Page 50 of Pit

“Right now, he’s in charge,” says Axel. “We have to cut him in on this deal before I can gain the trust of the others involved.”

“So, we’re licking this dick’s arse?” I demand.

“Yep,” says Grizz. “Unless you think you’re not up to the role?”

I want to see this prick in the ground more than anyone, so I relax back in my chair and keep my mouth shut.

We set off in the car after receiving strict instructions to leave the bikes and kuttes behind, and we’re all dressed in black suits.

Axel stops the car at a set of gates and presses the buzzer. The gates draw open, and he drives along the gravel road until a large house comes into view. “What the fuck is this prick playing at?” mutters Grizz, looking out the window as we pull to a stop.

A valet comes over, taking the keys from Axel as we get out. “I think we’re about to find out,” Axel replies as we head up the steps.

The door opens and a butler nods in greeting as we go inside. The place is heaving with people dressed up and drinking Champagne. “I feel so out of place,” I complain as we move through to a main room.

“It’s all a game to him. We can’t kill him in a room full of people,” says Axel.

“Watch me,” I mutter, and he smirks.

A man comes over, and I instantly freeze. With her arm neatly tucked in his, Tessa stares at me, expressionless, like she doesn’t know me.

Tessa

I have spent the entire day being scrubbed, prodded, and poked, and then forced into this overly tight dress which digs into my hips. My hair has so many pins holding it in place, I have no idea how the hell I’ll ever find them all. And all I really want to do is sleep. My heart is heavy, and my eyes sting with unshed tears.

Alec spent all of ten minutes quizzing me, and when I told him I’d spent my time in a basement, he dismissed me, ordering me to be ready for seven. The only people I have had contact with since arriving at his apartment work for him.

And now, as he parades me on his arm like a proud husband, I want to run away. So, when I come face-to-face with Pit, I bite my inner cheek so hard, it bleeds. I allow the metallic taste to fill my mouth and breathe slow, in through my nose, out through my nose.In. Out. In. Out.

I didn’t expect to ever see him again. That was the plan—live with Alec and forget what happened, then save enough money to leave London.

“Gentlemen, this is my wife, Tessa, although I’m sure you’re all aware.” He laughs, not caring that the rest of us stand awkwardly, unamused.

“You wanted us here, so here we are,” says Axel bluntly. “Don’t waste my fucking time with shit jokes.”

“Relax,” says Alec, smiling wide. “Can I get you drinks?”

“No. Where’s Oleg?”

“He’ll be here.”

“Where are we exactly?” snaps Grizz.

“This is a charity ball. You’ve probably not attended many.”

“Why are we here?” demands Axel.

Alec smirks. “I have my safety, and that of my wife, to think about.”

Although my eyes are fixed to the ground, I can feel Pit glaring at me. I can sense the utter hatred he has for me, and I wonder what Axel told him.

“I need the bathroom,” I mutter close to Alec’s ear.

“I’m sorry, my darling, but I can’t let you out of my sight while these feral idiots are roaming.”

“Don’t think I won’t end your life right here, Alec,” Axel hisses. “Get me Pavel Oleg, now.”

“Which one was it, firecracker?” Alec asks, and I look at him blankly. “Which one took you?” My eyes betray me, going to Pit, who is still glaring at me. “Of course. He looks like the muscle.” This time, I don’t look away. Pit has no right to be angry with me, and I have no need to be ashamed. I had every right to leave. “Did you fuck her?” asks Alec, and I almost choke on my own breath.

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