Page 100 of Intolerable Bishop

“Aye, for you, I’d do anything.”

“If it comes down to you or them, and you have the opportunity to kill them…do it. We’ll figure out the repercussions but don’t ever bow down to them. You’re better than they ever could dream of becoming.”

“That would definitely cause waves,” I said.

Ren’s eyes hardened. “I don’t care. If I could, I’d go in your place. Kill them if it’s your only chance at living.” She cupped my face. “I’d rather be on the run with you than live without you.”

I kissed her lips and poured all the love I could into it. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” I said and began praying to anyone who was listening to help me out of this. God help me. I’d do what she said. I’d shoot them both in the head if I got to keep her.

Ren is my life.

AUGUST – 10 WEDNESDAY 10:15 PM

Ren

Theo and Blake had been doing their best to keep me occupied, but I couldn’t sit still anymore. I pushed myself up from the table and headed for the door.

“Where are you going,” Blake asked.

“I just need some fresh air.”

“We’ll come with you.”

I held up my hand. “No, please. I just…I need to be alone. I’m sorry.”

Walking out the back door, I sank into my hoodie and wrapped my arms around myself as I paced in Nash’s training area. I’d lost count of what lap I was on when the snap of a twig had my head jerking up. I sucked in a deep breath as the tip of a cigarette glowed in the darkness, but I couldn’t see the person’s face. My first instinct was to run, but run where? Help was inside the cabin.

“Relax, Ren.”

I sighed as I recognized Liam’s voice. “What the heck are you doing? Are you competing with Nash to see who can give me a heart attack first?”

Liam walked closer, and all I could clearly see was the glowing cigarette swinging in his hand.

“Trust me, if I wanted to, I’d win that challenge,” he said, and I forced myself not to shiver. As he took another draw of the cigarette, the glow illuminated his face just enough that I could see Liam’s eyes. As always, they were calculating and cool, but there was something else in them that was softer tonight.

“I’m sure you would. Is that why you’re here, then? To go another round of who can do what better?” A strange rivalry had bloomed between us ever since Theo went after him that night. I still hadn’t gotten Theo to talk about what happened, but Liam hadn’t been quite as hostile.

“No, that’s not why I’m here. Wanna sit?” He walked over to the picnic table and sat down. I glanced at the cabin and then joined him. He didn’t say anything else for a long time, and I felt compelled to break the silence.

“I didn’t know you smoked.”

Liam smirked. “I don’t.” He looked at me, and the corner of his mouth turned up. “At least, as far as Nash is concerned, I don’t.”

“Liam Hicks, are you telling me a secret?”

“Can I trust you with it,” he asked.

“If you’re asking if I’m going to tell Nash, then no, I won’t. Your secret is safe, but just so you know, that shit will kill you.”

Liam snorted and put out the cigarette on the sole of his boot before sticking it in his pocket. “Yeah, it will, but I’m positive a bullet will get me long before that happens.”

My smile fell, and I looked away. “So why are you here, or more specifically, why are you out here with me and not inside with Theo?”

“Because I didn’t come here for him.” I glanced at him and couldn’t figure out what he was trying to get at. “We may be at odds where Theo is concerned, but I know what it’s like to feel like you’re going to lose the very thing that keeps you sane.” I bit my lower lip. “How it can drive you crazy and make you envision the worst, but Myles is resilient. Far more so than the rest of us combined, if I’m being honest.”

“Do you think they’ll kill him?”

“I think anything is possible with Lawrence, but they also don’t want to lose a valuable asset, and Myles is valuable. He’ll do what others can’t stomach, and he is loyal to Nash. Despite the feud Nash has with his father, there is still a drive for him to surround his son with strong soldiers to keep him safe. Whether Lawrence realizes it or not, he doesn’t want Nash dead. He wants him to conform and get on his knees to kiss his ring. Nash dead holds no value. Myles dead holds no value. When it comes to money and power, Lawrence is predictable and will do what will garner him more.”