defined features, including a prominent nose and sculpted cheekbones, giving him an artistic yet somewhat melancholic air.
It was clear she held each of them in a different regard, her playful yet possessive tone indicating how much they meant to her. Kinks turned back to us, her friends spreading out around the room with the ease of people who were comfortable in their surroundings. She clapped her hands together, her smile as bright and playful as ever.
“So, what do you all need? Food, band-aids—” she added with a pointed look at Ciaran, who just shrugged. “Make yourselves at home. You’ve got some time before you have to go.”
Lana, who had been silently observing the room, finally spoke up. “Can someone explain what’s happening here?”
Kinks’ expression shifted to one of mild disapproval as she looked at Ciaran. “You didn’t tell her? Typical male.” She shook her head at him, then smiled at Lana. “You’re going to use my place as a distraction, party a bit tonight, and then sneak away like little mice at the first sign of morning.”
Eryx stepped forward, his tone calm and reassuring as he explained further. “The cameras were looped when you reached the rear alley. When they see you on the club screens, they’ll assume you’re hiding out here. By the time they realize what’s happened and make it this far, you’ll be long gone.”
Kinks turned to him, her smile widening. “That’s what I just said.” She rolled her eyes playfully before focusing back on us. “So relax, enjoy yourselves. It’s not every day you get to be a ghost in this city.”
Her words hung in the air, a mix of invitation and challenge. I wondered if she knew she sounded just like she did on the recordings. Her appearance was a perfect reflection of her personality - beautiful and vibrant. Even with her jester makeup on, it was clear to see that she was a stunning girl. She had long dark hair styled in two low buns, striking blue eyes, and delicate features that gave her a subtly curvy figure. Standing next to her brothers, it was evident that they were all related, except for their eye color.
Mel looked around the penthouse, her brow furrowed. “They can’t see inside this place?” she asked, gesturing to the expansive windows that overlooked the city.
“Nope,” Hael replied, glancing over at Kinks before continuing. “The glass is reinforced and one-way. We control the feed up here, and with enough effort, we can loop a few cameras. But that takes a lot more finesse, and right about now, they’re tightening up security since I had to loop a few feeds just so they wouldn’t know where you all went.”
“But people saw us,” Hayven pointed out, the tension in her voice clear.
“The Cannibals won’t talk,” Ciaran said, his tone firm. “And they don’t wear bodycams. Think of them as private contractors. They play at all sorts of locations.”
“Excuse me, body cams?” Lana shifted, her gaze flicking between everyone in the room.
Laughter rippled through the room, and it was Brody who spoke up. "All mid-level players have their secrets. Do you know how much a successful kill shot is worth? And what about when one of the girls in here sleeps with a hunter or executioner? Sometimes more than one?"
"That sounds like something from a torture porn," Mel commented, her voice dripping with disdain.
Kinks laughed and turned to Rafe with a mischievous grin. "Isn't that what I always say?"