“Luc, we’ve got visitors,” Trey calls over from the bar.
He’s been watching the camera screens since we got back. I was pretty sure he was gazing but nonetheless, we’ve got company.
“It’s Jamie Boy.”
Angel gets up to open the door, muttering, “What the fuck does he want?”
I’m guessing we’re about to find out.
Jamie Boy steps inside, closely followed by all three of his brothers. Their presence alone is a force. Nothing I wouldn’t smash through, but I’m not that arrogant to act like they don’t hold power.
It’s not until Ben shoves Effie fucking Rathbone through the door that I take an interest. Brothers are on their feet, hands resting on their guns. I stay in my seat. My boy hasn’t finished his milk but I’m also not giving anyone the satisfaction of surprising me. Her wrists are bound, but she wears a stern fuck you look on her face. Her make up is smudged and her usual bright red lips are a dull pink. She’s not as composed as she normally is, that’s for sure.
Jamie Boy is the first to speak. He jerks his chin toward my son. “Maybe you should have your wife come get your son.”
I don’t move.
“He’s fine where he is.” He nods and I finally ask, “What’s this about?”
“Upon reflection, we’re allowing you your revenge for Ford,” Jamie Boy announces.
“More like a gesture of goodwill,” Cody adds.
“Whatever the fuck you’re calling it, we accept with gratitude.”
Keeping my son in my arms, I stand and walk toward Effie where she stands with Ben, his hand firmly gripping her arm to keep her in place.
She fights to maintain eye contact with me, and I smirk. “Welcome to Hell, where the rent is free, but your life is not.”
Ritchie barks out a cold laugh and slaps me on the back. “We’ll leave her in your capable hands. We’ve got a flight to catch.”
As smooth as they arrived, they leave even smoother, in the blink of an eye.
“I’ve been told I’m a lucky son of a bitch, but I’ve always taken offence to it. First off, my mom isn’t a bitch and secondly, it isn’t luck when you’re owed. You made this personal when you shot Ford and I’m gonna make it real fuckin’ personal when you take your last breath.”
She visibly takes a shuddering breath and I laugh. This feels too fucking good. How life can change in the blink of an eye for the better.
“You regret punching the wall now?” Angel mutters.
“Nah. It just became a warmup.”
The usual sounds of River sucking on air hits me and I pull out his bottle and place it on the table. Repositioning him to bring up his wind, I can’t wipe the smile off my face.
“King, Max, take her up to a spare room. Clear it of everything but the mattress if it’s got shit in it. Oh, and find her a bucket.”
There’s no irritating smile on her now. There’s no air of arrogance around her anymore.
She’s fucked and she knows it. Though there’s not a tear to be seen.
“We could’ve worked so well together,” she murmurs.
“Maybe in your eyes, but here’s the thing, I don’t do well taking orders, not even from my father or brother. And I certainly don’t play nice with people who kill my brothers.”
Her slender shoulder lifts defeatedly. “Do what you’ve got to do…”
Stepping closer to her, I lean into her space and smell the fear she’s trying to mask with bravery. No amount of designer perfume can cover that shit.
“There’s no question I’ll do what I’ve gotta do. The question iswhatam I gonna do with you? Whatever happens is gonna be long and painful, don’t doubt that. And don’t think cause you’re a woman, that I’ll treat you any different if you had been a man.”
