And when I do?
She’ll remember who she belongs to.
∞∞∞
Back in my high-rise, I grab a beer from the stainless-steel fridge and step out onto the terrace. Below, downtown Nashville hums with life. Neon signs flicker. People laugh. Music drifts up from bars packed with tourists pretending they’re cowboys.
I paid a small fortune for this view, and it was worth every penny. I’ve paved my own way. Nothing about it is legal, but it’s lucrative. I almost have everything I want. Almost.
Funny thing is, I got into this line of work because of my stepfather, Ben. Right out of college, I got recruited by the FBI. That lasted until one psych eval flagged me for “borderline psychopathic tendencies.” Whatever the hell that means. They couldn’t see my potential, but Ben did.
Ben was dirty for years before he retired early. If his department ever found out what he’d been up to, he’d die in a federal prison. But, I get it. The justice system doesn’t always work, so, Ben found another way. He feeds names to a mercenary group. The worst kinds of names. Rapists. Traffickers. Killers. When they cross a certain line, Ben hands them off like broken toys, and we take care of them. Permanently.
He saw something in me early on. The skill. The stomach. The control. So, he vouched for me. Five years later, I’ve made a career out of killing monsters, and I have zero regrets. Not one.
Axel, Nik, and Ben know the truth about my occupation. Everyone else thinks I work for the FBI. Let them. It’s easier thatway. Less questions.
I take another sip and watch the world move below. Somewhere in all that chaos are the two names I can’t erase, Joe and Lina. They’re both being protected by people with deep pockets. He’s slippery, but Lina’s better. It comes down to a matter of want. Lina doesn’t want to be found. Joe doesn’t care. Thinks he’s untouchable.
Lina went to UGA for a while, then vanished. Her trail dried up overnight. Ben swears he’s not in contact with her, but I know better. Somewhere, there’s a burner phone or a hidden email chain. Even with a hacker on payroll, I haven’t cracked that mystery yet.
It’s fine. I’m patient.
Before Axel approached me, I heard through the Underground that he was looking for her. He and Nik have no idea what I’ve been up to. No clue I’m walking straight into a marriage I don’t want for a long con they wouldn’t understand. They think I’ve lost my mind. Maybe I have. Doesn’t matter.
They’re playing the first move in my game, just like I knew they would. And if everything goes to hell? I’ve got contingencies. Always do.
Neither of them will admit how much they miss her, but I’ve seen the bracelet Nik still wears. I’ve seen the cheap Gossip Girl keychain still dangling from Axel’s keys. We all carry our grief differently.
When they came out as a couple, I wasn’t surprised. Axel’s childhood room was right across from mine. They don’t exactly fuck quietly. Good for them. At least someone’s satisfied. Rachel? She’s a human starfish. Pillow princess. Demands oral like it’s owed to her and refuses to reciprocate. Missionary or nothing. God forbid she break a nail. She’s lucky I’m not a quitter.
My phone buzzes.
Rachel:Miss you, Muffin! You’re coming over tomorrownight, right?
Christ.Muffin.I hate that name. I don’t know why she picked it. Probably to piss me off. That would be very on brand.
I text back, playing the part.
Johnny:I’ll be there, Cupcake!
Four more months. That’s all. Then I’ll have her father, The Gentleman, in the palm of my hand. When that day comes, I’ll gut his empire from the inside out.
Even if I have to marry the devil’s daughter to do it.
Chapter 8
Lina – 7 years ago…
I’m standing across the street from the restaurant I’m supposed to walk into.
Honestly, I could still turn around. Send a quick text, ‘Hey, I’m sick. Sorry.’ Done. Safe.
It’s a warm Friday night in Athens, and the sidewalks are already crawling with students. Laughter, perfume, and beer permeate the air. The kind of energy that makes you feel like you’re missing out just by standing still.
I glance at my watch. 7:05. Five minutes late. Maybe he already left. Maybe I got lucky and he never showed.
This whole thing was Dr. Grant’s idea, and right now, I hate her for it. I’ve been seeing her for over a year. We’ve worked through a lot. But one thing I haven’t done? Dated.
