Page 73 of Crucible
I’m still not convinced, and neither are Thorin and Seth. “Are you going to try harder?”
For a moment, she’s frozen, the breath stolen from her, when a particularly harsh wind blows in. “Yes! Yes! God, yes!” She shivers violently. “Can I come inside now?”
“You’ll try hard startingnow,” Thorin tells her.
Aurelia nods quickly. “Okay.”
“Do you want to show us, Sunshine?”
“Sure. Um…” She has the good sense of looking nervous. “How?”
AURELIA
Every time I think it will be better to take my chances with the mountain, I see their faces.
Harrison’s.
Cassie’s.
Tyler’s just before he went over the cliff.
I don’t just see their faces. I remember the cold that seeped into my bones, whispering that I’d never make it. I remember the exhaustion and pain from falling out of the sky. It felt like I was running from more than just death.
It felt like I’d been running from myself.
I’m not ready.
Until I am, I have to be whatever these mountain men require. I have to play their games, warm their beds, and serve them with a smile. Khalil, Thorin, and Seth think they have me where they want me.
They don’t know I’ve been playing this game much longer than them.
“How?” I ask even though I already know.
This cabin—this false haven in the middle of nowhere—was a trap. I know that now, but I take two steps forward anyway and let myself fall into it. I don’t even flinch when the front door slams shut behind me.
The brutal frigidness of the wilds is replaced by the red-hot heat of Khalil’s stare as he keeps the hand he used to close the door where it is. He pushes the mass of my curls over my shoulder with the other so that I can feel the warmth of his breath on my neck when he speaks.
“You know how, Aurelia. You know what we’ve wanted all along.”
He’s not wrong.
They’ve made their intentions and expectations of me clear from the start—lie on my back or find another way to make myself useful.
I didn’t just survive a plane crash. I’ve somehow traveled back in time.
“All three of you? A-at the same time?”
Khalil’s mouth curves into a smile. “We can start with just one. Which of us would you like?”
Uhh…none?
Knowing it’s not an option and might erase any goodwill they have left, I keep my thoughts to myself.
My gaze bounces between the three of them. Honestly, I can’t believe they’re letting me choose.
The hard look on Thorin’s face says he wants to break me in half. I think Seth’s smile is meant to be reassuring, but it’s a little too eager, and he just looks…unhinged.
My gaze falls on Khalil last.
