When her dad’s gone, Emma moves to a new academy for a fresh start, but the town’s BIG FOUR, Rowan, August, Liam and Karl, rule everything. Each dangerous, magnetic, and unpredictable, they pull her into their dark world. But the real danger isn’t them—it’s the secret deal that ties her to a deadly game she was never meant to play.
The sharp sting of a palm cracks my butt. “No, rolling your eyes, Angel,” Karl commands, and because I can’t help myself, I turn and roll them slowly, exaggerating every movement of my facial expression. “You really are a brat sometimes, you know that?” he jokes before his demeanor turns serious. The smile melts off…
I’m fucked. Clearing my throat, I ask, “How can I help you?” I’m proud that I’m able to hide the hitch in my breath as her elegant throat bobs. “I wanted to discuss a plan to complete my makeup assignments,” she whispers initially, but gains her confidence by the end of her request. Do I…
My cheeks puff as I huff out in exasperation- more answers, but always even more questions. Leveling him with a glare, I try a different approach. “So, you’re telling me you had to do this too, and with Elise?” “It was a bit different. We didn’t have to choose one wife to share between us.…
Sighing, I ponder what other female Bradfords had to do. Were they kept from their birthright because they were women, and forced to marry some other heirs to keep the line pure? “Miss Bishop,” a voice booms, and I come back into awareness. I was so lost in thought I must not have heard the…
“I heard Rowan came running for you,” Meagan says, and I assume it’s to Sam because we don’t talk. “Of course he did. I mean everything to him, and soon I’ll be his wife.” God, her bravado is beyond delusional. Only Samantha would think being ignored positions her to be someone’s wife. I snort at…
“Fine, you can have her tonight, Warren, but that’s only because we have to get back,” August states, placing a quick peck on my forehead. He and Shay snark at each other until the guys reach the doorway, stopping to survey me one last time before winking and exiting the room. “Seriously, now, tell me…
The faraway look he gets when he remembers something glints in his eyes, dilating his pupils. It’s something many might miss, but I’ve spent years watching over my friend- a promise I made long ago to ensure the darkness never completely swallows him whole. I nod, acknowledging I see him but not announcing it to…
He grimaces, “Yes, I’ve heard. How is the girl? Emma, is it?” I dip my head confirming he’s correct. “She’s a fighter. A fucking spitfire. Resilient in ways that put grown men to shame. She’s been thrown to the lions and became the tamer.” Matthieu’s frown lifts, his olive cheeks lift into a megawatt smile…
What happened to you? I make a mental note to revisit this conversation. I feel hands trace up my spine and land on my shoulders, massaging the tension away. I turn and encounter August’s soft smile, fully taking him in. His once smooth skin bearded. “Did you get in a fight with your razor?” I…
“Yes, Ry. Please go get yourself looked at and then go home to your sister and brothers. Come back tomorrow, and we’ll talk more then,” he slurs, his head lulling to the side, half in and out of sleep. Sighing, I stand from my seat. They’re right. I need to check on the kids. I…