Killing them all was mercy.
So I would learn how to make them suffer worse than we did. I just hoped my brother was strong enough to wait a little more.
Before our time came.
“Damian.”
“Don’t talk, Dominic, sleep.” He smiled then rested his head on my shoulder. A deep ache filled my heart. We only had each other, and I hated that I couldn't help him. My twin, my other half, the only person who kept me sane, was suffering to death.
“Always the protector.” He shifted slightly then took a deep breath. “If there is a chance to escape and I can’t do it, leave me behind.”
“Stop, Dominic.” His words were making me angry; maybe because, deep down, I knew the choice would come to that.
“Promise me, Damian. I love you…brother.” I squeezed his hand, which was next to mine, and whispered, “I love you too. We will make it, Dom. Together, as we have all these years.”
It was a vow I intended to keep.
Sapphire
I woke up with a gasp at the sound of running water. It was so dark in the room. I found that strange, because it felt like I’d slept for ages.
For some reason, the room was cold, and the mattress under me was hard and uncomfortable as I sat up on it. It was then I noticed my hands were in chains and I couldn't get far from the bed, and I finally realized I wasn't at Dominic’s anymore.
I was in some kind of basement, and my fear was growing stronger, because he’d found and kidnapped me.
“Oh, my God.” Although it was a low shout, it seemed like a scream echoing in this place. I was wearing the same shirt from last night, and I was glad I’d put on some sweatpants, because otherwise, I would have been almost naked.
“Sapphire.” The deep, husky, and familiar voice sounded in the dark corner of the room. I was unable to see his face, but I didn't want him to get closer either. A slight tremble rippled through my body, and I hoped I could control my voice.
“You found me.”
He laughed, a humorless sound that made me dread my future. “Did you doubt I would?” His footsteps were loud, and I knew he was getting closer, but without my contacts or glasses, he would have to be very close for me to see his face.
“No.” It was the truth. He made the deal, after all, and I accepted it.
A deal with the devil.
“Good. Never doubt what I say.” The warning was clear in his voice.
“Why did you take me?”
“I told you. I wanted you.” I shifted back, because he was coming, and I was afraid of what he would do.
“Please.” My voice was pleading, but I was terrified out of my mind.
“Please what, Sapphire?” The way he said my name, as if he was savoring the most delicious dessert in the world, was creating havoc in my mind.
Why was his voice so familiar?
“Don’t rape me.” What a stupid request; why else would he have taken me? For some sick reason, he wanted me, and he wouldn't have kidnapped me if he didn't want to rape me.
He paused his steps then snarled, “I wouldn't.”
That was confusing. Who was he?
“Then why do you have me?”
“I don’t answer the same question twice, let alone a third time. I want you, and you will grow to want me. I don’t think it’ll be that hard.”
“Over my dead body.” That probably wasn't the best response, because he could arrange it easily. Finally, he came into view and I held my breath. He was tall, muscular, and had black hair. He was wearing a black shirt and a pair of jeans, and his face wasn't clear to me yet, but a thought came to my mind.
Angel of Death.
Angel of Death?
It couldn't be; it was impossible. I must be wrong.
I stilled and gasped as he leaned down on the mattress. His face was finally close enough for me to see him.
“Damian?” It was a whisper. He smiled, although it didn't reach his eyes.
“The one and only, sweetheart.”
“What did you do to Dominic?” He couldn't have let Damian do this to me, even if he was angry that I cried out his brother’s name in climax. Humiliation ran deep, and I barely stopped myself from looking down from his prying eyes. How could I have wanted Damian? He was a monster.
Killer.
His face hardened, and his eyes became cold as ice.
“Nothing.”
“He wouldn't have let you do this to me.”
“No, he wouldn’t,” he agreed, and then leaned closer, his lips an inch away from mine. I could feel his hot breath on my mouth. “It wasn't like I asked him, Sapphire.” He smirked; he probably found my question funny.
He wouldn't have asked him. That’s true, because Dominic wouldn't have gone along with this shit. He was working with the police investigation to get to the truth. The joke was on him that he lived under the same roof with the guy. The truth would have been devastating for him.