Page 30 of Queen of Vengeance

Jax could feel the heat coming off of Diesel without even looking at him.

Diesel was beyond angry that Zane snubbed him after giving him protection and financial support.

He hoped the rest of the meeting would go well, or Zane’s house might be the next target.

13

LEA

Iwatched as Zane marched off. As much as I didn’t want to be left alone with Diesel, I understood he had two young siblings to care for. I slowly turned my head back to face Jax.

I have to play this cool. I don’t want to raise suspicion and end up with my head on one of Diesel’s pikes.

“Thank you for coming, but you didn’t have to.” I folded my hands and addressed Jax’s mother before anyone else.

Omara walked before Jax and handed her a ceramic bowl of hot food. “Nonsense, dear. It’s nothing at all. We just want to help you in any way that we can.”

I couldn’t believe that this kind of woman had any part to play in the death of my parents.

Just because she was a Ransom didn’t make her evil.

I took the ceramic bowl off her and clutched it tightly. “Thank you. I haven’t really had an appetite the last few days, but I’m sure it’ll come in handy.”

“I completely understand. Don’t push yourself.” Omara placed her hand on my cheek, holding me there and looking deeply into my eyes as if she recognized my pain as an old friend. Of course, she did. She just recently lost her husband under mysterious circumstances.

I set my sights on the man standing behind Omara. I couldn’t help but wonder if he had something to do with Jax’s father dying—his brother. What would he benefit from killing his brother?

Diesel stepped closer, and I instinctively stepped away. He was surprised but hid it well.

My hands began to tremble, and I struggled to hold up the heavy bowl of hot food.

What am I supposed to do? I’m terrified of confronting this man. What if he comes back for the rest of us? What’s his ploy?

“We wanted to share some good news with you. I have decided to pay for the funeral of your parents fully; that way, you have nothing to worry about.” Diesel touched my shoulder, and I wanted to rip his hand off.

I could confirm now that it was definitely him that killed them.

His scent filled my nostrils… It was the same scent all over the crime scene.

I was certain it was him, and the worst part was that I couldn’t do anything about it.

“While I appreciate the offer, that’s not necessary. I can pull something together on my own.” I tried to reject his “generosity,” but he would not take no for an answer.

“Don’t worry about a thing, my child. That’s not something you need to handle anyway. You should be focusing on your studies.” He tilted his head slowly, but in a way, it was somehow threatening.

It was almost as if he was saying don’t make me look bad in front of others.

I slowly dropped my chin in a slight nod, letting him know I agreed—as if I had a choice.

“Excellent. Leave everything to me then.” As his grip loosened and fell away from my shoulder, the chilling realization washed over me: that very touch had been the most imminent threat to my safety.

Omara looked at her son and made a motion with her eyes. “Jax, why don’t you give Lea the flowers you picked for her?”

Jax seemed to have forgotten that he was holding them. He stared down at them momentarily before holding them out to me. “Here. I know you’ll put these to good use.”

I took them from him quickly, holding them in my arms as my heart fluttered.

It was the only glimmer of light in an otherwise bleak reality.

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