Page 165 of Psycho Alphas: Part One

But Bella was baiting me—angling for a reaction so she knew what she could use as leverage. That conviction was a lifeline: it didn’thaveto be true. She just wanted to know what I cared about.

Christina had died quickly—smarter and braver than she should have ever had to be.

It had been instant.

Painless.

Bella was speaking again, and I tried to focus on the words. “…Couldn’t find a trace of her when I looked back at the Ring’s records, but I’ll admit to paying closer attention than I should. I remember every little doe-eyed whore you spend money on.”Bella cocked her head. “But you set her up with a new identity and a bank account? Seems awfully… kind.”

I took a breath, words slipping through gritted teeth. “I wasn’t aware it was anyone’s business what I did with my property.”

That was technically true, but we both knew that setting Christina free was a threat to the vile people involved in the ring.

“Whydid you do it?”

I held her eyes, hating the burning jealousy in them, as if she had any right to that. “Soft spot.”

“I’m getting whiplash from all the rats that hold your interest while you continue to ignore me.”

“What can I say Bella? I like my women a little less desperate.”

There was a sneer on her face as she crossed one leg over the other, carefully straightening her dress. “Is she the only one?” Bella asked. “You’ve paid for a good number over the years.” She looked around the quiet room. “Where are they?”

“It isn’t your business.”

She looked victorious, though. “I’m here to offer you a way out,” she said.

I held my expression rigid, shoving away the last flash of the video in which Christina had died. Of what might happen if the Ring knew what I’d done.

Even a tenth of it.

And how many others could be tracked down like Christina had?

If I was out of the picture, I couldn’t warn them.

“A way out of what?” I asked. “I’m one of their richest clients. I don’t have anything to fear.”

Bella’s smile was still far too smug. “I’ll give you one chance, Baby, or things will start to get… painful.”

My mind was reeling. How much else did she have?

Were there any others she’d found she hadn’t mentioned yet?

My mind flashed to Callum and the Misfits, heart slamming into my chest.

They better be in the fucking safe room.

Bella looked pleased as she leaned forward, cleavage on obscene display as she gave me another sickly sweet smile. “I won’t go to anyone with what I know, Baby. All you have to do is bite in.”

FORTY-THREE

THISTLE

When Rogue finally fell asleep, I tucked him in and got to my feet.

We still have a problem, Bunny.

Knox didn’t want me.

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