Varys' words weren't enough. Nothing was enough. Hope imagined what would happen to Vincent and Max if Ethan got his hands on them and bit her lip so hard blood seeped into her mouth.
"Hope, calm down."
Varys' words were as if they were underwater. She could hear them, but they were dull and couldn't break through the wall of panic.
She was going to lose her only family. She was going to lose him in the most horrible way possible, and Ethan would make sure it hurt her. He would delight in it.
"Hope!"
Varys was nose to nose with her now as he folded her in his arms. "Varys?"
"Hope, I don't know where you're going on in your mind, but you need to break out of it, now."
"I can't," she whispered as she pushed at him. She had the strength of a kitten. "I have to save them."
His hold tightened on her. "Them?" it was the dangerous growl of a predator.
"My uncle Vincent, and Max," she whispered.
"Max again," Varys spat. "Why are you worried about him?"
"He helped me," Hope replied. "And he's all my uncle has. I don't want anyone dying because of me, being tortured because of me." She swallowed. "You've looked into Ethan's past. You know what kind of monster he is."
"If I help you-"
glared at him. "You
before I saw your desperation," he
what's your if?" Hope snapped at
you, you belong to me and no one else. I want you as mine, Hope. Promise that, and
one condition," Hope held out a
just mine." Varys
at him. After all she
is either of those things, I'm denying you." Varys replied. His dark eyes swirled
you at least listen before you glare at me?" Hope snarled at him. "My condition is that you come back safe, Varys! If you die on me, or let Ethan get hold of you I swear I'll never forgive you and
Hope, you need to have more faith in me. Do
like I do," she
promise me first, Hope. I want to
only one that knew what Ethan was truly capable of. Besides, better for budding feelings to die now than
name was a growl on his lips. If the situation wasn't as tense as it
be yours and no
single breath. Had he ever looked so grateful or so happy without the cockiness? It was like that boyish moment he'd had at
voice was thick as he took her hands in his. "I promise I'm going to save those two for you, and when this entire debacle is done, we're going to get
Marriage? "What?" she squeaked.
to belong to each other, it only makes sense that we're married. But
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