Page 93 of Consume Me

I am desperate enough that I would sell my soul to keep her alive. The Family might have endless resources, but Felix and Caleb know our strengths and weaknesses better than we do. We’re nothing if not resilient—something Felix and Caleb couldn’t torture out of us.

While it rings, I stare at Mia’s window. She’s worth it.

It rings four times before Cato picks up.

“Blake.”

“I need a favor.”

“Why do you think I would grant you one?”

“Because I am Blake Sinclair, heir to the Family, and you fucking know it.”

“Yet, you want the Syndicate’s help.”

“Let’s skip the pleasantries. Your underground reach is impressive. I want my father’s location. In exchange, I will offer you an irrefutable deal.”

There’s silence on the other line. I guess he didn’t expect this utter stupidity either.

“Don’t go back on your word—because in my world, the consequence is death.”

If my father grabs Mia before that, I would rather be dead.

“Got it,” I confirm.

“You have a deal.”

“If I find him before you, the deal is off.” I hang up and lean my head back, closing my eyes.

There’s a knock on the window, and Abi and Kaden are outside. These two won’t leave so I let them in.

“I don’t need supervision,” I mumble. “And aren’t you stitched to your better halves?”

“Har har,” Abi replies.

“They are caught up in a video racing competition,” Kaden says. “You know how competitive Celine is.”

“And with them busy, we thought to see what the troublemaker of the group is doing.”

When I don’t reply, she says, “Blake, what did you do?”

“Sold my soul to the devil.”

“What does that mean?” Kaden asks.

“It’s too late, anyway. If he keeps his end of the bargain, I’ll be his bitch.”

“You asshole, why would you do that?”

“Because it’s her.”

Silence follows, and Kaden asks, “Who is he?”

“Cato Moretti… The Syndicate is interested in the Family.”

“Couldn’t you talk to us before that?”

“Time is running out. I can’t sit and do nothing.”

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