The Fortunates (Unfortunate #2) - Skyla Madi Page 0,60
that Unfortunate right between the eyes,” he says, wrapping my arms around his waist.
“You didn’t give him a choice.” I lean away, but he tugs me close, squashing my chest against his.
“Didn’t I?”
I shake my head. “No. I didn’t.”
“Look at you, defending a murderer.”
Vince lowers his face to mine and I turn my head. “He’s not—”
“Where is he right now?” He cuts in, squeezing my wrists.
I swallow hard, closing my eyes. This is a dream. This has to be a dream.
“He’s blowing a handful of Unfortunates into tiny, tiny pieces.”
I open my eyes. “How do you know that?”
“He received a letter from the city. They ordered him to take care of the situation,” Vince scoffs. “Please, they’re useless. Whoever is in there, they don’t care about us or what’s going on outside those walls.”
I look at him. “You typed the letter?”
“Something had to be done. I’m not about to let a bunch of ungrateful Unfortunates squat in my mine. Dad wanted that mine gone and Kade didn’t have the balls to do it so I forced his hand.” I turn my head away and he catches my jaw in his hand, forcing my face back to his. “It’s funny how it all fell into place. I didn’t think he’d go, to be honest, but when Gage called and told me he’d just let Kade out of the fence, I couldn’t believe it. And I knew it was only a matter of time before you came looking for him. You’re so damn predictable. It makes me sick.”
I simper. “I make you sick? Isn’t that ironic.”
“You think you’re so high and mighty, Unfortunate, but you’re just as bad as the rest of us. You endorse a murderer. You allow him to kill on your behalf.” I tug my face away from his grip only for him to snatch it again. Pain creeps along my jaw and I wince as he squeezes it tightly in his hand. “Take a good look at your knight in shining armour, Anna, and allow yourself to see the cracks.”
“He’s not perfect,” I force out through clenched teeth. “But he has always been there for me. Always.”
Vince tips his head and pouts his lips. Wickedness dances in his eyes as they darken into dense, black holes. “Not tonight.”
He crushes his mouth against mine and lessens his grip just enough for him to force his tongue inside my mouth. It’s warm and wet and it carries the taste of whiskey. I grunt and bite down, catching his tongue between my teeth. He hisses, sucking in a harsh gulp of air, and shoves me backwards. His tongue slips from my mouth and I stumble as I whirl on my heel.
Adrenaline and fear dance on the lining of my stomach, giving me the boost I need to launch for the door. I make it too. My fingers brush the key in the keyhole and I can taste freedom on my tongue…until I’m yanked back by my hair. I yell for help, but it’s smothered by a thud as I crash to the floor.
Vince chuckles as he bends low and grabs me by the fabric of my dress. “That attempt wasn’t half bad, Unfortunate.”
“Leave me alone!” I screech until my vocal chords threaten to tear.
I frantically swat at his hands as he fumbles with his grip.
“You’ve had enough already?” he teases, snagging my dress once again. “I’ve barely started.”
He lifts me off of the floor and into his arms. I scream again, sending fire shooting up my throat, and thrash around in an attempt to break his hold.
I don’t.
He crosses the room with ease and even I have to admit he’s stronger than I’ve given him credit for. Vince throws me onto the bed and I scramble onto my hands and knees and crawl toward the headboard.
“You know, for someone who was bred specifically for this, you’re being awfully dramatic.”
I turn and press my back against the wooden board, tucking my knees into my chest. I don’t bother swiping at the hair that sticks to my wet face. All I can think about is getting off the bed and over to the gun on the bar.
Unwanted sobs bubble up my throat and I hate them. Now is not the time to panic. Now is not the time for an emotional breakdown. That comes later.
Staring down his nose at me, Vince grips the hem of his shirt and pulls it off over his head. He smirks when he sees me glaring at his