Shadowman (Alabaster Penitentiary Book 5), page 48
“I’m sorry, mate,” I offer. “I didn’t mean to abandon you when you needed me the most…”
“But you did,” Trevel scoffs quietly. “You always do.”
“Hey, now. That’s not exactly fair,” I mumble. “I’m never really gone, you know that—”
“Doesn’t matter,” he grunts. “Byron and I have been getting on just fine without you.”
He shows me a sneering smirk, and I roll my eyes. “Right. And once again, I’ve arrived just in time to save you from yourself.” Trevel appears put-out, but I continue. “Do you really think this bloke can handle you? Do you think he’ll stay once he finds out what you are—”
“I don’t want to hear it right now,” he whisper-barks to cut me off. “Just do what you do best and help me get my revenge. That is all that matters right now.”
I simmer inside while watching Byron Kang stomping along with purpose. I wonder how much he truly wants this revenge for himself… Or if it’s evolved into something else, the same way I’m sure it has for Trevel.
We sneak into the enclosed garden, following a long stone walkway that leads through the vast space. It’s quite beautiful in here—dark and dreary, but fascinating, nonetheless. Old-world, almost gothic design, with an ambiance that shifts from elegance to evil rather effortlessly.
A secret garden of tainted reverie.
We cross a stone bridge over a contained pond, with what looks to be an aviary off in the distance. Broken bird cages and statues.
“This place is… creepy,” Byron mutters, at the same time that I hum, “Stunning.”
The path leads us to something of a courtyard, and then an atrium, complete with furniture, a grill, a bar, all surrounded by flora and fauna. The ceilings seem miles-high, and the rain pattering on the skylights drowns out our footsteps.
Eventually, we reach a doorway that brings us inside the mansion. As we walk nimbly through a foyer that leads past a study, then a kitchen, it’s difficult to stay focused, even for me. This mansion is a marvelous monstrosity. The architecture, the opulent decor shrouded in darkness… It’s the kind of place you read about in storybooks.
“Power must be out,” Byron whispers, then comes to a fast stop, huddling us behind a corner at the sound of footsteps and voices.
Peering around it, we watch Dr. Love and Felix Darcey padding their way, hand in hand, across a floor of checkered tile, over to a giant marble staircase. Once they’re out of sight, Byron checks that the coast is clear before following them. Stalking.
“He’s good at this,” I tell Trevel, who purses his lips to disguise a prideful grin.
We climb the stairs quickly, keeping our steps as lithe as mice. I feel Trevel’s zeal, the adrenaline coursing through his veins at being able to do this again. Stalking with a purpose. But he also seems elated at the notion of stalking with a partner, visibly buoyant as he sticks close to Byron.
They both have a few leaves in their hair, traces of dirt on their clothes and exposed skin. Of course, I know what they were doing before I showed up. What they’ve been doing pretty much since we arrived on this island…
“I hope you know what you’re doing with this Raphael…” I say, not wanting to sound like a parent, but then… If the shoe fits.
He glares at me and mouths, “Enough.”
I lift my hands, conceding. “Fine fine. Who am I to rain on your parade? I’ve only been by your side since you were six…”
“So long as we’re playing by your rules, right??” he hisses.
Byron turns over his shoulder. “Huh?”
“Nothing,” he grunts.
I chuckle and shake my head.
We stop on the second floor, though the stairs continue up to a third. The corridor is long and dark, housing many doors. But there are voices coming from a room at the end. Following the noise, I believe it’s my turn to sneak ahead.
Spots of dimmed yellow are popping up as I creep to the doorway—they’re lighting candles. The room is spacious and elegant, with decor similar to the rest of the mansion; blood reds and black silk, erotic artwork giving even more of a seductive feel, especially with the flickering candlelight, rain and thunder outside the windows.
Inside, Dr. Love is removing his dress shirt, and Felix is emerging from the en suite in only his boxers and an oversized hooded sweatshirt that reads Johns Hopkins on the front. I turn to Trevel and nod him over.
“Stay close,” Byron commands on a breath.
He slips inside the room while they’re distracted, going for the en suite. With one slick, effortless movement, he’s in. I hate to keep admitting it, but damn… The bloke is very good.
