“Did you get everything you needed?” he asked, shifting his gaze from Montgomery to me and holding it there.
“We did. Thank you,” I told him.
“I’ll see you out.”
As soon as the manager walked away, Montgomery pulled me to the side, sliding his finger under my lip. When he held it into the light, he grinned before shoving his finger into my mouth. “You missed a spot.”
CHAPTER 29
Montgomery
Revenge was a prickly beast.
I felt it even now. I don’t think there was a human alive who didn’t feel the need at least once in their lives. Even if they and everyone else considered them a decent human being, the kind who’d give their shirt off their backs to anyone in need.
My reasons were clear.
If anyone fucked with my family, they paid a price.
Usually with their lives.
I’d become accustomed to controlling my temper, but after Fleur had been attacked and had almost lost her life, things had changed. Perhaps because she’d been forced to make a choice that would forever alter her life. Taking a man’s life under any circumstances haunted a person.
The fact she’d done so to protect me both titillated and infuriated me. I wasn’t angry with her. Without her intervention,I wouldn’t be casually walking along the cracked path, ignoring the stench lingering in the humid air.
She was my rock, my reason for getting up in the morning.
She’d risked her life to save mine.
Now the fucker responsible would pay for putting her in harm’s way.
Prisons.
A method of punishment designed to punish those who’d broken the law. In some cases, rehabilitation efforts were provided, allowing for some education and socialization in hopes the inmate could learn skills as well as gain self-confidence. In some cases, the efforts worked.
In my world, never.
Why? Because those involved in crime syndicates proudly did their time. If they were smart, they kept their mouths shut. If they were important in the hierarchy of the organization, they were protected against the typical gangs inside the prison system. Guards had well-greased palms. Accommodations were more like a cheap motel versus a stark, cold prison cell equipped with a toilet and cot.
For some, the privileges were grand gestures of loyalty.
In the case of Ivan Barishnikoff, his first stop within the system had been a harsh reminder that failing against another crime syndicate held severe consequences. The choice and his punishment had been based on the Prince influence over members of law enforcement and the justice system.
But now… Now, his surroundings were little more than glamping in the forest, a structured environment allowing for communication with the outside world at any point in the day. A cell complete with luxurious bedding and entertainment. A chef preparing meals.
And minimum security.
We had enough contacts throughout the world that his location had been discovered easily. Now it was time to take over as judge and jury.
The plan had been well thought out, limited loyalties purchased so that people looked the other way and didn’t say a word. After my visit, the records would be swept clean. I’d never been there. After all, I was lying close to death in a heavily guarded hospital.
A ruse that had been both annoying and entertaining. It was likely one of the more complicated facades the family had created, but well worth the effort for the element of surprise.
The day was packed. My brothers were standing by for a plane ride to New York.
Who would be sitting in the seat beside me? My lovely flower, a woman that had awakened me from a deep coma. One that I hadn’t known I’d been in. Until her suncatchers had caught my eye.
As I waited to be allowed through the prison gates, my mind was completely wrapped around thoughts about our enjoyment of New York. A little getaway added to levels of passion in relationships.
