Page 64 of Obsession

“You have more resources out here. In there, John has paid off everyone for his protection. The guards, other gangs. He’s well protected. But out here? You’re the king.”

Damien likes my compliment, I can tell by the way his eyes light up and he relaxes in his seat. “Good points you make there.”

“Plus, Sam thinks I’m on his side. It will be easier for you to get to him if you have someone on the inside, someone he trusts.”

“Someone like you,” Damien finishes with a smile. “That’s a smart plan.”

I grin, extending my glass for him to cheers. “Thank you. And once Sam is gone…” I add as I gesture around us, “this city is yours.”

Damien’s smile widens. I have him hooked. And once I get Sam out of prison, the two of them are going to fight to the death, only one coming out victorious. Doesn’t matter to me who wins, because I plan on catching it all on video and making sure the winner goes to prison for the rest of their lives.

And the Costello family will crumble.

THIRTY-FOUR

Madi

“Plus, Sam thinks I’m on his side. It will be easier for you to get to him if you have someone on the inside, someone he trusts.”

“Someone like you.”

Fire burns through my ears. I can’t believe what I’m hearing. We just went to New York City to figure out a plan to get Sam released from prison. A plan I fully support, having no desire to see my evil uncle in charge of this family.

But that was never Adrian’srealplan.

Adrian wants to set Sam free, just to watch him die. Guilt burns in my stomach.

And I thought Ilovedhim.

I was about to admit to my husband that Ilovehim and then let him fuck my brains out. How stupid of me to think I could ever trust Adrian. Heat blisters through my veins as I pace back and forth in the bedroom. Quickly, I slide under the covers and keep my face away from the door. The only plan I have right now is to pretend I’m asleep and hope Adrian believes me.

I hear his footsteps ascend the stairs, and I squeeze my eyes shut and even out my breathing.

“Madi-” He pauses at the entrance to our room, presumably watching me. He doesn’t speak again, but I listen as he undresses and uses the bathroom before crawling into bed next to me. A large arm wraps around my waist, and he pulls me close to him, pressing a kiss to my shoulder blade.

The lights turn off, and I wait until his breathing steadies beside me.

Tomorrow, I’ll have to come up with a new plan.

Madi

I need you to come by the studio.

Zoe

I have classes today. How urgent?

Madi

Pretty fucking urgent.

Zoe

Got it. I can stop by this afternoon.

Madi

See you soon.

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