Trevel and I scurry after him. As soon as we’re all inside the en suite, Byron leaves the door open a crack so we can hear them.
“What’s the plan?” he asks, confident but breathless with exhilaration, despite his strictly business demeanor.
“Tie them up,” I say.
“We wait until they’re… preoccupied,” Trevel whispers. “And then we grab them and tie them up.”
Byron nods, glancing around the room. “We’ll need something to tie them with… And maybe a weapon.”
They’re both searching for only about a minute. Byron removes the silk ropes used to tie back the crushed velvet curtains, while Trevel’s eyes set on what mine are seeing.
Ooh. Shiny.
At the large clawfoot tub, he picks up a straight razor from the side table. “You take Lemuel. I’ll take The Carver.”
He grins wickedly at Byron, who still doesn’t look happy. Does he ever? He seems invested, although I’m still not positive if it’s for his own sake, or the benefit of Trevel.
Would he really go along with this… all for Trevel?
Why?
The voices from the other room are rumbling laughter and light conversation. What you’d expect from two people who just got engaged, I suppose. Byron peers through the crack in the door. Whatever he sees prompts him to shoot Trevel a look over his shoulder.
“What are they doing?” Trevel steps forward.
Byron doesn’t speak. He just stares.
Based on that, and the audibly heavy breathing coming from the bedroom, I think it’s quite obvious what’s happening in there.
Trevel slowly steps closer to where Byron is blocking the doorway with his body. My head tilts. But rather than trying to catch a glimpse, Trevel simply grasps Byron by the jaw, planting a soft kiss on his lips.
Rolling my eyes, I busy myself with sharpening my swords, all the while casually peeking at them as their kissing intensifies and they paw at one another. Eyes closed, jaws straining, tongues fluttering. It’s deeply ravenous, with forced quiet keeping them in check. Like in the showers…
Anxiety overwhelms me. Not necessarily because I feel like I’m losing him… It’s not that. At least, I don’t think it is…
It’s just that I can feel their connection through Trevel. I don’t want to, but I can. That’s what he tends to forget. Whether or not I’ve been visible to him, I’m always there… Experiencing it all alongside him. And this connection with Byron is a hell of a lot stronger than it’s been with anyone else. The infatuation is there, yes, but it’s deeper still. Hungrier and more devil may care. I fear that if he’s not careful, he’ll give himself—and in turn, me—over to this lad. Fully, because Trevel doesn’t do half-measures.
And if Byron Kang can’t handle him, we’ll all wind up torn and tattered.
“I want to taste it,” Byron hums onto his lips. “Your sweet revenge. Show me, violet eyes.”
I’m surprised at his dedication. He’s so very close to diving off the deep end blindfolded, and it’s rather astonishing. I suppose it’s possible he could be the warrior Trevel’s been searching for. The one person truly strong enough to handle Trevel Fenwick…
Though it’s still a gamble I’m afraid to see him make.
“Partners in crime?” Trevel grins, and I’m stunned again when Byron chuckles.
That seems pretty rare. Sort of special, I think.
“Like Bonnie and Clyde,” he hums.
“Mmm… I’ll be your Clyde Barrow, baby,” Trevel beams. “You are my prison wife, after all.”
Byron shoves him playfully.
They give one another a final lingering look, and a kiss that’s too bright for the shadows.
Trevel peeks at me, and I wink. “It’s showtime.”
Look at these two…
Lemuel and Felix are in bed, wrapped up in one another. Kissing and rubbing their dicks together like two randy sluts.
See, if they weren’t so busy fingering each other, maybe they would’ve noticed that there are actual intruders in their bedroom. Watching them and waiting to make our move.
But of course, they don’t notice. Because they’re in love… And engaged, apparently. Bleh.
“Focus,” Leo whispers, and I snap out of it. Focusing instead on Byron.
He’s… incredible. My shadowman, lingering in the darkness, stalking his prey. Like a predator who takes dick extremely well.
I bite my lip, containing my breaths and keeping still. I’ve always enjoyed stalking, but Byron is a pro. For someone so vibrant, he sure is able to blend into the background effortlessly. I admire that.
