Page 435 of End Game

Real quiet.

Not silence.

Ronan breathing.

My own heart.

The faint hum of the basement.

But inside?

Nothing.

No bees.

No tabs.

No problem waiting for me to solve it.

I could cry.

Apparently my body decides that's an excellent idea.

Because my eyes are wet under the blindfold.

Great.

Fantastic.

Very dignified.

Ronan notices my breathing change.

Of course he does.

He withdraws carefully.

Then his hand touches my cheek.

“I'm removing the gag.”

Strap.

Cool air.

The rubber leaves my mouth.

My jaw aches.

Saliva immediately escapes down my chin.

“Sexy,” I whisper.

My voice sounds wrecked.

Ronan wipes my mouth with a cloth.

“You do not need to talk yet.”