Rook POV
Kade barely acknowledges it, he simply picks up another spike.
The fifth one goes in just as smoothly, and by the time he presses the final spike under the last fingernail, the guy is barely even screaming anymore.
His throat is shredded, his sobs ragged, his body completely limp except for the occasional twitch of his fingers.
Kade steps back slightly, inspecting his work, the six wooden spikes now buried deep under the guy’s nails. The man is barely making noise anymore, his throat shredded from screaming, his body trembling violently. His fingers twitch involuntarily, his mind and nerves still trying to process the agony.
Kade watches him for a moment before exhaling slowly. He rolls his shoulders like this is just another task to check off a list. Then, with that same cold detachment, he mutters,
“Now let’s see how deep that burns.”
I feel something twist in my gut, not because I pity the guy. He deserved this, maybe even
Kade POVA nudge pulls me from sleep, and I groan, barely registering the fingers trailing down my spine. When they stroke lower, I thrash slightly, trying to shake them off.“Rook, behave,” I grumble, voice still thick with sleep.Instead of listening, he climbs onto me, his chest pressing against my back, his warmth seeping into my skin. “No can do,” he mutters. “Time to wake up. You slept through the whole damn day, it’s nearly dinner.”“Shit.” I slept that long? I try to push up, but he shoves me back down, pinning me.“I’m bored,” he mumbles against my neck, his teeth scraping before he bites.Sighing, I try again to roll over, but he keeps me pinned. “Then go play with yourself. I slept in,” I mutter.His fingers trace slow, teasing lines down my sides, sending a shudder through me.“I’d much rather play with you,” he whispers.“Of course you would. For fuck’s sake, Rook, I’ve barely even got my ey
Kade POVI tilt my head back into him instinctively, surrendering just enough for him to notice, because beneath the bickering and banter, lies an undeniable connection that binds us tighter than any words could capture.His hold on me tightens, and I push back more, my ass rubbing against his cock. Groaning, he bites at my neck, his hips bucking.“You realise all that time you spent bickering and refusing could have been spent in pleasure, right had you just accepted you were going to give in sooner?”I groan and nod. “I didn’t plan to give in, you wore me down. Now shut up and fuck me,” I mumble.“You don’t need to tell me twice,” he whispers and I feel his cock pushing against my ass. The sensation of him pushing in slightly has me groan. I squirm beneath him, trying to force him to do it quicker, but he remains slow.“Rook,” I warn, my voice low and needy. His name is a plea on my lips, a desperate call for him to quicken his pace.
Kade POVI’m late, and I can’t afford to stay in bed with Rook any longer. “I need to move,” I murmur, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before slipping out of bed and heading straight for the shower. I hear him moving around the room, and moments later, he joins me.“When I said I’m late, I meant I need to get going,” I say, turning to face him.Rook just shrugs like it’s nothing. “You’re fine. My dad said he’d keep things moving and let you sleep.” His gaze locks onto mine, waiting for me to argue. “So slow the hell down and actually spend time with me. Or is this just going to be a case of you fucking me and running off after like always?”I tilt my head, frowning. “You know that’s bullshit.” The words come out firm, meant to be the truth, but even I know there’s some weight to what he’s saying. More often than not, I barely stick around for five minutes after.Rook leans into me, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. “So, what’s
Kade POVRook smirks as he flips another pancake onto the growing stack. “You look like you’re plotting something.”I set my coffee down, crossing my arms. “Yeah, I’m thinking about throwing you out of your own damn house.”He bursts out laughing, and it's loud, like I just told the best joke he’s ever heard. He tilts his head, still grinning. “You think that would stop me?”I arch a brow. “Pretty sure it would.”He scoffs. “Kade, come on. I know this place better than you do. There are secret ways in. I could be in here before you even realize it. You’d go to bed thinking you’re safe, and then…” He leans in slightly, lowering his voice. “Bam. There I am, watching you and waiting.”I stare at him. “You do realize how creepy that sounds, right?”Rook shrugs, completely unbothered. “Yeah, but that just makes it better.”I shake my head, picking up a pancake from the plate and taking a bite straight from it. “You really don’t have
Kade POVThe bass from the music vibrates through the floor beneath my feet, the heat of so many bodies pressing into me from every direction. The club is electric, alive with the high that comes after a championship win. Most of the noise is coming from people who are shouting, then there's drinks getting spilt, as I walk through hands grab at me, pulling me deeper into the chaos.I should be celebrating. I should be drunk off my ass, soaking up the attention, riding this high for as long as it lasts, but instead, I can’t stop looking up. Sure I'm drunk, but not enough, yet.“Mercer!”A hard slap lands between my shoulder blades, making me stumble forward. Turning, I see Tyler grinning at me, his blond hair damp with sweat, his eyes already glazed over from too many shots. He's wasted already.“Come on, man! We fucking won! You should be wasted by now,” he shouts over the music, shaking his drink at me like I’m supposed to grab it.Forcing a smirk, I look at him. “I’m working on it
