Page 17 of A Twisted Arrangement

I tilt my head to the side, taking in his pathetic state. “The only thing left is a physical copy, and I’ll be honest, I think you’re just cocky enough to keep it on your person. So I’ll make you a deal. You can either hand it over, or I can waterboard you in the urinal until you give it up. Your choice, really.”

His entire body jerks, and there’s a green tint to his skin before he pulls a chain from around his neck and hands it to me.

I spin the object around and open the lid, revealing the USB.

“Now…now that you have it, please just go. I promise I won’t go near her.”

I tuck the object into my pocket. “Apologize.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry…”

“Not to me. To her.”

“What?”

“Take out your phone and tell Scarlet just how much of a sorry bastard you are.”

He pulls out his phone from his pockets, his hand so unsteady he’s barely able to take it out. It rings several times before her voicemail picks up.

Liam looks at me, but I stare back blankly.

“I’m sorry, Scarlet. I’ve gotten rid of the video. Of course you don’t have to marry me.” His missing teeth give his voice a lisp as he struggles to get the words out. He glances up, then back at the phone. “I’m worthless compared to you. I won’t bother you again.”

I grab his phone, ending the call, and smile at him. “See, it wasn’t too hard, was it?”

“I did what you said.” He goes to get up, and I push him back down.

“There’s something else I want to know. Where did you get the video, Liam? That’s not something you should have beenable to get a hold of.” I’m not lying. The fact that this lowlife somehow managed to get access has been bothering me.

Tears stream down his face. “It just showed up in my email. I swear. I don’t know who sent it.”

“I believe you.” It’s significantly more likely than him coming across the video on his own. It also means someone bigger is in play here, someone who wants something from Scarlet.

“Can I go?”

The hope in his eyes is pathetic.

“Don’t be stupid.” I chuckle before landing a punch into his temple, hard enough to make him see stars. “You’re not going anywhere.”

I drag him into the stall and bury his face in the putrid water, not letting go as he thrashes inmy grip.

I lift his head, allowing him a few breaths.

“You said you’d let me live.”

“Hmmm. Did I? I guess I lied.” I press his head down, submerging him up to his ears.

The water ripples, splashing from the bowl, and I make a note to toss this suit out. I don’t release him until his body’s limp, no longer struggling to breathe. Death by toilet is one hell of a way to go.

I kick his feet until he’s fully hidden by the stall and lock the door behind me. He’ll just have to stay there until I can find someone to clean this shit up.

My jacket sleeves are wet, and I have to fight back nausea when I pull it off. Fucking disgusting. I calmly wash my hands, taking my time to make sure they’re meticulously clean before drying them off.

I make my way through the crowd to the bouncer I saw earlier. He’s in the corner, watching to keep things running smoothly. If he does this for me, I’ll put in a call to have him moved over to Elysium.

He notices my approach. “Everything go as planned, sir?”

I nod, then point toward Liam’s date. She’s now fully supported by the table. “Get her home. Bill me whatever the cost.”

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