Page 387 of Lessons in Cruelty

When he looks back at Haven, his eyes darkening with the same predatory hunger I’ve seen in class. Same as Saturday morning, when I got down on my knees in front of him, a gun to my temple.

His tongue darts out, teasing his bottom lip, like he’s considering his options.

But what fucking options?

Rooke picks her up and carries her to her bed. He lowers her onto the mattress, one hand resting on her belly like he’s checking her breathing.

Like he’s just making sure she’s okay before he leaves.

My chest clenches tight when he stands and heads for the door. A wave of relief floods through me when he grabs the handle.

Thank fuck.

But icy adrenaline hits me a second later when he closes the door—and locks it.

Jesus.

What the fuck is he…?

Rooke climbs onto the mattress beside Haven’s prone body, leans over, and brushes hair from her face with an almost loving caress that makes every hair on my body stand on end.

“What is it about you, Miss Lee,” I hear him murmur, “that renders me incapable of doing the right thing?”

When he pushes open her thighs, a jolt goes through me.

Panic. Fear. Something…else.

I should step out. Should stop whatever’s about to happen.

But I don’t.

I take out my fucking phone, turn on the camera, and point it through the gap, framing a sliver of the bed, of Rooke, of Haven.

My thumb trembles as I tap record.

Staying hidden, I watch Rooke on my phone’s screen, my breath shallow, my cock hardening.

I need to know how far he’s going to go.

I need evidence.

And I’m too fucking scared to move.

What is it about you, Heavenly, that renders me incapable of doing the right thing?

Chapter 35

Haven

I float through blood-stained darkness, barely aware that I exist. No body. No pain. Just blessed, wonderful nothingness.

It’s nice here.

What I’d imagine heaven is like.

…you get to heaven yet…?

Not yet, Kai, but soon. Soon.