“Good. Now get out of my sight.”
Chapter Seventeen
Sydney ordered everyone else’s dismissal soon after Gabe’s. Reyna was relieved. She’d had quite a night. She knew it wasn’t over yet, though—she and Beckham had unfinished business.
Before she could say anything to Becks, Sydney snaked a hand around her wrist. “And you.”
Reyna’s eyes widened. “What?”
“You and Jodie engineered this little outing. It was foolish and reckless. We put in a lot of effort to free you from Harrington’s grasp. Perhaps you should show some more respect around here.”
“I know it was reckless, but I never thought it would happen like this. Who would have guessed I’d run into Everett? I’m not going to do it again.”
Sydney’s anger simmered, and her eyes narrowed. “You have free rein of the facilities. There are no locks or bars on your doors. We keep you in to protect you from the outside world, not to keep you from it. You could be happy here.”
“I am a recovering kidnapping victim who found herself in another prison,” Reyna spat. “I am a pawn on your chessboard. I already played the first blood game with Harrington.”
“This is not the same.”
“You may be fighting for the greater good, but I know you’ll use me just as fast as he would.” Reyna yanked her arm out of Sydney’s grip.
Sydney gave her an appreciative look. “You have fire. I’ll give you that.”
“I appreciate that you got me out of there and that my brothers are safe. But I offered to be of help, and all anyone has told me is no. I want to help this organization, Sydney. So let me help, but I’m not going to be used. Not by you or Harrington or anyone.”
Sydney crossed her arms and arched an eyebrow. “I think we understand each other.”
“Good,” she said and then shoved past Sydney. She knew Sydney had every intention of using her, but wouldn’t it be easier if they workedwithher?
Reyna took a deep breath and prepared herself to walk over to Beckham, who was standing next to Penelope.
“Time for that talk?” she asked Beckham.
“Hello, Reyna,” Penelope said.
“Penny.” Reyna couldn’t help it—her eyes darted to Penny’s left hand. Empty. It was empty. Her heart stuttered. There was no ring.
“Good to have you back on board.”
“Good to be back.” Reyna nearly sighed at the pleasantries. “Sorry to hear about your father.”
“Yes, it’s dreadful,” Penelope said, frowning at the mention of her father’s death.
“Congrats on becoming mayor, though. Following in his footsteps.”
“Oh, you heard?” Penelope asked.
“I was at your mayoral ball, in fact.”
Penny scrunched up her almost perfect face. “Weren’t you still with Harrington then?”
“He brought me along.”
“I didn’t see you,” Penny said.
Beckham’s attention shifted, his eyes widening slightly. “You were there?”
“In a soundproof room with one-way tinted windows overlooking the festivities.” She hated the memory. Beckham’s brow furrowed.
