Hazel’s eyes widen, and Breckin sighs, throwing his head back like he doesn’t understand what this is about and I’m being dramatic. Me wanting to bring him on was more about pissing off my dad and brother, but it’s day one, and I’m already kicking myself in the ass over it.
“You look beautiful, babe,” he deflects. My eyes narrow, and Hazel sucks in a breath.
“Fuck off, Haze. Babe and I need to have a word,” I say through clenched teeth. Hazel hesitates, then decides it’s better to do as I say than stay and argue. Breckin groans as if he’s untouchable.
Motherfucker.
Pushing forward, I release my knife from its thigh sheath and press the blade to Breckin’s throat, directing him backward until his back hits the wall.
“It must suck being so stupid,” I grind out. “Not only do I have to listen to you and Hazel in my ear all goddamn night, threatening my focus and fucking with my life. You also just can’t seem to get it through your head that we are not together, babe. You will never be more than my brother’s right-hand man, my father’s soldier, and an easy fuck. I’ll pull you from this mission myself.”
“Malia, you need to breathe,” Breckin says in a strained voice. The command has me pressing my knife into his skin a little deeper, drawing a drop of blood to the surface.
My eyes narrow, and my breathing becomes deeper with fury—the urge to slice through his jugular is overwhelming. I pull away, thinking about my father once again, and the man has lost too much in his life.
As I shift my gaze to the floor and take a few steps back, Breckin relaxes.
“You’re pushing me, Breck. I’ve always been honest about what this is. It will never go further, no matter how much you try. I won’t stand by your side. I won’t become your doting wife and bare your children to keep our generations going. The only reason you’re still breathing is because of my father.”
“I told him about us,” he admits.
Without another word, I turn on my heel and leave before I give in and plunge my knife into him. Hazel and Donovan stand outside the control room.
“Mal, we need to debrief with Dad,” Donovan yells out as I storm past him.
“Then debrief. I’m fucking done tonight.”
Rounding the corner, I make my way to my room. It’s safer for everybody if I just lock myself away like a good little unhinged monster. The bait is set, and nothing else needs to be said. Otherwise, someone will bleed tonight.