Page 86 of Vengeful Lies

I grab the back of her neck, pinning her in place and forcing her to look up at me. “If my father tries, I will stop him, even if I have to remove a few of his appendages in the process.”

She gasps. “Eli. We need to stop this before we get in too deep. You and I both know how this will end. Your family is trying to protect you, and you should be protectingthemfrom people likeme.”

“You’re not going anywhere. You’re going to be by my side.”

I love my father. But I can love him just as easily if he’s in the ground.

She looks agonized. “Eli, this isfake.”

My jaw tics. “But does it have to be?”

Her mouth opens and then closes.

I’m still furious, barely keeping it together. But one thing I’m certain of is I want this woman to be mine.

Not figuratively or temporarily.

Literally and permanently.

I want her engraved on my heart as much as she is on my skin.

“We’re not having this discussion.” She tries to push me away, but I grab her.

“So we figure out who your client is and take them out. It’s easy,” I say, and she looks at me like I’m a madman. “Tell me I’m not the only one who feels this way,” I insist.

She’s silent for a moment before she quietly says, “I will not be owned, and this has always been about business. Nothing personal.”

Liar.

I release my grip on her. “Sure.”

I storm past her, and she calls out, “Eli, where are you going?”

“Out.” I grab the first pair of pants and shirt I see. Once I’m dressed, I send out a group text. There are only three people who know about my arrangement with Jewel, and if one of them told my father, they’re going to pay in blood.

CHAPTER 45

Eli

Isee Ford and Hawke’s car first. Then, Dutton’s motorcycle. I’d texted them to meet me at one of our regular docks. Ford is leaning against his car, waiting patiently, and Dutton is on a phone call. Hawke seems to be practicing some boxing swings.

I slam my car door shut, furious that Jewel could so easily shut me down.

I’m not a man to be rejected.

But mostly, I’m not the type to be betrayed.

When I asked her if things could be different for us, the words were out before I could stop them. I didn’t even know what I was asking until it was already too late. But if she doesn’t agree, I can’t protect her unless I lock her up in a room and never let her see the light of day, which is starting to look like a good option.

“Dude, I’m too drunk to be here for work right now. I’ve been drinking all afternoon at your engagement party. Where did you and Jewel go?” Hawke whistles. It’s not until I’m closer that his eyebrows dip.

“Everything all right?” Ford asks, stepping toward me.

“We’ll speak soon,” Dutton says to the person on the phone, ending his call. He goes to speak, but I power toward him and throw my right fist into his face.

“What the fuck?!” Dutton exclaims. He stumbles back half a step before he’s steady again and coming at me.

“Did you fucking tell my father about Jewel?!” I demand, swinging again and again. He sidesteps one and then counters the next. My mouth explodes with blood, and I savor it. All my rage and pent-up energy finally have somewhere to release.

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