Wicked Ties (The Tether Trilogy Book 2)

When we’re inside, tucked away in his bedroom, Caz plops down on the edge of the bed and releases a deep sigh.

“You triggered her,” I say sitting next to him.

“I triggered her?” he counters. “She spouted off about my father trying to drown me in a bucket! I’m the one who’s triggered.”

“Caz.” I grab his chin, forcing him to look at me. “I think it’s time to admit that she’s not a threat. I know you don’t want to believe it, but I do. I really think Danica means well, despite how intense she is. She was forced to be that way. And now that I’ve heard her side of it, it makes sense that she snuck into the castle. Like she said, she had to be sure it was actually me. How else was she going to know if not seeing it firsthand?”

“I don’t care, Willow,” he grumbles. “My trust has been abused and is now peppered in bruises.”

“Do you not trust her because she reminds you of yourself?”

“What?” he scoffs. “I am nothing like that woman.”

I release a dry laugh. “You’re a lot like her, Caz. I think we all can see it.”

“I’m not a thief or a liar or a manipulator.”

“Maybe not, but you’ve done bad things, just like she has. Just like we all have.”

He sighs, rubbing the center of his forehead. “Can’t believe you’re comparing me to this woman. She carries a Katana, for Vakeeli’s sake. I use guns.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” I laugh.

The left corner of his mouth twitches. “Guns are better.”

“Oh, come on. You can’t deny that Katana is cool. The way she swings it like that, so effortlessly. She literally blocked your bullet without so much as a blink.”

Caz chuckles, softening. “That was pretty interesting.” Then he frowns again. “But no. I still suggest we keep our guards up. I won’t feel better about her until your brother’s memory is restored and he can tell us more of what he knows about her.”

“Fine.” I strip out of my clothes. “But if I’m right, you owe me.”

His eyes travel down the length of my body as I climb onto the bed in just a bra and panties. “Owe you what, exactly?”

“Favors.”

He pulls his shirt over his head, then kicks off his boots. “Tell me about these favors,” he rumbles, climbing onto the bed with me and wedging his body between my legs. His dick rubs between my thighs, and I can’t help smiling as I circle my legs around his waist.

“All sorts.” I kiss his lips, a charge sweeping through me.

“You know I’ll do anything.”

“Oh, speaking of. I was wondering if you could teach me how to shoot.”

He tips his head back, more serious now. “Yeah, you froze in The Trench.”

“I know.” I swallow hard. “I told you I’m no good with guns.” He’s quiet a beat, so I continue. “If there’s ever a time when I need to protect myself and you’re not around, I want to be able to use a gun properly. I want to be confident when I use it. I don’t ever want to freeze again.” I draw in a breath. “I almost got Juniper killed.”

He studies my eyes a bit longer, his shining from the moonlight. “Killing someone isn’t easy. And your first kill will fuck with you mentally, so I understand why you froze.”

I nod. “How do you all just…do it? Kill people without thinking about it?”

“Oh, we think about it. Why do you think we all smoke and drink so much?” He cracks a boyish smile.

I huff a laugh. “I’m serious, Caz. Does it not bother you?”

His face hardens as his eyes shift a bit. “Every day, Willow. There was a point in my life when I told myself I’d never hurt anyone, let alone kill them. But that time was before my mother was tortured and murdered.” He sighs. “It’s not easy to live with, but it’s the hand we were dealt. All we’re doing is using our cards and playing them correctly.”

“Yeah. I get it.”

He sighs, carrying his gaze to mine again. “How about we practice in the morning?”

I bob my head. “That sounds good.”

He presses his lips to mine before collapsing onto his back next to me. “It’s really not that hard though. You’re just aiming and shooting.”

“I don’t think I have very good aim,” I counter.

Caz considers this, propping himself up on his elbow and looking me all over. “Seeing as you’re from Earth, you’re probably right. I saw how you drove your car. Bloody horrible! How hard is it to stay on the road? We’d better start practicing right away.”

“Shut up!” I laugh, and he chuckles deep and sweet, making his way on top of me again and claiming my lips.