Final Debt (Indebted #6)(53)

With a smile, he patted me on the head. “Keep your eyes open. Nila agreed to do a certain something for me back at Hawksridge. It’s time to see if she’ll obey.” Leaning closer, he whispered so Nila wouldn’t hear. “If she does it, it will rip out your f*cking heart but she’ll remain intact. If she doesn’t, she’ll be loyal to you but will pay the price with pain.”

Taking a step back, he grinned. “Let’s see what she chooses, shall we?”

I looked directly at Nila. How could I tell her to behave and do whatever Cut asked? How could I tell her to choose between two horrendous things?

Her eyes widened, confusion settling on her face from my scattered questions.

Trying to calm down, I did my best to silently share a message. Do what he asks.

She flinched. Never.

Please.

Don’t ask me to do that.

Her emotions waked around the space, tainting the walls and air. I couldn’t turn my condition off, and I wouldn’t survive feeling Nila’s agony.

My muscles bunched as I struggled harder. I choked on saliva, sucking on the disgusting gag.

Cut placed himself in front of Nila with his back facing me.

I couldn't see.

I can’t see.

I strained to the side, seeking a better vantage, but I couldn’t see around Cut’s large frame.

“Now, you’ve heard the history, so let’s focus on the present.” Cut’s voice echoed in the cave. “But first, you owe me from the dice throw in Hawksridge. I won’t tell you what you’ll avoid if you obey, but I will tell you if you don’t, worse pain than you’ve endured so far will be delivered.”

His hand landed on her cheek, brushing aside glossy black hair. I hated his hands on her. I hated I couldn’t see Nila’s reaction or read her face. I hated, hated, hated he’d already stolen so much from her—her long hair, her happiness…her smile.

She looked nothing like the young seamstress from the runway show nor any hint of the sexy, shy nun in her first text messages.

Together, my father and I had stripped her of everything she’d been and created this new creature. A creature being led to the slaughter.

No!

I growled.

Cut looked over his shoulder, rolling his eyes. “A growl? That’s all you have to say?” His gaze landed on the duct tape over my mouth. “Like I said, Jet. Save your energy. All you need to do is watch.”

I’ll f*cking watch.

I’ll watch wolves tear apart your carcass.

I’ll watch demons suck your soul into hell.

My breathing crescendoed until my ribs creaked and my head swam.

Nila trembled in place. Her emotions stuttered, fading a little as she locked down internally. I’d felt it happen to many people. When stress overloaded the system, a human’s natural response was to go quiet. To focus. To numb. To delete every distraction.

I’m here with you, Nila.

I’m with you every step.

Nila’s voice was a blade as she replied, “If I refuse, will you hurt Jethro?”

“No, my son isn’t going to participate in this next part.”

She sniffed. “In that case, you can’t inflict worse pain than I’ve already endured. The day you shot him and I believed he was dead is the worst you can ever do.” Her tone strengthened until it shone with steel. “So do your worst, Cut Hawk, because I can survive you.”

Cut didn’t reply, but his hand lashed out to wrap around her waist. “We’ll see about that.” Jerking her elbow, he spun her around to face away from him. “If that’s how you want to play this.” Letting her go, he pulled out a switchblade from his back pocket.

My heart splattered into my toes.

Stop!

I growled and struggled, but it was no use.

Shit!

Maybe I was wrong. Maybe the Fourth Debt would still include slicing off a limb or appendage. I had to stop him!

Don’t!

Don’t f*cking touch her!

With a flick of his wrist, Cut sliced through the rope around Nila’s wrists and spun her around to face him again.

The relief at no blood being drawn layered my shoulders with heavy relief. I slouched, breathing hard, fighting through the thump-thump of my headache.

Thank f*ck.

Tucking the knife back into his pocket, he smiled. “Now you’ve had time to think about your lies, Nila, let’s try again. Where is Daniel?”

Black hair flicked as she shook her head. “I’ve already told you. I don’t know.”

“You do know.”

“I don’t.”

Cut gathered her close, wedging her body against his. “When I find out the truth, you’ll understand I can deliver pain outside of the original debts to be claimed.” He ran a hand over her chin. “If I find out you’ve hurt or somehow killed my youngest, you’ll wish to God you died in the car crash today.”

Pacing away, he gathered his temper. His boots scuffed the earthen floor.

My eyes immediately latched with Nila’s. Now Cut’s body didn’t block hers, I shot as much love and pride that I could.

I’m so f*cking in love with you.

She smiled sadly. I know.

We’ll get through this.

Her body folded with depression. Her eyes didn’t return a response.