Page 87 of Vengeful Lies

“I didn’t say shit!” he yells back, aiming his fist at my face. His square ring cuts my cheekbone, and I grab him by the shirt.

“You fucking liar!” I go to punch him again, but someone catches my arm. “What the fuck?!”

Hawke grabs me from behind and flings me away. I laugh like a madman as Dutton wipes blood from his nose and then readjusts his shirt. Ford stands between us like a referee.

“Are you fucking kidding me? After all I’ve done for you!” Dutton points his finger at me. “I didn’t say shit. You’re out of your fucking mind! And for what? A pretty little pussy?”

“Don’t you dare speak about her in that way!” I yell, my mouth and cheek throbbing. I struggle against Hawke’s hold, trying to get free.

“Have you completely forgotten that she is yourenemy? I never thought you’d fucking fall for it.” Dutton’s eyes grow wide. “Oh my God. You’ve actually fallen for her.”

A tic jumps in my jaw. “I just needed a wife,” I say out loud, trying to remind myself of that much.

“You could’ve had anyone,” Dutton says and then starts laughing. “I didn’t tell your fucking dad, but I sure as shit should have.”

I wriggle my arm free and then yank the gun out from under my suit jacket. Dutton looks at me in disbelief.

Ford steps directly in front of the gun, his chest pressed to the end of the barrel. “Boss,” he says calmly.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Hawke demands.

“I don’t answer to any of you,” I remind them. “You work for me.”

“We do,” Ford agrees evenly. “But this is not the way.”

“Step aside,” I order.

“No.” His almost black eyes are unwavering. I lick my lips. “None of us told him. We are all here.For you. You know, the moment you shoot Dutton, Hawke will try to intervene. And I can’t let you shoot my brother. And I won’t let you shoot your cousin. We’re family.”

“He’s not my fucking family,” Dutton shouts from behind him. “If you want to go down this path, then you’re on your fucking own.”

He puts on his helmet and flings a leg over his bike. “You’re out of your fucking mind if you think she loves you and that you can protect her!” He’s gone before I can make the decision whether I want to kill my cousin today or not.

My knuckles are turning white as I pocket the gun and turn my back on the twins.

“Boss?” Ford calls after me, but I ignore them. I have one more stop to make.

I don’t understand all of the roiling emotions trying to break free. What I do know is that it’s my job to protect her. Even if she doesn’t want me the way I want her. I won’t give her a fucking choice when I’m the last one standing.

CHAPTER 46

Jewel

Ifeel the blood drain from my face the moment the text comes through from my employer.

Anonymous Number: In a week’s time, I will send you a location to bring me proof of Eli Monti’s death.

No. No. No.

One week. Seven days.

I look around frantically, cursing under my breath. Of all the times for this message to come through, right now is the worst. Eli has been gone for over an hour, and I’ve only removed two shirts from my box. Am I actually doing this? Moving in? With my target?

Fuck.

I stand up and start pacing. Dread begins to fill my stomach at the thought of finally pulling the trigger on Eli. It would be easy. I could do it the moment he steps into his apartment, and then I could vanish in the dead of night.

I start biting the skin around my nails, considering the things he said tonight.“Tell me I’m not the only one who feels thisway.”I scoff but want to cry at the same time. I don’t deserve some fairytale romance. I don’t want it. But neither did I ever think I’d willingly give up on a hit.

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