Fractured Sky (Tattered & Torn #5)(85)

August joined in his laughter. “Ol’ Doc Adams was at the end of his rope with his wife leaving him and taking the kids.”

“Ripe to believe in evil women who can ruin your life.” Howard’s eyes narrowed in my direction. “And I know all about that. I was a comfort and a listening ear. I’d felt the level of betrayal that comes with trying to help someone and having them turn on you.”

Help. My stomach roiled. He truly believed that, and nothing anyone said could convince him otherwise. And my challenging it would only bring pain.

“You faked your death.”

August clapped his hands, rubbing them together. “It really was brilliant. Doc helps fake the seizure. One bribe of a mortuary employee later, and you’ve got yourself an escape.”

“I had to be in that damn body bag for hours, though.” Anger lit across Howard’s features as his head swiveled in my direction. “That’s on you, too. You’ll pay for everything you’ve put me through. But by the time I’m done with you, you’ll be the perfect wife for my son—minding your place, appreciating all we’ve done for you.”

August’s mouth twisted into a feral smile. “I’ll be helping with that training, too. And we’re gonna get started real soon.”

A wave of dizziness swept over me, nausea intensifying with it. “I don’t feel very well. I think the drugs you gave me messed with my system.”

August snorted. “Don’t try your manipulations on us.”

Howard took a step forward, his eyes glinting in the afternoon sun. “You trying to twist us into pitying you? Attempting to use your weak, womanly status to make us feel bad for you?”

I didn’t retreat, no matter how much I wanted to. I forced myself to stand firm. The rage pumping through me at his words helped. The last thing I would ever be was weak. But the only chance I had now was to outthink these two. To find an opening and run like hell. I’d have to wait until one of them left. I had no hope of getting free when it was two on one.

“I’m just telling you the truth. I’m shaky and dizzy.”

Howard studied me more intently. “She does look a little pale.”

August scoffed.

“Get her some juice from the fridge,” Howard ordered.

August’s jaw tightened. “You do it.”

Howard’s eyes narrowed on him. “This is my deal.”

“But I’m not your servant.”

“You work for me. I gave you that cash to get on your feet.”

“And I’ve more than paid you back.”

That anger was back in Howard’s eyes, but it was no longer pointed at me. “You screwed up getting her the first time. Almost got caught.”

A muscle in August’s cheek fluttered wildly. “She kneed me in the fuckin’ balls.” His head snapped in my direction. “You’ll pay for that, too.”

Shock rocked through me at the knowledge that August had been the one to grab me outside the Bar & Grill. I couldn’t help the shudder that followed. He could’ve taken me then and locked me in this cabin weeks ago. There would’ve been no stolen moments with Ramsey and all the firsts I got with him.

August turned back to Howard. “I got the letters to her. Hell, I found someone to take photos of her for years for you.”

I stiffened. Photos? Seemed they’d been watching for who knew how long, infiltrating my life when I thought I was safe.

The tension in Howard eased a fraction. “The photos were good. You’re right. You’ve helped more than a little.”

“Damn straight.”

Howard squeezed August’s shoulder. “Will you please get some juice for Shiloh? I want to talk to her.”

August’s jaw was still tight, but he nodded. “Yeah, whatever.”

The tension between the two was something I needed to use to my advantage. If I could sow more seeds of discontent, maybe one of them would bail. The thing I couldn’t figure out was who would be worse to be alone with. The worst-case scenarios with each were vastly different.

I pressed my hands harder against the logs of the wall. Panic gripped me, and dark spots danced in my vision.

Breathe. Focus on one thing.

Ramsey’s face flashed in my mind again. Those eyes were my touchstone. Dark like an endless night sky. But I knew sparks would come—pinpricks of light when he laughed. Or when we lost ourselves in each other. I wouldn’t lose him. I wouldn’t lose our everything.

“Shiloh?”

Howard’s voice brought me back to the here and now, and I scooted away as he inched closer.

That tiny movement was a mistake. Rage filled his expression. “Don’t you dare move away from me.”

I froze. “I think I might throw up. I didn’t want to do it on you.”

“Liar. I can sense your lies when they fly from your mouth.”

I shook my head vigorously, the movement making my head pound. “I’m not lying. When I’m sick, I don’t like for anyone to touch me.”

Howard’s face turned a mottled red. “No one should be touching you. No one but me and Ian. But I saw those photos. You let that heathen put his hands on you. His mouth.”

Everything in me twisted, my stomach spasming. “I love him.”