I also resent the rest of the world for not seeing him the way they should. The way he deserves to be seen.
Oh well. Fuck ’em. More Byron Kang for me.
Just as Lemuel is lifting the shirt over Felix’s head, Byron lunges, stealthy like a jaguar. He hooks a fast arm around Dr. Love’s neck, yanking him backward with force.
While they’re struggling on the floor, I make my move, going for Felix Darcey. Jumping on top of him, I pin him to the bed, immediately holding the blade of the razor up to his throat.
“Easy now, sweetheart,” I rumble with a grin. “Wouldn’t want you getting carved, now would we?”
I hear Byron fighting Lemuel behind me, but I don’t dare take my eyes off of Felix. The fear in his irises gives me life. Gray storm clouds of worry behind his preppy glasses that melt into rage in seconds flat.
“If you hurt him, I swear to God…” he snarls, tone calm, body still. Hell, his heart rate is barely accelerated.
It is truly frightening. I love it.
My grin widens. “What? What do you swear to God…?”
Felix arches up, pushing his throat harder into the blade. “You’ll spend every waking moment of the rest of your life wishing I’d had the mercy to kill you quick.”
My tongue slides over my lower lip. “Such an adorable bloodthirsty monster.”
Grabbing him, I haul him up quickly, turning us both. I stand behind him, sealing his back to my chest, with the razor pressed firmly above his carotid artery.
“Lemuel,” I sing his name, loud enough to get his attention.
Dr. Love freezes from the floor, where he was fighting against Byron, eyes widening in sheer dread.
“Don’t fucking move,” I hiss at him. “Or you’ll get to watch your fiancé bleed out.”
I can see him weighing his options, the wheels of his mind turning while giving away very little emotion. He’s extra smart; we know this. Calculating enough to read every situation and play out the angles that’ll get him what he wants. But I see it… His fear, his anger, his helplessness.
It’s bloody intoxicating.
“Right,” Dr. Love breathes out as Byron stands him up slowly, twisting his arms forcefully behind his back. His chest is heaving, eyes locked, not on mine, but on Felix fucking Darcey’s. “Whatever you say, just… don’t hurt him.”
My jaw strains while I watch them, staring at one another. Communicating without words. But then I glance behind him, at Byron.
“Hold still, Doc,” Byron whispers in his ear, winking at me.
My stomach flips, a distinct flutter in my chest.
God, he’s sexy.
We’re just as connected as those wankers. I think maybe… he’s my grumpy counterpart.
When Byron begins tying Dr. Love’s arms behind his back with the silk rope, Felix squirms in panic. “No, no… Please,” he gasps. “Don’t do that—”
“Baby, look at me,” Lemuel says in a hushed, comforting tone. “I’m alright. Everything will be fine.”
“Wouldn’t bank on it,” Leo scoffs while poking around in their things.
“I wouldn’t bank on it,” I sneer at them.
“Why are you doing this??” Felix barks.
“I refuse to believe this prissy little twit killed thirty-something people…” Leo mutters.
“I’m sure your doctor is well aware of why this is happening,” I grunt at Felix. “But if you’d like an explanation, I’ll give you one word… Retribution.”
Byron has Lemuel’s wrists bound behind his back. Our eyes lock, and I purse my lips.
“Use his belt,” Leo says. My eyes fall to Lemuel’s waist.
“Raph,” I hum. “His belt.”
Byron looks like he wants to smirk, but is keeping himself professional—I sort of love how he acts like this is a job. He removes the belt while I slowly bring Felix back to the bed.
“Trevel, listen to me,” Lemuel rumbles, robot-mode barely breaking. “You don’t have to do this. Whatever you think is—”
“Shut up,” I bark, glaring at him. “Not another word.”
Byron brings me the belt, and I hold Felix down while he straps his neck to the wrought iron bedpost.
“Make sure it’s nice and tight,” I tell him, grinning wickedly at Lemuel.
“Trust me, I want this to hurt,” Byron seethes, his wrathful gaze on Felix Darcey as he tugs the belt, digging it into Felix’s throat.
