Second Debt (Indebted #3)(17)

“Why you—” Cut grabbed a handful of Nila’s long black hair, jerking her from my grip. “I’ll make you pay for—”

“Gentlemen, surely there are more interesting things to be done than tormenting the poor little Weaver Whore?” Kestrel inched closer; his ability to guard his emotions and true feelings were a gift. He glowered in my direction, warning me not to move, to obey his unspoken help.

And like so many times in our past, I listened. I forced my heartbeat to regulate and latch onto the projection of calmness he oozed.

Nila hung in Cut’s grip. Her tiptoes kept her balanced, but her face screwed up in obvious pain. Despite her agony, she didn’t look away from my father’s challenge or cry out.

Kestrel sidled up to them. “Father, we have a shipment arriving today and one of the brothers said a rival MC plans to ambush us. Save your wrath for those who deserve it. Not a guest who will be here for a long time to come.”

My heart raced. My fists locked.

I closed my eyes so I wouldn’t have to see my father holding my woman so possessively.

A moment ticked past. Sometimes Kestrel’s reasoning worked. Sometimes it didn’t. And if it didn’t, it only made Cut worse—making him feel manipulated and eager to prove dominance over his sons.

The room held its breath; the air hovered stagnant and poised.

Then Cut let Nila go, rubbing his hands as if he’d touched something foul. “Next time you address me, my dear, make sure it’s with respect, otherwise I won’t be so lenient.”

“That goes for me, too, Nila,” Daniel said. “Don’t forget we own your life; best to treat us like gods if you wish to survive longer.”

Striding forward, I looped a fist in Nila’s long hair, tugging her firmly but not cruelly, reminding her that as long as she obeyed me, she would be safe from other Hawks.

Don’t you see I’m bad, but I’m not the worst?

“I’ll remember,” Nila snapped, moving backward until her shoulder brushed my bicep. That small point of contact sent tendrils of heat licking through my blood.

Kes grinned, hiding the fact that he’d just controlled the situation. “So, are we going to just stand around glaring at each other or what?” He moved forward, nudging me out of the way and slinging an arm over Nila’s shoulders.

She sucked in a breath but didn’t fight his guidance as he moved her away from me. He pecked her on the cheek and whispered something into her ear.

My jaw clenched as she willingly went with him, drifting away.

I hated their bond. The bond I’d made happen by letting her believe Kite was Kes.

She hated me for what she’d seen at the cemetery. Therefore, she should hate my brother, too. He wasn’t innocent. Not by a long shot.

I took a step forward, intending to steal back what was mine. But I stopped as Kes squeezed her and laughed at something he’d said. She didn’t respond. Just like she’d shut down around me, she tolerated Kes’s touching. But the moment his hold loosened, she ducked from his arm and placed distance between them.

Her attention was divided between the men surrounding her, but mainly, it was turned inward, barely acknowledging her predicament of being in a room full of Hawks.

What had she done? And how did she turn off so successfully? I wanted to know her trick. So I could do it.

Kes beamed, gathering Nila’s willowy frame and tucking her firmly against him again as if she’d never left. Raising his voice, he asked, “Where’s the party? And when does it start?”

Cut scowled, pouring himself another finger of cognac. “You always were too jovial, Kestrel. Tone it down. You’re getting on my nerves.”

Kes’s gaze met mine for a second.

“Don’t want to be on Daddy’s nerves now, do you?” Daniel cackled. His attention never left Nila as Kes manhandled her to a black couch and sat down.

Her dark eyes flickered between me and my family—never locking onto one of us for long, hiding her thoughts.

“Enough, Daniel.” Waving his now empty glass, Cut added, “Retrieve the box.”

Daniel shook his head, inching toward Nila. “In a moment, Pop.”

Nila sat up straight, her nostrils flaring in fear and repulsion as Dan squatted before her. “Hello, pretty Weaver. Just say the word and I’ll steal you from my brother. I’m sure you’re bored of him by now.” He placed a hand on her knee, gathering the material of her skirt. “I’m the one you want, admit it.”

I couldn’t stand by and tolerate this bullshit.

“Fuck off, Dan.” I prowled forward, fists clenched. I wanted to throw him across the room. With every step I took, I was exceedingly aware of Cut watching me.

My father said, “Jet, don’t interfere.”

It took everything to obey, but I ceased and stood still.

Nila didn’t flinch, nor look in my direction. Her lips curled in distaste. “Stop touching me, you arsehole.” Her voice was just a whisper, but it echoed dangerously in the room. “I’m not yours to toy with so do me a favour and leave.”

My mouth twitched.

The atmosphere thickened, fizzing with intensity like a fuse on a bomb.

“I rather like touching you.” Daniel’s fingers tightened.

I stomped forward, unable to stop myself. “Hands off, Dan.” Don’t show too much. I squeezed my eyes for a second, trying to find some sanity amongst the animosity between us. “She’s mine.”