Kade POVHis hand presses firmer against my thigh. “How do you usually celebrate a win, Mercer?”I swallow, my throat feels dry, which is impossible considering how much I've drank. I push down the nerves and respond anyway. “That depends.”“On?”My gaze flickers up and I focus on him. “On how far you’re willing to take it.” My shoulder shrugs slightly, purely to try and make it seem like I'm indifferent right now when I'm not.Darren watches me for a long moment, then exhales slowly. He leans back, his hand moves off my leg and I watch as he reaches into his jacket pocket. A second later, he presses a key card into my hand.“Room 714,” he says. “Give me five minutes.”My eyes go down, and I stare at the card, my skin tingles where his fingers brush against mine. I don't say anything else, I just stand and leave while clutching the card.The night air is sharp as I step out of the club, but it does nothing to clear my head. I move quickly, weaving through the crowd outside, gripping t
Kade POVI don't know why I'm hesitating, I came here because I wanted this. Pushing away the doubts, I reach up, grabbing the back of his neck and dragging him down until our mouths meet, and the second my lips crash against his, Darren takes control, his hand fists into my shirt. He yanks me closer, his body heat pressing into mine. The whiskey on his breath mixes with mine, and the taste of it is sharp between us. I expect him to ease into it, to test the waters, but he doesn’t, he isn't waiting around for any other sign of confirmation, he has everything he wants.He devours me. His teeth scrape my bottom lip, tugging just enough to make my breath stutter my body reacts instantly and his tongue flicks against mine, demanding more and consuming me.I don’t hesitate, I meet him with the same intensity. My body pushes his back against the bar while my hands grip the front of his shirt, dragging him closer to me.Darren exhales a quiet chuckle against my mouth, like he’s amused by my
Kade POVI'm too drunk to move quickly and blood is rushing in my ears, my body still too wired to process the shift from pleasure to panic.“What the hell are you doing here?” My voice is hoarse and breathless, and I hate how wrecked I sound right now.Nikolai tilts his head, pocketing his phone with an infuriating ease. “Just checking in on one of our rising stars.”“Checking in,” Darren repeats, voice sharp. “By breaking into my fucking hotel room?”Finally, Nikolai looks at Darren and whatever Darren sees in that looks has him falter, his expression goes from angry to worried. My mind finally forces me to move, and I yank the sheet up around my waist as I try to push up on my elbows, the room spins slightly, and my pulse is still hammering in my ears. The panic is clawing it's way through my skull now that the reality of this entire situation is hitting full force. What the fuck have I done? This isn't just bad, this is career-ending. "You don't want to do this," I say, trying
Kade POVRook smirks as he flips another pancake onto the growing stack. “You look like you’re plotting something.”I set my coffee down, crossing my arms. “Yeah, I’m thinking about throwing you out of your own damn house.”He bursts out laughing, and it's loud, like I just told the best joke he’s ever heard. He tilts his head, still grinning. “You think that would stop me?”I arch a brow. “Pretty sure it would.”He scoffs. “Kade, come on. I know this place better than you do. There are secret ways in. I could be in here before you even realize it. You’d go to bed thinking you’re safe, and then…” He leans in slightly, lowering his voice. “Bam. There I am, watching you and waiting.”I stare at him. “You do realize how creepy that sounds, right?”Rook shrugs, completely unbothered. “Yeah, but that just makes it better.”I shake my head, picking up a pancake from the plate and taking a bite straight from it. “You really don’t have
Kade POVI’m late, and I can’t afford to stay in bed with Rook any longer. “I need to move,” I murmur, pressing a quick kiss to his lips before slipping out of bed and heading straight for the shower. I hear him moving around the room, and moments later, he joins me.“When I said I’m late, I meant I need to get going,” I say, turning to face him.Rook just shrugs like it’s nothing. “You’re fine. My dad said he’d keep things moving and let you sleep.” His gaze locks onto mine, waiting for me to argue. “So slow the hell down and actually spend time with me. Or is this just going to be a case of you fucking me and running off after like always?”I tilt my head, frowning. “You know that’s bullshit.” The words come out firm, meant to be the truth, but even I know there’s some weight to what he’s saying. More often than not, I barely stick around for five minutes after.Rook leans into me, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. “So, what’s
Kade POVI tilt my head back into him instinctively, surrendering just enough for him to notice, because beneath the bickering and banter, lies an undeniable connection that binds us tighter than any words could capture.His hold on me tightens, and I push back more, my ass rubbing against his cock. Groaning, he bites at my neck, his hips bucking.“You realise all that time you spent bickering and refusing could have been spent in pleasure, right had you just accepted you were going to give in sooner?”I groan and nod. “I didn’t plan to give in, you wore me down. Now shut up and fuck me,” I mumble.“You don’t need to tell me twice,” he whispers and I feel his cock pushing against my ass. The sensation of him pushing in slightly has me groan. I squirm beneath him, trying to force him to do it quicker, but he remains slow.“Rook,” I warn, my voice low and needy. His name is a plea on my lips, a desperate call for him to quicken his pace.
