Page 56 of Prodigal

Oh, he thought he was the one in control. Gideon smirked. “Didn’t André and Jules show up safe and sound the first time you reported them missing?” He lifted an eyebrow. “Why do you think the cops keep laughing you out of the station, hm?”

“How do you know that? What do you know?” Suspicion colored the rapid-fire questions.

“I know you are out of your fucking league and way too invested in the comings and goings of a man you’re no longer in a relationship with.”

Ty blanched. His mouth opened and closed a few times before he shook his head. “Who are you?”

Gideon shrugged and got to his feet. “Just someone trying to keep you from making an even bigger fool of yourself.” He sighed. “You should get over André and put your attention where it needs to be, on your grandmother and that precious little boy of yours.”

Ty’s jaw damn near hit the floor.

Gideon gave him the smile he reserved for his enemies. “T.J. That’s his name, right?” Ty couldn’t seem to find his words, so Gideon kept talking. “Such a shame, what happened to his mother. To die like that.” He shook his head. “So sad. Especially not knowing what really happened and wondering if it could happen to you. ”

“You’re threatening me?” Ty found his voice it seemed. He took a step toward Gideon, then stopped. “You’re threatening me.” That last statement was filled with shocked wonder. It was as if the reality of things had just suddenly dawned on him.

“Threats?” Gideon threw his head back with a laugh. “Of course not.” When he met Ty’s gaze again, his voice was hard. “I’m just a concerned citizen, hoping you don’t make a mistake you can’t come back from.”

“A mistake like what?” Ty closed the distance between them this time, tone filled with challenge. “You and your money don’t scare me. You think you’re untouchable?”

Gideon cocked his head slowly. He was beginning to see why André had liked this guy at one point. They were reckless, the two of them. Stubborn as fuck, too.

“Where is André?” Ty demanded. “Because all this talking you just did? I’m convinced you know where he is.”

At this point, Gideon was only going along, keeping the conversation going, because he was enjoying their little exchange. The minute he stopped enjoying it, he would be putting a bullet through Ty’s skull. He’d decided.

“Don’t you think it’s time to give up your infatuation with him?” he asked casually as he sat at the edge of his desk. “When he returned home, did he call and tell you he was back or did you find out some other way?” Ty didn’t answer because they both knew what it was.

“Where is he?” Fists bunched at his sides, Ty’s voice rose when he asked, “What did you do to him?”

Gideon allowed a slow smile to spread across his face when he responded, “Nothing he didn’t beg me for.”

Now, that was a hit Ty didn’t see coming, so he didn’t know to dodge it. Gideon watched as it landed as intended, knocking the other man off balance.

“You—”

The door opened. “Gideon, I brought you coffee.” Jules wheeled inside, a tray with one cup on her lap. “Dré told me we’re all gonna— Ty?”

“Jules?” Ty rushed over to her. “Are you okay? What are you doing here?”

“Samir,” Gideon called out, and his friend poked his head in.

When Gideon stared pointedly at Jules, Samir shrugged. “Have you tried saying no to her?”

“Miss Juliette.” Gideon went to her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Thank you for the coffee.” He took the tray from her lap, setting it on his desk. “Why don’t you go with Samir?”

“Why is Ty here?” she asked.

“Ty and I were having a meeting, but he’s leaving now.”

“Not before I see André.”

Juliette had already seen enough spilled blood. That was what Gideon kept reminding himself so he didn’t shoot that fucker where he stood. He closed his eyes briefly, and when he reopened them, he sought out Samir, who regarded him with a smugI told yousosmile on his stupid face. He’d wanted to be the one to deal with Ty, but Gideon had insisted on handling it. On bringing him to the penthouse.

Now that fucker was being an even bigger nuisance and Gideon couldn’t just kill him. At least, not in front of Jules.

“André is busy,” Gideon said through gritted teeth.

“I’m sure he’ll be able to make time to see me.” Ty crossed his arms.

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