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Audry shook her head, darting her gaze between everyone.
“That is…untilyoukilled a Red Widow,” I whispered. “It puts the neutrality treaty in jeopardy.”
Audry nodded, taking in the information. Silence settled over the group.
“That is, unless you marry one of us,” Logan said. “Then you aren’t neutral.”
I shot Logan a glare, hoping he would shut up. That wasn’t an option.
“What?” Audry said, her eyes growing wide. They locked onto mine, questions flooding those dark caverns. Why did Logan always have to open his big mouth?
“Nothing.” I shook my head.
“No, you don’t get to suddenly stop being transparent,” Audry said, jumping to her feet. She glared at me, the hatred still burning in her eyes.
I stood to my feet, inching toward her. The room fell away around us. The only thing I cared about here was her. “If you and I were to marry, then none of this would be a problem,” I said, glancing at her lips. I wanted to say sorry, but I couldn’t bring myself to. I needed to keep her safe, and her being with me wouldn’t do that.
She stared at me, aghast. There was confusion and attraction in her eyes before she convinced herself I wasn’t worth it. Because that’s what it was. I was a coward.
I took another step toward her, her body touching mine. She inhaled a quick breath, one that gave her away. She may have been mad at me, but there was still an attraction in there.
“If you marry me, then everything goes away,” I said. “It becomes a spat between members. Sure, there may be some fine or punishment, but nothing compared to the fallout of the treaty. You wouldn’t be a Santora anymore.”
She watched me closely, her daggered gaze catching my hand as I reached to wrap my hand in hers.
“If you were to marry me, then we can’t testify against each other.” I swallowed. “If you were to marry me, then all of this isn’t a problem. You would take my last name, and you would be…family. One under the protection of the Webb’s care, the Red Widows.”
Audry stared at me with a wild look in her eyes. With the more words I spoke, the more I convinced myself. Could I do this? Could I marry her? Would that be the way to protect her?
In a flash, her palm connected with my face. The sting of pain hurt less than the rejection of her running out.
I glanced back at Carson, who shrugged. I took off after Audry, the rain beating down on us. She opened her car door, ready to step inside and drive off.
“Wait,” I said, slamming it shut before she could. My heart raced as water ran down my face. “Don’t leave.”
“I do what I want, thank you,” she said.
“Audry,” I started. “I am sorry.”
Chapter 45
Audry
“You’re sorry?” My eyebrows lifted. “About what? About asking me to marry you after telling me, in no uncertain words, we were over because you were no good for me. Which is it, Kai?”
“I, uh…I.”
“Exactly!” I shouted. I struggled against the door, trying to pull it open, but he pressed it down harder. His strength overpowered me.
“Would it be that bad to marry me?” he complained. “Is it that big of a leap?”
“Honestly, after the other day, it just might be!” I shouted, still upset at our fight.
“I shouldn’t have cut you?—”
“That isn’t what I’m upset about, damnit.” I let out a frustrated groan. I crossed my arms, lowering my voice, “You could’ve stabbed me and it would have hurt less than what you did.”
Kai stared at me with wide eyes, the rain picking up harder. Wind threw my hair around, and my dress stuck awkwardly to my body.
