Page 80 of Break the Ice
“Die. It’s created this mess.”
Marisse lets her thoughts take over. Her expression reads as contemplative as she falls silent and sits at my side lost in her head. I’d like to claim I’m different, but I’m distracted by my own confusion—the warmth that lights up my chest. My pulse thrums fast out of an emotion I’m not deep enough to place.
I do know it has to do with Marisse. Her presence is affecting. Her proximity what I want the moment she’s gone. Her innocence even when she’s guilty—I’ll keep the fucking secret ‘til I’m dead to ensure her freedom.
All things I can’t say aloud let alone process what the hell they mean.
Because I never let anybody know how I feel, I pivot into what’s familiar. Giving Marisse as much grief as possible.
“It doesn’t matter why I helped you. If you no longer want my help, head to the police station. Explain to them how you disposed of a dead body. The footage doesn’t lie. You’re on camera entering his room.”
“So are you. But I’m guessing that footage would never turn up.”
“You’re a smart girl. I had Mitch steal it.” My hand inches over to hers. “But you know we’re not out here to discuss my motives. We’re out here to discuss why in the hell you would ever think you could have me assassinated.”
“For the last time, I wasn’t trying to have you assassinated.”
“You have a funny way of showing it. I’d hate to see what it’s like when you do try.”
“It wasn’t my idea. Sending the guys after you.”
“I have to admit. I didn’t think you’d partner off with my other enemies.”
She blows out a breath, then scrubs a hand over her face. “It was Mr. Blackman’s suggestion. He paid for the men too.”
“That’s… that’s very interesting.”
“He knew you were there the night we had dinner at the Onyx. He knew you came up to my room too.”
All information I had no fucking clue about.
So, definitely interesting.
“Then he hired some goons to come rough me up.”
“That’s right. He put me in contact with one of them. That was Chris.”
“I didn’t know Mr. Blackman had such a vendetta against me.”
She frowns. “I’ve thought it was strange too.”
I shake my head rather than provide a straight answer. I’m more preoccupied with figuring out how these new puzzle pieces fit into the greater scheme of things. Have I miscalculated a step somewhere?
“I haven’t told you this… but I’ve been receiving texts from an anonymous number. I thought it was you,” she confesses. “More of your mind games.”
“But now you think it’s Blackman.”
“He’s playing both of us. He wanted me to think you were behind the texts. Then he wanted me to target you.”
“Sounds like we’re on his radar.”
“Why would he target us?”
“I don’t know, Sugar. But I’m sure as hell going to find out.” I curl her hand within mine and give her soft lips a kiss.
Marisse might’ve been forced to be honest with me. She might’ve fought every step of the way. She might still fucking hate my guts for all I care, but she’s in this game for the long haul. She’s my game partner whether she chooses to be or not. While we were adversaries every round thus far, it seems there’s a greater enemy we’ll have to come together and play against.
“It looks like he wants to play the game,” I say before tasting her lips again. “But he doesn’t know we never lose. We’re going to fucking mop the floor with him.”
