Page 9 of The Devil of Hollywood

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t admit to that. It doesn’t even matter. What happened was worse than words. It was a yelling match. Name calling. Threats. I wasn’t there, but I’ve heard the details. It was a horror show, so much more than you’re admitting. You almost went to jail because of her. And not just for the accusations.”

“I should be rotting behind bars right now for all that’s happened. Luckily, I’m not, and now I get to watch the tables turn.”

“Maybe. I guess that depends. Who are you marrying?”

My finger traced around the edge of the glass. Around and around. Slow. Precise. “Marian.”

Shock.

“I’m sorry? You didn’t just say Marian.”

I nodded. “I did.”

“You’ve lost your fucking mind. Dray… don’t do this. Don’t you bring that b—don’t you bring her back into the circle and forgive her.”

“I have no intention of forgiving Marian LaRoe for ruining my life. But I will make her pay for it by ruining hers.”

“And marrying you is going to be that punishment?”

I smiled, the expression coming so naturally as I went over what I knew.

“There’s a lot I can’t tell you, but nothing is more important than this. Marian is set to marry into French nobility before the year is out, Quinton. Do you know what that will do to the LaRoe line if she goes through with it? Her brother Jett will outrank the Penningtons. Outrank Bram Whitlock. They’ll become the family of our circle. I’m not letting that happen.”

“But… if Marian is getting married, how are you going to get her to marry you?”

My smile returned, only growing more malicious. “I’m not who I used to be, but she’ll wish I was. Marian will consent. She won’t have a choice. I’ll make her.” I paused at his furrowed brow. “Worry doesn’t suit you, Cousin. Rejoice. When has payback not been sweet?”

“This isn’t just anyone, Dray. The circle— This could turn bad for a lot of people.”

“Not this time. Do you trust me?”

“You know I do.”

“Then I’m going to need that favor.”

Quinton slowly nodded. “Anything.”

“Soon, I’m going to need you to go down to Florida with me and a team of very dangerous men. I need you to help me take her.”

“Kidnap her?”

“Not just kidnap, Quinton. We’re going to introduce her to a nightmare she can’t escape from. One, Marian couldn’t have dreamed up if she tried. I have it all planned out. Everything’s already been taken care of. We just need to be there to make sure it goes as planned.” My voice lowered. “I want her terrified. I want her crying and begging for freedom. She deserves to pay for what she’s done. You’re going to help me do that.”

Marian

“One measly amount… that’s it? You’re not even willing to budge or bargain?

I took in Mr. Upton’s stunned expression. There was an anger tinging his defensive tone as he sat more forward in his chair. Sweat was soaking into the collar of his shirt, and his narrow face looked even more harsh as his thin lips settled into a tight line.

“No. I’m here to buy your company. I’m not here to negotiate. I made you an offer. You’d be a fool to turn me down.”

“A fool? You’re joking. I’d be a fool to accept that pathetic price, Ms. LaRoe. You can’t seriously think I’m that stupid.”

My fingers steepled, the tips resting just under my bottom lip. “Apparently you are. My proposal is more than generous. Especially given the situation. You should be thanking me.” I glanced at his two colleagues he had sitting next to him, one at each side, just as I had as well. “Did you really think no one would find out what you’ve done? Do they know about your inventory?”

Nervous stares shot to him, and Geoffrey Upton shifted in his chair. His head rolled slightly on his shoulders, and I could tell he wanted to reach up and loosen the tie around his neck.

“When the news gets wind of your scandal, your stocks are going to tank. Dodge Corp will crash and burn, and you’re going to lose everything.” I pushed the contract from the middle of the table, closer to him. “But you don’t have to. I’m being generous. That generosity lasts only another…” my wrist lifted, and I looked at my watch, “three minutes. After that, I bring out the new contract. My price will be cut in half.”