“Sorry?”
He snorted. “See, here’s the thing, Penn. I’ve had people in front of me like you are today. Most of them aren’t even strapped in before they’re crying, begging, and on some occasions soiling themselves.”
“Oh, were you hoping I’d do all that?” I smirked. “You’ll be disappointed.”
He slapped his leg and cackled. “Right there. You aren’t even afraid of me, of what’s going to happen here.”
“Not really, no. Gideon’s far more terrifying than you. After all, he did walk right up to your brother, on the steps of his own home, and shoot him in the head. Didn’t even go to jail for it…why would I be afraid of you?” Okay, in hindsight, poking the bear might not have been the best idea.
Lorcan’s smile fell, and his gaze turned to ice. “I’ll make you afraid, Penn. You’ll be pissing your pants soon enough.”
“Sounds fun. Now, didn’t you have questions for me?”
He clenched his fists, and I knew he was desperately trying to keep his cool. Not sure why—I mean this was obviously a room for torture.
“You ran into a house to save strangers, lied to me about who did, but from what I’ve found out, Gideon hadn’t approached you yet. What made you side with him over me?”
Oh. My. God.“Wow, is that what this is about? You’re butt-hurt because I chose Gideon over you? That’s what all this is about.”
He shot out of his chair and punched me square in the jaw. “You need to watch your mouth.”
“I’ll give you this one, Lorcan.” I grinned. “He didn’t try to murder kids. That was pretty much a deciding factor.”
“He’s no saint!”
I nodded. “I’m aware. He’s morally ambiguous or whatever you want to call him. He’s done monstrous things, but he has a line he won’t cross and you have none. That’s a dangerous thing, and there’s no way I’m going to shackle myself to a rabid coyote.”
He gripped my shirt and yanked me closer to his face, which wasn’t easy, seeing as I was tied to the chair.
“I think you’re quite unique, Penn. I could have used you in my ranks.” He tilted his head. “I see there’s no way you’ll switch sides, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be useful.”
“I’m not sucking your dick.”
He released me roughly. “No, you reserve that for Gideon, don’t you?” A smile bloomed on his face. “Yeah, I figured that out too. Know what else I realized?” He walked behind his chair and placed his hands on the back. “Gideon cares a lot about you. He got himself locked up for you, which means, when he finds your broken lifeless body on his doorstep, he’ll fracture justenough that I’ll swoop in, destroy his empire, and deliver Gideon to my brother in Hell.” He nodded to one of his men. “Begin.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
Gideon
The soundof the door to the holding cell sliding open was music to my ears. Mari and Charles stood there.
“You’re free to go.” He was noticeably relieved he was able to make it happen.
“Thank fuck.” I hurried out of the cell, Danny, Alex, and Toni right behind me.
“Judge Grande said he appreciates your donation to his wife’s charity.” Charles grinned at me. “It was the only way he was assisting you on this release.”
“Fine, fine. Just let me know how much and where, and I’ll deal with it. But I need to get to Penn right fucking now.” I looked at Mari. “You made the call?”
“Yes, Jeff told me to tell you they were going down to the marina. I didn’t hear more than that.”
“Danny, call. Alex, car. Toni, get our shit.”
“Asking you to stay out of trouble is pointless, isn’t it?” Charles huffed.
I patted his shoulder. “Thanks for your help; go home and enjoy the rest of the day.”
“It’s ten at night, Gideon.”
