Page 53 of Beautiful Unity

“I’m glad to hear there’s no trust issues among your men. So, what we’re wanting is?—”

“Stop,” he barked. “Not here.” He stood and stormed off. The men behind him glanced at one another and took a step. “No. You stay. Queen, with me.”

His command was forceful and brokered no argument. Maddox’s jaw twitched, but he nodded, trusting me to know my limits. My heart beat so hard, I worried it would jump out of my chest. This was it. The moment of my redemption. The opportunity I’d longed for since he’d stolen something precious from me.

He waited at the stairs, his body vibrating as I strutted toward him. His eyes roved over me in a predatory manner, and I knew he believed he’d win this round. Watching his face fall when he realized he’d been beaten by a woman would be the highlight of my day.

He motioned for me to head up first, and I smiled as I trailed my fingers over his arm. I knew he wanted to stare at my ass and make me nervous, but I’d use it to my advantage. Once my front was out of view, I slipped the knife I had strapped to my wrist down and into my hand. If I had the opportunity, I’d take it. As much as I’d prefer for him to rot in prison for the rest of his miserable life, I wouldn’t let him get away. Not this time.

“To the right,” he barked when we crested the landing. I swayed my hips and controlled my breathing as I walked. I had to stay calm. Maddox would take care of the men below and our hidden guys could handle the rest. I had to trust them just like they trusted me.

Stepping into the room, I eyed the layout and cataloged my exit points. There was a small window high up that would have to do if I got trapped. The room was mostly bare, with a filing cabinet in one corner and a desk against the far end. Leaning against it, I kept the knife hidden as I took in the man of my nightmares.

He smiled as he shut the door, locking it behind him. I wasn’t sure if that was to keep me in or others out. It didn’t matter. Soon enough, they would all be prey.

“I’ve waited a long time for this moment.”

“Oh?” he said, rolling up his sleeves. “And here I thought you running away meant you didn’t like me.” He smiled and stepped forward.

“I don’t.” Agonizer froze at my honesty, his face morphing to confusion. “But power has nothing to do with liking someone. You know that. You pretended to like my father all those years after he fucked your wife.” Stanley’s face morphed from shock to rage before settling on triumph.

“So, you know about your father’s indiscretions?”

“I know everything. I wouldn’t be where I am otherwise.”

That smarmy smile flitted over his face again. “Tank has no idea the caliber of daughter he has. I wanted you to punish him, and I’ll be frank because you were a hot piece of virgin ass. But now…” He shook his head in disbelief as he stepped forward and into my space.

My heart rate sped up, and the bile from earlier threatened to return at his proximity. Gritting my teeth, I stayed focused. I was so close. I just had to keep him talking, so he’d ignore any sounds that were happening below. I could already hear the low murmur of grunts as Maddox and our men dismantled the thugs.

“But now?” I asked, tilting my head to the side. His finger trailed up my neck, and a shudder ran through me. Thank Gucci he assumed it was lust and not revulsion.

“You’re more perfect than I ever imagined. Together, you and I can rule the southern states. I already have Mississippi and Alabama. You have Kentucky and, if my eyes are correct, Georgia. All that is left is Tennessee. I would already have it if my bitch of a daughter had been more like you.”

I smiled, this one genuine. He had no idea how alike we were—just not how he believed.

“Hmm. I dunno. I like being in charge. What’s in it for me, Stanley?” The use of his name startled him, and he paused, giving me the inch of space I needed to slip my knife further down. Now, I just needed an opening. This was it. I was so close.

Quick as lightning, he gripped my neck, cutting off my oxygen, and taking me by surprise. My instinct was to panic, but that wouldn’t do me any good. Instead, I concentrated on controlling the little air I had.

“No one fucking calls me that.”

“You’re right, King,” I gasped.

He relaxed his grip, but he didn’t release his hand. This close, I could feel his erection, and his sour breath warmed my face.

“Better. Tell me how you managed to get through my network, and maybe I’ll let the pretty boy downstairs live. That’s what’s in it for you, pet.”

I smirked. He had it so wrong, but I’d play along. “You’re not the only one with connections in the feds.”

His eyes widened, confirming everything I’d expected. “Hmm, we have more in common than I’d believed.”

“It seems we do.” Now for the real test. “Agent Bones is very interested in you.”

He laughed, and it sent chills running down my spine. “It seems Bones hasn’t told you everything.” He leaned forward, his hot breath hitting me. “He’s not the one in charge.” He licked my cheek, and I barely held back my gag. His free hand squeezed my breast, producing a whimper despite my attempt to keep it contained. Stanley grunted, liking it. “That asshole has been trying to get to me ever since his son joined my ranks. You didn’t fall for his bullshit, did you? I know he offered your lapdog a deal for his daddy.”

“He tried, but I saw the opportunity for what it was worth and used it for an in.”

His eyes surveyed me. Up this close, there would be no hiding. I kept my breathing even so my heart wouldn’t thump against my chest and give away my lies.

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