In truth, I wanted a better world for them. If I was lucky enough to father even a single child. The thought had entered my mind more than once as of late. And why? Because I knew Fleur would make an amazing mother.
Yes, we were in a relationship.
“That’s why your children will live to face another day. But you’ve crossed one too many lines including the orchestration of my father’s death. But don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll make friends with the demons you’ll be rooming with in hell. Oh, and for the record, your cousin will no longer be in a position to act on your behalf.” I checked my watch. “Yes, right about now he’s enjoying his lunch. Five minutes from now, he’ll be dead. But think of it this way. You can spend eternity in hell together.”
When I pulled a syringe from my pocket, Ivan laughed as if I had no clue what to expect. I waited as he pounded on the door, eager for his prison buddies to charge inside.
After two or three minutes of silence, he glared at me.
“They’re not coming, Ivan. I suggest you get comfy before you face judgment day.”
As expected, he came at me with everything a seventy-five-year-old man could offer. I had to admit, he was stronger than I’d expected.
But not by much.
He was able to get off a single punch, something that would annoy me for the remainder of the day, but I’d get over it.
I wasn’t in the mood to waste any additional time, so I jammed the needle into his neck.
His eyes opened wide and he attempted a few additional brutal punches that I avoided. I even did the gentlemanly thing and eased him to the floor.
“If you’re wondering what’s about to happen, I’m happy to tell you. Your muscles will soon be paralyzed. First your arms and legs. Eventually your heart will slow as the drug makes its way through your system. Your heart will finally fail, as will every organ. However, given I’m a nice guy, the end of your life will be quick. Enjoy your time in hell.”
No one bothered me after I walked out, the same guard simply opening the gate so I could leave. As I turned the corner leading to the parking lot, I noticed my perfect flower was waiting for me by the SUV. She was studying the sunlight, the rays casting a warm glow across her copper locks.
When I approached, a slow and steady smile crossed her face.
“It took you long enough,” she said with a slight huff.
“Business, baby. Are you ready to have some fun in New York?” I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close.
“What did you have in mind?” She adjusted my tie, her nose wrinkling. She did prefer me in jeans.
“Oh, a little paint and body work on your ex followed by a night on the town in New York. How does that sound?”
Leaning into me, she lifted her head, pressing her soft lips against mine. “Purr… fect.”
“I do so love it when you purr.”
Fleur
New York City.
The Big Apple.
A city I’d once loved that had become tarnished by the life I’d allowed myself to fall into. A trap of my own making with a man capable of tarnishing gold with ease.
I smoothed down my skirt as I glanced at the high-rise building housing Cummings and Watkins, Zane now CEO, a position he’d always wanted. One for which he was willing to use whatever method to obtain. Including bulldozing over his own father.
We’d learned Jason Cummings had taken early retirement, a hand used by his own son against him. As Montgomery had reminded me, money and power could change a person.
What I found interesting over the last few days was how little it seemed Montgomery cared about money. Or maybe he’d learned the small things in life could bring even more pleasure than expensive trinkets.
With him by my side, Gio and another man keeping us company, we headed into the building first. Since Zane had been my cross to bear, I’d been given the honor of destroying him.
Yes, I could have pouted my lips and the man I’d fallen desperately in love with would have invaded his house, ending his life in whatever way Montgomery believed was applicable.
But I wanted him to suffer for years to come, languishing behind prison walls.
