DEREK
Lead.
The soles of my shoes felt like they were made of goddamn lead. Every step was more challenging than the last. But each represented my freedom and opened up a life I never thought existed for me. At least, that’s what I wanted to believe. But I knew better. I wasn’t dumb enough to think Ronan would cut me loose with a parting gift and well wishes for a better future.
No.
He’d find some way to fuck me over. Like death, that was the only truth I was sure of.
I squeezed my fists, and the stitches of my leather gloves protested when I thought of him possibly using Eva as leverage to keep me bound to this life. I’d butcher him alive if he even thought of harming her.
In five days, Amalia’s crew would be here. I’d hate to have another debt hanging over my head, but I was willing to negotiate a deal with her. A pound of flesh for whatever price she deemed worthy of taking the life of the head of Ares.
I knocked twice and pushed the door open without waiting on a response. The bastard barely flinched. Most likely saw me approaching on surveillance. Even then, he hadn’t the decency to cover what was happening behind his desk.
He had a fist full of blond hair, his head tipped back against his chair, and his mouth parted.
Fuck me.
What was worse was that it wasn’t the first time I’d caught him fucking some whore, whether it was Maeve or even while she was in the other room—most times fully aware. His infidelity never bothered her. And strangely enough, I never batted an eyelash. As a man, I understood his need to get off in whichever pussy was willing, then move on.
My views were a little different now.
“Get out,” he said to the woman on her knees.
She did as she was told, wiping her mouth and buttoning her blouse as she stood. I recognized her as one of the staff. Didn’t know her name or care to remember, but she knew who I was in relation to Ronan.
“See you tomorrow, Mr. Cain.” Her voice was purposely breathy and painfully forced. She strode past me. “Hello, Mr.—”
I snatched her by the wrist before her hand could reach my chest, careful not to make contact with any part of her that would have been touching Ronan.
“I’m assuming you need these hands?” My grip on her tightened. “You ever try to touch me again, and I assure you you’ll regret it.”
“I-I’m sorry,” she stammered.
I released her and wiped my hand against the front of my jacket.
“Derek!” he called with feigned enthusiasm. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit on this fine morning?”
“Cut the bullshit. I’m here to talk about my contract.”
“Straight to business.” The insidious smirk on his face caused me to grit my teeth. “Sit down,” he said, leaning back, a cigar in his mouth.
“I’ll stand.”
“Always so damn serious.” He took a puff and let the smoke billow from his mouth. “We’re here to talk about that sweet little piece of ass, Evangelina, am I right?”
Red hazed my vision. My HK hot on my hip. Fuck. I wanted to end his miserable existence.
“Easy, Derek.” He let out a laugh and held his hands up in mock defense. “Just calling it like it is. But you already know that, don’t you? What I wouldn’t give…”
“Don’t fucking provoke me. Don’t say her name. Don’t even think about her.” I gripped the top of the chair in front of me. “Leave her out of this conversation. And I won’t repeat myself.”
He waved me off with another cynical chuckle and got to his feet, rounding the desk. My hands twitched, begging to rip him apart.
“Your threats don’t affect me, Derek. I made you. Gave you the whole goddamn world. And you want to throw it all away for a—” I balled my fist and clenched my jaw, ready to be reckless. “For… a woman? Because that’s what you came here to discuss, isn’t it?”
He walked behind me, my reflexes on high alert, but I refused to react. To give him what he wanted.
