I glance at Breaker at the far end of the table sitting in his own elaborate chair as Zane settles into his seat, wondering how this is about to play out. Today’s meeting is casual. Brunch with new business associates who deal in weapons and women. While I feel secure we have Zane fooled, I can’t help the nervous tension that settles in my spine, making me rigid.
Zane dips his chin at Viper in understanding, ripping his eyes from me to look around the solarium. Like the rest of the house, it’s an exaggeration of wealth. Lush tropical plants reach toward the glass panes, bright sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting everything in a soft glow.
“The house is impressive,” Zane says. “Though I prefer a more modern, less—”
“Let’s drop the bullshit,” Viper says, leaning back in his seat. “The shipment will go out this evening. It will be delivered at the location you provided. I expect your men to be there at the designated time. If my men have to wait, the deal is off.”
Zane leans back in his seat, his features turning hard. It’s obvious he doesn’t like Viper, and the need to impress him has passed. “When will the larger shipment for the lodge arrive?”
“As I stated before, that one takes several weeks,” Viper says. “When we finalized the hotel sale, Ben made sure you understood that it was well over a month out.”
“We have to pass through customs,” Breaker adds with a slight smile and a wink as he snags a cube of cheese from his plate.
Wait. Did he just wink at Zane?
Zane leans forward, picks up his water and takes a sip, gaze slipping from Breaker’s face to his broad chest and the gold chain at his neck. A faint smirk touches his lips.
My stomach drops. I clutch my water glass and bring it to my lips, eyes darting between Breaker and Zane, doing my best to school my features. When I glance at Clyde, checking to see if he sees what I’m seeing, I catch the knitted brows and the way he’s watching Viper.
Like he’s waiting for him to explode.
Breaker leans back in his large chair, propping his elbow on the armrest, and pops the food into his mouth, sucking the tip of his thumb as he eyes Zane.
Is he flirting?
There is no way he’s flirting with Zane.
Viper clears his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “The number of items in the shipment, and the preferences mean they are being shipped from overseas.”
Zane nods, eyes tracking over to me again. “And she’s aware of the agreement?”
I shift, noting the subtle shift in the air.
“She’s no longer your concern,” Viper says. “If I remember correctly, Rune made me an offer. One I accepted.”
“I’m aware. But it’s also not finalized.” Zane sits upright, shifting to look at Clyde. “And you can attest that Rune will be content when I report back to him?”
Clyde gestures to me. “She looks fine to me.” He stands, pulling his phone from his pocket and tossing it on the table in front of Zane. Forks and glasswareclink. “Call him. I’ve kept him updated. He knows Vincent accepted.”
I bite my cheek to hide my smirk as Zane glances my way.
Zane shoves Clyde’s phone toward him. “But did she accept?” he asks. “Last time she was asked to marry, she didn’t take to the idea.”
Breaker clears his throat.
My heart stutters.
Rune said he had renegotiated.
He’s making me useful.
I blink in the aftermath of Zane’s words, slowly absorbing them. My gaze slips from Zane across the table to Clyde at his side. My hands fist.
“Ah,” Zane says, glee staining his words. “I see she wasn’t told her duties went beyond spreading her legs as wide as they can go.”
Taking a deep breath, I unfurl my fists, and gently place them on the tabletop. Clyde conveniently left this bit of information out. Sort of like he did when I was promised to Zane. Maybe he knew it would never happen. He’s been feeding Reaper and their father information for years. Did he tell Reaper when he found out about the deal Rune made with Zane? He must have told Reaper, because I’m pretty sure he planned this.
My hand in marriage to Viper. Or rather, Vincent Campbell.
