There’s a rustle somewhere to our left, and we shift as one, turning to face the stream of men pouring out from behind the trees.
Sometime later, the smell of blood fills my nose, and I ignore the stabbing pain in my ribs as I limp forward.
When I collapse on the side of the road, all I can think about is revenge.
Images of London’s face flicker in my head as I move in and out of consciousness until I see Katia hovering over me.
Chapter Twenty-Two
London
“Are you sure you’re not going to get in trouble for this?”
I gesture vaguely at the armed man behind me, and frown. “He can drag me back anytime, but since he hasn’t, I think I’ll enjoy this while I can.”
I know it won’t last.
Whatever illusion of freedom I have is quickly fading, and each incident, each death, ensures the walls are closing in tighter.
I’m not sure how much longer I have before there’s no way out, and the urge to keep glancing over my shoulder has been with me for the past few hours.
I can’t shake the feeling that I’m being watched.
Even within the confines of the Payne club, I know I’m not safe.
You’re not safe anywhere, London, but at least here, you’re safer.
The man left to guard me hasn’t said two words all night, but I have a feeling he’s a lot more lethal than he looks. He’s coiled tightly and has made no effort to hide the guns under his jacket, but the sight of them is oddly comforting. As is being back in the Payne club, leaning over the counter with Miss Deveroux on the other side, eyeing me intently.
I take another sip of my drink as I take in the empty corner of the club and the low din of music.
“Business hasn’t picked up at all?” I frown at Miss Deveroux.
She shrugs. “Some of us are allowed to work here for now, but since the rumors broke, we lost a lot of our usual clientele.”
I grimace. “That’s bad, isn’t it?”
Miss Deveroux leans closer and drops her voice to a whisper. “Some people are getting too close to the truth. I have a feeling it will get a lot worse before it gets better.”
I sigh. “You should get out while you still have the chance. If you need money…”
Miss Deveroux squeezes my hand. “I’ve got enough stashed away for a clean break if I need it.”
I lean back to study her face and the unfamiliar gleam in her eyes. “Why don’t you? Leave, I mean.”
Miss Deveroux blinks and stands up straighter. “I know this is going to sound crazy, but this place… it’s my home. I’m not as young as I was, and the idea of starting over somewhere new isn’t as appealing as it once was.”
I frown. “Miss Deveroux—”
“Delilah,” she interrupts. “I think we’ve known each other long enough to be on a first-name basis, don’t you?”
I swallow and instinctively reach for my drink. “Delilah. If things get bad, I don’t think anyone will be safe.”
I don’t want her anywhere near the club or the Payne family if things fall apart.
She’s the closest thing I have to a friend around here.
I just hope the foundation the Paynes have built is sturdy enough to withstand a full-on assault. Otherwise, we’re all on borrowed time.
