Page 110 of Bloodlust

Sacrifice

Greed.

It's the bread and butter of every corporation. Doesn't matter what industry, doesn't matter how many green initiatives or employee benefits a company provides, at the end of the day, it's all about money.

Growth.

Absolute power.

Greed's a sin, one that I knew would be damn near impossible to repent.

Judgement Day has come.

Good thing I'm the fucking gavel.

"The keys, Camilla," Zhao grins, stalking toward me like a slithering snake, fangs exposed and soaked in venom. "We're gonna need those back."

"What the fuck are you doing?" Leo growls, taking a purposeful step forward. I latch my grip around his wrist, chaining my guard dog. He breaks the hold,glaring at Zhao as he stands in front of me. "Walk away, Dragon. Don't start something you can't finish."

Zhao blinks, then breaks down in pompous laughter as he looks over his shoulder at Alba. "Do you hear this fucker?" Zhao continues to lose his shit, slapping his knee. Alba joins him as Hazel lingers a few yards away and watches this shit show with doe-like eyes. Suddenly snapping his head toward Leo, Zhao's expression darkens, and all humor disappears, morphing into contempt. "Step away from your whore and give us THE FUCKING KEYS!"

He must be an only child. What a tantrum.

"I'm right here," Hayden whispers. "Don't worry."

"I'm fine," I mumble back, hoping Zhao doesn't hear me.

"Do you not remember what happened the last time The Dragons tried this little trick?" Leo grunts, posture widening. "Have you learned nothing from history?"

"This isn't like last time,stronzo," Wei spits in a mocking tone. "This time…" He glances at Alba who smiles. "This time we have help. And you?" He takes a step to the side, meeting my hardened gaze. "This time The Angels are without their God." He looks down at my hand again. "The keys. Now!"

"You're okay," Hayden whispers in my ear. "Stay the course. Breathe. In and out."

Showtime.

"You truly are an idiot, aren't you?" Elegantly, like a proper queen, I place the back of my hand on Leo's arm, gently pushing him aside as I step forward, striding toward Zhao. Breathing evenly, I twirl the car keysaround my index finger. "These keys are only afractionof what my organization is worth, and yet, you—" I narrow my eyes at my puppet, "—and yet you're willing to start a war over...pennies?" I blink, sighing. "If you needed a little start-up cash, you could've just asked."

"This ain't about the money." Zhao grits his teeth so hard I fear they may spark. "This is about revenge."

"Revenge?" I let out a scoff. "A little embarrassing that you needhelpto get revenge, isn't it?" I look over at Alba who's almost at the exit. Coward. "Hmm...a shame. Here I was thinking The Dragons finally grew some balls."

"Hah!" Zhao clicks his tongue. "That's rich coming from some dumb bitch with daddy issues." He glowers at me with disgust. "At least I don't need to fuckmybusiness partners to secure deals, you fucking whore."

"No?" I ask flippantly, tilting my head as I look at his twitching mouth. "Strange.” My gaze darts between Zhao and Alba. “Looks to me like you’ve been in bed together for some time.”

"The fuck did you just say?" Zhao fumes, bulking out.

"Tread carefully," Hayden whispers. "Don't push him, Camilla. Don't provoke him."

Too late.

Zhao whips a gun out of the back of his pants and presses the tip to the underside of my chin, tilting my head up.

"Camilla!" Leo barks, lurching forward but Zhao holds out his hand.

"Don't move or your queen will rule the heavens," Zhao spits, a sheen of sweat collecting on his forehead ashis hot, monstrous breath flows up my nostrils. He meets my unwavering gaze as he adds, threateningly and practiced, "If I were you, I'd keep that dirty little mouth of yours shut."

"Or else what?" I ask through my teeth. "You gonna kill me, Zhao? Hmm?"

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