“I’m three men down because of you and your sister.”
I stared at the wall opposite me. He clicked his tongue in frustration. “Maybe I should send someone to finish the job.” I rapidly blinked back tears. He slid his hands into his pockets and started to slowly pace the bedroom. “Maybe… I’ll have Daisy helplessly watch while my men entertain Nori before ending them both.”
Todd glared at me, waiting for a response, but I refused to give him one. He checked his watch and clicked his tongue. “It’s a crazy world we live in, Kiyah. A world where two affluent women of color could be minding their business, taking a brisk evening stroll in their favorite park, when a rabid masked assailant throws acid on them.” He dramatically hissed through his teeth as a violent, bone-deep chill seeped into me. “Your mother is absolutely stunning, if you don’t mind me saying.” He stopped before me, hands still in his pockets. “She has aged gracefully throughout the years, and it would be a shame if her beauty were taken away from her so viciously. Wouldn’t you agree?”
When that didn’t work, Todd moved on.
“Grant’s not coming for you.”
“He will,” I whispered defiantly.
He crouched in front of me, and I recoiled when he placed his hands on my thigh. “Grant’s not coming because he already knows you’re mine.” My brows narrowed. “He found the burner.”
“What burner?” I murmured, finally meeting his eyes.
“The one that Mr. Stone left in your couch when you and Grant left to discuss his services. By the way, in case you were wondering who owned Sentinel Security… you’re looking at him.” My mouth dropped ungracefully. “The messages on that phone between us were convincing. You expressed regret about being with him and desired an escape. I had gathered enoughinformation from cloning your phone to make the messages believable. I imagine that Grant is halfway through a bottle of scotch right now.”
I swallowed around the emotion that steadily climbed up my throat. There was no way in hell Grant would believe that bullshit.
I smirked. “You’re gonna have to try harder than that.”
Todd grinned wickedly, standing to his feet. “Hold that thought, Kiyah.”
He sent a text, and a minute later, the door opened, revealing Desi and Pete. Todd approached Pete, grabbed him by the arm, and dragged him further into the room. Pete’s face was pale, and his eyes darted wildly.
“W-what are you doing?”
“This, “Todd said, resting a hand on Pete’s shoulder, “is what happens when you disappoint me, Kiyah.”
“No,” I said, launching myself off the bed. “Don’t—”
The sound of bone breaking cut through the room. Pete screamed and crumpled to the floor when Todd released his little hand. The child’s cries were sharp and lodged themselves deep in my chest. I snatched Pete off the floor and inspected his fingers. My heart bottomed out when I noticed his right pinky and ring finger swollen and bent awkwardly.
“It’s okay. It’s okay,” I repeated, trying to soothe Pete and myself. Nothing was fucking okay as long as Todd was still breathing. Pete sobbed, burying his face in my neck.
“If I can do this to my own flesh and blood,” Todd said calmly, wiping his hands, “what do you think I’ll do to you and your loved ones?”
I was shaking with fury. “You’re sick.”
“Maybe,” he agreed. “But I have everything I want. A successful political career, a beautiful son, and an adoring first lady.”
“Fuck you,” I spat.
Todd smiled tightly. “Pete has more fingers, you know?”
He snapped at Desi. Desi approached me, and I tightened my grip around Pete.
“Hand him over, Kiyah.”
I backed into the corner, refusing to give him Pete. Bored, Todd left, leaving Desi behind. Desi’s shoulders visibly dropped when Todd left. “There are cameras in here,” Desi spoke through his teeth without moving his lips. “You need to rest and reserve your energy. Hand Pete over so I can administer medical care.”
“You must be as delusional as Todd if you think I’m—”
I stopped speaking when I noticed Desi angling his body and signing. My breath caught in my throat as his fingers moved rapidly.
“H-how do I know I can trust you?” I whispered.
He needs to be stopped,he signed.