“Ooh, I like his angry side,” Leo beams.
I use the razor to keep them both at our mercy while Byron ties Felix’s hands and feet. Once he’s done, he stands posted beside Lemuel with his arms folded over his chest. Relaxed, fearless… Hot as fuck.
My warrior.
Pacing slowly in between them all, I address our hostages. “You see, you brought this on yourself, Lemuel. All you had to do was admit what you’d done. Show even the tiniest bit of empathy for someone other than yourself and your bloody monster… But no. You’ve proven that you’re a snake, and you can’t be trusted. Now, I’m not afraid of snakes. How about you, Byron?”
I glance up at him, and he shakes his head slowly. “Not even a little.”
“What about sociopaths with a murder kink…” Felix croaks.
I chuckle. “There’s nothing you can do to get out of this, muffin. We’re all too ready to find out just how weak the two of you truly are when you’re on your own.”
The look Lemuel is giving me is titillating, I won’t lie. Burning flames of amber blazing at me to betray his stone-cold outer shell.
I’m getting to him.
This is perfect.
Spinning, I stride up to Byron, taking his jaw in my hands. His eyes widen a bit, shifting to the others in the room. It reminds me that he’s never really done this before—a public display of affection with a guy. Or maybe anyone… Either way, it’s adorable.
“You stay here,” I hum, swiping my thumb over his lower lip. “Keep an eye on our toy.”
He looks like he wants to ask me questions, but I kiss him before he can, effectively short-circuiting his brain. I’m weightless myself.
I will never get over how amazing it feels to kiss him…
“Don’t take too long,” Byron breathes.
“The lad is smitten,” Leo huffs. “Unbelievable.”
I shoot him a look, kissing Byron once more. “Don’t start without me.”
Releasing him, I go for Lemuel, yanking him along, razor at his throat now.
“Wait, no… Please,” Felix begs, but I’m not listening.
I’m too busy admiring the flush on Byron’s face, and the twinkle in his deep brown eyes.
“I’ll be back for you, baby, I promise,” Lemuel says to Felix as I haul him away.
“Lemuel! I—”
Byron backhands Felix, effectively shutting him up while I laugh, shoving a snarling Dr. Love through the door and into the hall.
Dr. Love is surprisingly cooperative, allowing me to drag him along, out of the mansion. Unsurprisingly, though, he doesn’t utter a word.
I would assume because he’s smart, he figured out almost instantly that we’re heading for the prison. But once it becomes visible up ahead, through the swaying trees and sideways rain, he pumps on the brakes and finally decides to open his fucking mouth.
“Trevel,” he utters my name, and even that manages to annoy me.
“What?”
“I just have to tell you that if you harm Felix in any way, I’ll kill you,” he says calmly. “I promise you that.”
“Right,” I huff. “Is that a promise, then… Doctor?”
“Yes. It is.”
My blood instantly boils over. I was hoping to at least keep my cool until we got into the prison, but no such luck.
Stopping short, I hold the razor up to his throat, to the jagged skin of scars I’ve spent hours upon hours wondering about over the last three years.
“And what would you know about a promise, hm??” I snarl. “You’re the least trustworthy bastard I’ve ever met! And that’s saying something, by the way…”
“Look, I know you’re pissed.” He does that doctor thing; dripping with condescension that makes me feel crazy… When we all know he’s a fucking nutter himself! “You have every right to be. I understand why you’re so upset—”
“Oh, do you?!” I bark, getting up close. “Do you understand, Lemuel?? Then why don’t you fucking elaborate for me. Why am I so upset with you?”
“Because I left you,” he replies, blinking rain away from his eyes. “Because I used you to get back here.”
I scoff, shaking my head. Fury is making my blood burn like acid. “You’re unbelievable.” He gives me one of his inquisitive looks, and my teeth grind. “Three years, Doctor… Three goddamn bloody years! And you threw it away like it was nothing! Tossed me aside like garbage to come here and fall in love with a guy?!”
Dr. Love’s gaze shifts. His eyes actually widen, expression falling ever so slightly. I should probably stop, but I’m already wound up to full tightness.
