Ruthless

74

ADRIAN'S POV

I almost came undone in my pants the moment I saw the paleness wash over Faith's face. That delicious look of fear.

What wouldn't I do to keep it etched there forever?

It's like a drug to me, and I've grown addicted. Yes, addicted.

Everything about Faith pulls me in...her scent, her soft skin, the way she moves. But her fear, that trembling vulnerability, sends a different kind of thrill coursing through my veins.

But being away from me, the fire.. that spark Faith had when she first arrived at the mansion seemed to have resurfaced.

No worries. The first thing I'll do once we get back is correct that little attitude of hers. As exhilarating as it is to see this spicy side, I'd much rather see her terror-filled gaze.

Edward entered the room, stopping when he was right in front of Faith. She was barely standing, shaking like a leaf caught in a storm and was trying so hard not to crumble, but the effort was useless. She'd fall apart soon enough.

"Edward." His name slipped from her lips, soft and smooth, but to me, it felt like a dagger in my chest. It was a betrayal that she would pay for...with blood.

She thinks she can love someone else? She thinks she can give him what belongs to me?

I will punish those lips that dared to speak another man's name, and that treacherous heart that decided to beat for someone else. I'll remind her who controls every pulse, every breath, every thought.

Edward said nothing as he pulled her into his arms, holding her like she was something precious. If the sight wasn't enough to push me over the edge, then seeing her seek comfort in him almost drove me crazy. That bitch is clinging to him like glue,

"You don't look well," Edward said softly, his hand brushing through her hair .

"I'm fine," she muttered, her voice barely a whisper.

"You're not," he replied, his voice firm yet tender, infuriatingly so.

"Come, sit down," he ordered. When Faith didn't move, Edward's voice shifted, sharper, clipped. "Faith."

That was enough to break her, and she obeyed, letting him guide her to the couch. He sat, pulling her into his lap. Faith tensed in his arms, clearly still afraid, trying to wriggle away, but he locked her in place, wrapping his arms around her like a cage.

Edward pulled her head to his chest, his fingers threading through her hair to calm her, but I knew better. He wasn't just soothing her... Edward was marking her, claiming her in front of me. "Are you feeling better?" Edward asked softly.

"Yes," she answered, but her eyes told another story.

Faith wasn't calm; she was terrified. And not for herself, no. She was afraid for him.

Her precious Edward...

My tongue poked the inside of my cheek. Today, my patience will be tested like never before.

ADAM'S POV.

Something was off...way off. That smug bastard sat there, calm and collected, like he didn't have a care in the world. Like he didn't realize his life could be snatched away at any second.

"What brings you all here uninvited?" Edward's voice was smooth, almost amused, as his eyes swept the room, pausing only briefly on the blood-soaked lifeless bodies of his cousins, his aunt, but there wasn't even a hint of emotion. "And with such... drama."