He’d stopped, just inside the door. “Are you okay?”
I barely restrained myself from glaring at him, which Creighton read from me because he grinned, laughing softly. “You must be since you look like you want to murder me.”
Levi shot me a grin. Even Lassiter glanced my way, somewhat amused.
I growled at them all.
He glanced over. “They touched her?”
“No,” I said at the same time Levi overrode me, “He shoved her shoulder. She’s fine.”
I glared at him.
Levi shrugged at me, and I knew what he was thinking. Creighton would see it anyways. He’d look at the security footage before Lassiter shot out the camera. If he hadn’t already viewed it.
“Blake,” Palma whispered, trying to lean forward around Marshall and Heath. Both of them hushed her. She ducked her head down, looking like she was going to argue, but Heath grabbed her head andput his mouth to her ear. He was talking urgently to her, and whatever he was saying, she quieted.
I tore my gaze away. God. Why did I do this to myself? Try to make friends and then the inevitable would happen. Creighton would come in and destroy everything. Every single time.
I only had two options. Fake my death or give in. Pain seared me. I couldn’t do either of them.
I’d be cutting myself in half.
Creighton spared me another look before going to stand in front of the robber. The guy was visibly shaking, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he pissed himself soon. As if on my same wavelength, Levi, Lassiter, and Creighton took a step back from the guy.
“You’re one of mine, I’m told.”
“Ye-yes, sir. I joined yesterday.” His voice pitched but then came out rushed, pleading. “It was my buddy’s idea. He wanted one last score. He’s set to go upstate on Monday. I didn’t want to help, said it was against your rules, but he didn’t care. He’s been my buddy for fifteen years. I’m sorry, Mr. Lane. I-I-I didn’t know. I’m so sorry.”
I couldn’t look. The desperation in his voice was too much.
He kept begging, trying to plead his case until Creighton was done. “Enough.”
The guy stopped, though blubbering sounds still slipped out.
“You have others on your plan?”
“Y-y-yes, sir.”
“Who’s on your plan?”
Sometimes people came to Creighton because they had families to support. When they were plugged into his money system, that money could be allotted so it would go to those loved ones. It helped keep Creighton’s people loyal even if they were taken by an enemy or caught by law enforcement. Once they joined, they began earning right away. The money flowed, and it flowed well. Creighton had a system for people who weren’t loyal. I never stuck around to find out exactly whatit was, but I knew it was so few. No one wanted to be cut off from the money they got working for Creighton.
The guy was still stuttering as he answered, “M-my mom and my sister. My sister’s got a kid coming. They’re not doing so well. Her old man, he’s upstate, too, and a real piece of work, if you know what I mean.”
The silence in the room was palpable.
My chest was tight.
“Blake,” Creighton spoke my name, softly.
I heaved a silent sigh but lifted my gaze. I knew what he was asking. Should he let this man live or not?
I found myself wincing as I met Creighton’s gaze, and my eyelids shuttered. I didn’t want Creighton to kill this man. Not in front of my roommates.
He gave me a small nod, focusing back on the guy.
“Your name?”