Kade POVA nudge pulls me from sleep, and I groan, barely registering the fingers trailing down my spine. When they stroke lower, I thrash slightly, trying to shake them off.“Rook, behave,” I grumble, voice still thick with sleep.Instead of listening, he climbs onto me, his chest pressing against my back, his warmth seeping into my skin. “No can do,” he mutters. “Time to wake up. You slept through the whole damn day, it’s nearly dinner.”“Shit.” I slept that long? I try to push up, but he shoves me back down, pinning me.“I’m bored,” he mumbles against my neck, his teeth scraping before he bites.Sighing, I try again to roll over, but he keeps me pinned. “Then go play with yourself. I slept in,” I mutter.His fingers trace slow, teasing lines down my sides, sending a shudder through me.“I’d much rather play with you,” he whispers.“Of course you would. For fuck’s sake, Rook, I’ve barely even got my ey
Rook POVKade barely acknowledges it, he simply picks up another spike.The fifth one goes in just as smoothly, and by the time he presses the final spike under the last fingernail, the guy is barely even screaming anymore.His throat is shredded, his sobs ragged, his body completely limp except for the occasional twitch of his fingers.Kade steps back slightly, inspecting his work, the six wooden spikes now buried deep under the guy’s nails. The man is barely making noise anymore, his throat shredded from screaming, his body trembling violently. His fingers twitch involuntarily, his mind and nerves still trying to process the agony.Kade watches him for a moment before exhaling slowly. He rolls his shoulders like this is just another task to check off a list. Then, with that same cold detachment, he mutters,“Now let’s see how deep that burns.”I feel something twist in my gut, not because I pity the guy. He deserved this, maybe even
Rook POVThe guy in the chair watches Kade, and I can still see some of that smug confidence lingering, like he actually thinks the rules are going to protect him from what’s coming.Then, the call connects.My dad answers. “Yeah?”Kade doesn’t hesitate. “Got an issue,” he mutters, his tone calm. “This guy here seems to think I need your permission to touch him just because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut.”There’s a brief pause before my dad sighs. “Who?”Kade doesn’t respond immediately. Instead, he shifts in his chair, turns the phone, and tilts the screen so my father can see the guy’s face.My dad studies him for a moment before letting out a sharp breath. “Jesus Christ,” he mutters. “How the hell did you end up tied to a chair with my son’s husband ready to hurt you?”The guy’s breath stutters as his body locks up, then his eyes flick to me. He really looks at me for the first time, and I see it hit him all at once.
Rook POVI’m pissed. No, I’m more than pissed. Kade has me pinned to the chair, one hand firm against my chest while his other casually scrolls through his phone like nothing is fucking happening.Meanwhile, the guy? He’s still standing at the bar, smirking, like he didn’t just say the dumbest shit of his life.“Let me go,” I snap.“No,” Kade mutters, not even looking up. “Because I don’t trust you.”I laugh, it’s sharp and humorless. “You don’t trust me? You’re over here playing it fucking calm on your phone while I’m stuck in this chair when I could be over there putting my fist through his mouth.”Kade finally does look at me, and the moment his eyes meet mine, my whole body goes cold.There’s something calculated in them, something sharp and fucking lethal. I pause, my anger still simmering, but suddenly it doesn’t feel so fucking urgent.Kade tilts his head slightly, watching me.I huff out a breath
Kade POVI swallow hard, my fingers drumming against the table. “Today, seeing Harlow talking about her routine, about what she does every morning, made me realize something.” I shake my head, the weight of it sinking in. “I’m never fucking home. And I hate it.”Rook watches me, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, finally, he nods. “Then don’t let it happen again.”I let out a sharp breath, nodding back.Rook exhales, running a hand through his hair before leaning back with a smirk. “Good. That’s one fucking issue solved.”I raise a brow. “Yeah?”“Yeah,” he nods. “Now can we fix the issue of you sitting on the opposite side of the fucking table?” He tilts his head. “Or is this some weird power move I’m not getting?”I chuckle, shaking my head before pushing up from my seat. “Fine, princess.”Rook rolls his eyes, muttering under his breath as I move around to sit beside him.“See?” I smirk, leaning back against the chair. “Nice and close now. Happy?”Rook scoffs. “I guess,” h
Kade POVI sigh, rubbing my hands over my face. “I don’t want to lose you over this.”“You’re not,” Rook says immediately. “This isn’t about us, Kade. This is about the fact that my entire life, I was meant to do something I was never actually going to get.” He shrugs. “And honestly? I don’t even know if I give a shit about that anymore.”Sitting here, I study his face, trying to see if he’s lying.Rook exhales sharply, shaking his head. “I’ve had enough of arguing over this, Kade.” His voice is firm, but not angry anymore. Just done. “I didn’t want it. I still don’t want it. Yeah, I was pissed, yeah, I felt fucking betrayed, but only because no one had the guts to tell me the plan.” He tilts his head slightly. “But the actual title? I couldn’t care less.”Staring at him, I wait for something else, something deeper that he’s not saying, but I don’t see it. He’s telling the fucking truth.I shake my head. “I don’t know if I can do this.”Rook scoffs. “You already are.”I run a hand dow