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The second guard opened the door for them and warm air drifted out, carrying the lingering smell of dinner. Her stomach clenched as she walked through the door, Stevie and the goats following her in.

The two men inside turned around and Joe’s mouth dropped open. His gaze traveled from her torn dress to the crowbar, then down to Boss Goat.

“What the⁠—”

A goat jumped onto the dining table as another hooked its horns under a chair and threw it sideways. Blythe stepped clear as it crashed into the wall.

The other man leaned back in his chair, amusement wreathing his expression. She flicked him a glance. This must be Maxim Martel. And damn, he was as handsome as fuck. The very epitome of tall, dark and handsome. If she hadn’t already met Rann, she’d have climbed Martel like a tree. Well, if he wasn’t a psychopathic crime lord, she’d have climbed him like a tree. She had some limits.

“Ah, here she is,” Joe said, recovering quickly and spreading his hands. “As requested. I ordered her brought up so I could present her to you personally.”

Stevie snorted as Blythe folded her arms.

Maxim glanced at a goat chewing the corner of a cushion. “I must admit, this is quite the presentation.”

“Yes, well,” Joe’s smile nearly faltered. “Obviously, the animals belong in the hold. There must have been some confusion. I assure you, though, everything is under control. Your acquisition has been⁠—”

She’d heard enough. “Shut the fuck up, Joe.”

Maxim’s smile widened as he looked her up and down. “Oh, I like you.”

She glared back at him. “I’m not so hot on you, though, handsome. Not since you think it’s appropriate to buy people or own people because of a debt. I’m not fucking fast food.”

“No,” he agreed, folding his hands over his stomach. “The delivery leaves something to be desired.”

“Try asking for a refund.”

He smiled, totally relaxed despite the unfolding situation. “Would that improve your opinion of me?”

“Not much.” She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. “Why me? Why’d you buy me? I’ve never met you before.”

Martel shrugged, the movement elegant. “Worked with a guy called Keller way back when, thought you might be related.”

She blinked. “Lucky me then⁠—”

“Guards!” Joe cut her off with a shout as Boss Goat, who had apparently had enough of the humans talking now, advanced. Joe scrambled backward, falling over his own chair as two other goats flanked him, cutting off the space between the furniture and the wall.

Stumbling into the corner, Joe slapped at a horn that came dangerously close to his crotch and screamed. “Somebody get these fucking things out!”

Maxim glanced toward the open door. Neither guard moved from their post.

“Your friends do seem rather determined,” he observed.

“Can’t blame them, they’ve had a shit day.”

Blythe pulled the gun she’d liberated from a guard from the back of her belt. The grip was warm against her palm. She cocked an eyebrow at Maxim as she gestured to Joe.

He extended one hand. “By all means, my dear.”

Her expression hard, she turned toward Joe.

“So, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Goat or gun?”

“I’ve never threatened anyone with goats before,” Maxim commented to the room.

Two goats turned to look at him and he raised his hands. “My apologies, gentlemen. I was in no way casting aspersions on your species. Merely commenting that I haven’t yet had the opportunity to avail myself of your talents. This is a deficit I see I shall have to remedy.”

One of the goats chuffed at him and they returned their attention to Joe. He pressed himself harder into the corner and whimpered, looking at Blythe.