Page 13 of They Will Burn

“What would you say if I told you that if you helped us take him down, that we would hand you his organization with no questions asked? No need to prove yourself to us or to the other leaders, just stroll right into the top job.”

He stares at me for a moment. “That goes against the rules.”

“I know.” I nod. “But right now, getting Camilla back before he can do anything stupid is more important than the rules.”

It’s an admission I shouldn’t make to him for about a million reasons, not least of which being the fact he could take the information back to his uncle or any of the other leaders. But I don’t think he will. The fact he agreed to take this meeting at all tells me he wants more than what is currently being offered, and he’s not willing to settle.

He considers me for long moments, and I do my best to remain still under his scrutiny. There aren’t many people in this city who would size me up the way Knox is, and I feel more settled in this decision the longer he takes. Charles is a weak leader. He always has been, but when his father retired, it was a natural decision to pass the baton to his son, who thinks he knows it all. “What are the terms of the deal?”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding and lean forward, my elbows resting on my knees. “You help us get Camilla back, and we’ll help you take over the organization. It will look better for you if you take Charles out yourself, showing you have the guts to do what needs to be done and scaring the men in your ranks because if you’re willing to kill your own flesh and blood, imagine what you’d do to them.”

“And the need for the trials?” he asks.

“Waived. They’re a formality anyway, a way to wean out any weak leaders who would find themselves overthrown in a matter of months. If you do this, this serves as your trial.”

He stares at me for another moment before nodding. “I’ll get back to you.”

Without another word, he stands, his gaze moving over the space again, looking for any signs of danger before making his way toward the door.

“Is she okay?” I ask, unable to let him leave without finding out.

Knox looks over his shoulder, his brows pulling together as he considers me again. “For now.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CAMILLA

Ihaven’t slept in days.

Every sound in the penthouse makes me jump, and I fucking hate the version of me I am while I’m here. I’m a fucking badass. I know that. I can kill a man three times my size with my bare hands in under a minute if I put my mind to it, but being locked up like a fucking princess in a tower seems to have taken some of the bravado I’ve spent my life building.

I sit with my back against the wall, my gaze trained on the door, as I wait for my first meal of the day to be delivered. Charles doesn’t seem to be around much, which works well for me, but that also means I’m mostly confined to this room.

You’d think I’d be used to it after being at the compound for so long. But that was different. I was never alone, I always had company, and deep down, I knew none of them were going to hurt me.

Or at least three out of four weren’t. Kaos was always a wild card.

The thought of the man has rage simmering under my skin. If I ever get the opportunity, I’ll kill him myself, consequences be damned.

Footsteps on the landing make me sit up straighter, my eyes glued to the door, and I hold my breath once I’m sure it’s about to swing open.

Charles appears in the doorway, wearing a perfect three-piece suit that fits his body like it was made just for him. His hair is slicked back, but as his eyes peruse my barely-covered body, I recall exactly why I’ll never think of this man as attractive.

The only clothing in this room is lingerie, and today’s bright pink teddy is the most covered I’ve been since the day I was brought in here. He’s such an asshole.

“I like this color on you,” he notes, and I bite my tongue against the retort that settles there. “Come down for breakfast.”

I open my mouth to argue but quickly snap it shut when he gives me a pointed glare. “Do as you’re told, Camilla. You’ll quickly find that keeping that pretty mouth shut anytime my cock isn’t in it will be a much smarter idea.”

I glare at him, but stand from my seat, tugging on the silky material to ensure I’m not about to slip out of it. That’s all I need.

Once I’m within arm’s reach, he slides his hand around the back of my neck and holds me firmly, ensuring I couldn’t escape him even if I wanted to. “Good girl,” he murmurs, and the praise on his lips has bile climbing up the back of my throat. I fucking hate it.

He guides me out of the room and down the stairs, careful to match his pace with my slower one. I’ve been doing my best to stay limber while I’m here, but being locked in one room isn’t doing me any favors. Not to mention the limited training I’ve done since I left the De Marco estate. I’m not as fit as I used to be, which means when it comes time to fight and run, I’m going to have my work cut out for me.

The table is set, but only for one person, which makes my brows tug together in confusion. Why have me come down for breakfast if only one of us is eating?

When we reach the table, he pauses beside the seat with a plate piled with bacon and eggs and a bowl of muesli beside it, topped with yogurt.

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