Page 98 of Bound to a Monster

The barrel of the gun waves. Simon’s finger is still on the trigger. I’m on the knife’s edge. If Simon decides whatever history he’s got with Olivier is more important than his own children, I’m going to die.

But this is what I’m good at. Meeting people, getting to know them, reading them, and making decisions based on my understanding of who they are. I’m right, more often than not. And I know I’m right here.

“Ten percent more on my end,” Simon says. “And I want a bonus. Ten thousand American.”

“Done.” I lean into Olivier’s throat, putting all my weight on him, grinning like the monster I am. “Hear that? You just got sold.”

Olivier’s face is dark red, then purple, then he’s not struggling anymore.

I climb to my feet once I’m sure that he’s dead. His body is cooling in a puddle of his own piss as I walk over to Simon and take off my gloves.

The new leader of his crew puts away the gun and shakes my hand.

“Congrats on your promotion,” I tell him.

“I appreciate that.”

“I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

“To that and more.” He glances at Olivier’s body behind me. “I’ll take care of him.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Poor Amelie.”

“I doubt she’ll mind all that much.”

He grins and laughs, and the tension breaks between us as we leave the body behind for the rats to gnaw.

Chapter 40

Carmie

Iknew something was up when Lev came home in a frenzy after taking Simon and Olivier out that night.

He was voracious and barely keeping his mask on as he feasted on me. It was like a beast came storming into our hotel room and fucked me until I was so satisfied I could barely think straight.

Then we got the hell out of Montreal the next morning.

“We should go on a honeymoon,” he says as we drive across Canada, heading toward the border. “Ottawa isn’t far. We’ll stay in nice hotels and tour the country for a while. Then it’s down to Toronto, and then we’ll cross the border back into the States. What do you think?”

I put my hand on his thigh. “I think that’s a good idea.”

“You sure you’re up for it?”

“I’m pregnant, not dying.”

We stick to main roads and take our time, detouring into little towns on the way. At one point, he pulls over onto a gorgeous,wooded country lane and I ride him like it’s the last thing I’ll ever do. We’re nearly caught when an older man in a tractor chugs past, but he doesn’t spot us, or maybe he just doesn’t mind that we’re fucking on his property. But it’s only two hours to Ottawa, and soon we’re in another gorgeous hotel room showering together and sharing expensive room service.

Sofie: Hello?? Did you forget about us??

Frannie: She’s BUSY guys.

Sofie: I’m just trying to have a little wellness check on my girl. YOU ALIVE, CARMIE.

Gia: I think she’s donezo. Fucked to death by that big gorgeous husband.

Frannie: RIP. Good way to go.

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