I bring the hammer away, dropping it onto the table. Droplets of blood lay against the shiny surface as I turn to the guys, cocking a brow.
“So, you were going to use Olivia as blackmail.” I nod in understanding, “You were going to dangle her in front of me and do what? Kill her?”
“Yes.”
“Who else was involved?”
“It’s too late,” Hank sucks in a breath, “It’s too late now.”
“What do you mean it’s too late?” I growl.
“Any means necessary.” He rambles. “By any means necessary.”
“What are you talking about!?” I snap.
“To get Olivia alone.” His eyes are clearer than a few seconds ago, as if he was putting on a show. Not with the pain, that can’t be faked, “I’m an old man, Malakai. This organization has been my life and to see it in your hands.” He shakes his head in disgust, his face still wet with his tears of pain “You’re soft. You won’t do what is necessary to keep us thriving. I never wanted the seat, but you’ll be damn well sure I’ll put my life down to make sure it continues for another century. You’re too late.”
Panic works through me. Olivia.
I’m moving before I can even register what is happening. My legs carry me quickly back through the halls beneath the house before they take the stairs two at a time and I’m shoving through the doors.
“Olivia!” I roar her name but only silence greets me.
Chapter Sixty
I don’t like how silent the house is.
After the bath, Malakai disappeared, and I took a nap, but I woke up with this feeling of dread sinking into my stomach. Now I’m wandering the house, finding no staff in any of the rooms, or any noise at all.
It’s like the place is empty but I know that isn’t true. If Malakai wasn’t here, my bodyguard would be…
Where is everyone?
Shaking off the unease, I continue down the hall to the kitchen, finding only the spotlights on beneath the counters. No Louis or Miranda, no Malakai drinking coffee at the kitchen island.
Coldness sweeps through me as I walk barefoot through the kitchen, toward the coffee machine.
“Olivia,” a voice says from behind me.
I startle, spinning around to find Stefan standing in the threshold. “You scared me!” I clutch my chest, my heart pounding something fierce beneath my rib cage.
“My apologies,” He smiles though it’s unkind, a little menacing.
“Where’s Malakai?” I ask, looking beyond him as if my husband will magically appear.
“Dealing with some internal issues,” He waves a hand like it’s no big deal.
“Oh, I’ll go find him,” I tell him, wanting to get as far away from this man as possible. He gives me the creeps, especially with the way he is watching me right now.
“I find it very surprising,” He continues like I didn’t say anything, blocking the way out of the kitchen. “I figured a woman like you would have more respect for herself.”
Hackles raised, I position myself behind the kitchen island so it’s between us, something he notices too.
“What are you talking about?”
“Fucking a man who is only doing it to win a bet.”
I look beyond him again, his words settling in, but I refuse to show him what they do. I don’t believe him. Malakai and I may be like oil and water but everything we have shared has been raw and real. There’s no faking what we have, all the cracks and splinters and all.
