Ruin (Rhodes #1) by Rina Kent

                             “Fortunately for the beautiful nurse, he’s not dead. Unfortunately, he will die today,” Dylan says with feigned sadness. “He can choose to die alone or with her, though. I promise to bury you together.”

                             Crow’s eyes heat up, allowing emotions to take him over.

                             Is that what’s been making him act unlike himself? A hidden love interest?

                             He used to preach us about discarding our hearts and only following our minds – not that I had a problem with that.

                             And now he’s practising the opposite of what he preaches.

                             What type of idiot breaks his own rules?

                             “What’s my guarantee that you won’t hurt her if I tell you?” Crow grits from between clenched teeth.

                             “Honestly, there is no guarantee.” Dylan showcases his politician’s smile. “But you know me. I don’t hurt innocent people.”

                             “How did you know about her?” Crow slurs.

                             “You hid her very well, I’ll give you that,” Dylan says, “But you see, we’re obsessed with The Pit. We know a lot about you. More than you think.”

                             He laughs long humourless which ends in a fit of coughs. “Doesn’t matter, anyway.” Crow releases a heavy sound, sounding defeated. “Even if you don’t hurt her, she’s been on Hades’ radar. If he finds out I’m still alive, he’ll kill her.”

                             “If you don’t tell us what you know, she’ll also dead.”

                             Crow snarls, looking as if he can rip Dylan’s head with his glare.

                             Something in his stance relates to me. The unexplainable urge to protect. To shield.

                             Crow wasn’t forced to fall. He willingly chose to fall because something a lot stronger than The Pit and his loyalty to Hades is at stake.

                             And that someone is a nameless nurse.

                             Sort of like Mae.

                             Hell.

                             I thought I would never understand this type of impulsiveness, but now, I kind of do.

                             If Mae was in that nurse’s position, would I do the same?

                             The answer is dangerously hovering on where it shouldn’t.

                             I shoo those thoughts away and step back into the room, Tristan on my tail.

                             Dylan’s left eye twitches, and he’s nearing the edge himself. I step between him and a still snarling Crow.

                             “Hold the death glares for a minute, chaps.” I smile at the both of them. “Here’s a deal. Crow, tell us what we want, and Dylan here won’t hurt your nurse.”

                             “I told you—”