Tarnished Crown (Gravestone Elite #2) by Caitlyn Dare (books like beach read TXT) 📕

“Trust me, you’ll want to drink it.” There’s a threat laced in his words that shoots fear down my spine.

I pretend to take a sip and swallow. I’ll probably regret it later, when I’m lucid for everything Cade has planned, but I want to be of clear mind.

I want to remember every single thing that happens.

“To Cade and Mia. Ubi concordia, ibi victoria.”

The small crowd repeats Phillip’s words, and I fight the urge to laugh bitterly at their twisted words. Where there is unity, there is victory. What the hell is wrong with them?

I catch Bexley’s eye, and the look of devastation is like a knife to my heart. But we both knew it might come to this.

“The car is waiting,” Phillip confirms, unbinding our hands as if it’s the most normal thing to send a young, innocent girl off with a monster.

Cade shakes hands with each member of Quinctus, a smug expression plastered on his face. My father approaches me and pulls me into a hug. “I’m sorry,” he whispers, and I frown. “I had hoped… just know that I never wanted this for you, Mia. But this place… these people…”

“Mia, it is time,” Phillip says, and my father releases me and glances away, as if he can’t bear to watch me leave with Cade.

I want to demand answers, to demand he tell me what he means, but Cade loops his arm around my waist and gently guides me away, perhaps more gently than he has ever touched me before.

But I know it’s all part of his plan to make me lower my defenses before he strikes.

“It’s almost time,” he whispers, making me shudder with repulsion.

I feel the weight of Bexley’s stare, the desperation in his eyes as they follow me and Cade out of the chamber.

“Tonight, you’re mine,” Cade snarls against my hair. “Tonight, Mia, I finally get to take what’s owed.”

The ride back to the Electi house drags on. Cade’s leg is pressed against mine, his hand gripping my knee.

A shiver runs through me, and Cade chuckles. “Nervous, love?”

Nervous doesn’t even begin to cover it, but I peer up at him, steeling my expression. It only makes him laugh harder.

“You should be,” he says around a dark smile, loving every minute of this. “I have waited a long time for this. For a second there, I thought they might step in and ruin everything.”

“What do you mean?”

He regards me for a second, dragging a finger over my lips and down the valley of my breasts. “So much to learn about this world, Mia. They think they can control me. They think they can rein me in and do their bidding.” He lowers his mouth to the corner of mine and smirks. “They’re wrong.”

Cade kisses me hard, all teeth and tongue, taking what he wants without a second thought to what I’m willing to give. My hands press against his chest, trying to stop him, but he’s unmovable. Something isn’t right. I felt it earlier and I feel it now—the same chill in the air.

“I am Cade fucking Kingsley.” He grips my throat and stares at me, anger and hatred turning his eyes into two soulless black orbs. “They took everything from me… everything… and now I’m going to show them. I’m going to fucking destroy them.”

Fear washes over me, rendering me powerless against him. He isn’t making any sense… and yet, there’s something hovering just outside my thoughts. The final pieces of the puzzle that once slotted into place will reveal the truth.

“Mr. Kingsley,” a voice comes over the speaker. “We are almost at the house.”

“Saved by the bell.” Cade pulls away, smoothing down his hair. The way in which he swings between calm and composed to dark and deadly is terrifying. “But don’t get too comfortable, Mia. The fun hasn’t even begun yet.” He shoots me a dark look as I scramble to think of a way out of this.

All too quickly, the car pulls up to the house. Steeped in shadows it looks as welcoming as a dungeon. I contemplate refusing to move, but I know it will only result in Cade manhandling me inside, because no one will help. The driver wears the Quinctus crest on his jacket, so I know he won’t come running to my rescue. He’s paid to drive and not ask questions.

How the hell am I going to get out of this?

I tremble uncontrollably as he climbs out and opens the back door. Cade gets out first, offering me his hand. I knock it away and inhale a shuddering breath before I step out, smoothing my dress down.

“Good night, Mr. Kingsley. Miss Thompson.” The driver hurries back to his car—and, just like that, we’re alone.

Cade starts to undo the tie hanging around his neck. “Shall we?” He motions to the house. Nervous energy zips up and down my spine, a ball of dread swelling in my stomach.

“I can’t.” The words spill from my lips as I start backing away, the urge to run so strong I feel lightheaded.

I can’t do this.

I shouldn’t have to do this.

“Don’t make this any harder than it needs to be, Mia. You’re mine now. Quinctus, your father… they handed you over so easily.” My brows furrow, sweat beading along my neck, but he continues. “You know, I thought they’d question it more. When your name was pulled from the calix, I thought they’d at least turn on themselves…”

“Y-you… you put my name in there.” The pieces start falling into place. I can’t figure out the overall picture yet, but I know I’m getting closer. I feel it in my bones. “Why?”

“I think you know why, Mia.” He stalks toward me as I inch back, trying to keep a safe distance between us.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.” My pulse drums in my skull, everything happening too fast. I need time to think… I need time to find a way out of this.

“Don’t you?” His brow