Page 23 of The Deal

“You struggled to cope after Mum took off. I get it. But those jewels were all we had left.”

“In a way, you lost both parents when your mother left. I should’ve been the one to take care of you, not the other way around. I’m sorry I couldn’t be that person for you.”

I reach for his aging hand and fold it in mine. I’m so angry at him, but now is not the time for tough love. “Don’t apologise. It’s not necessary. I just did what needed to be done.”

“You deserved so much better than what you got.”

“I had you, Daddy. That’s all I needed. All I’ll ever need.”

“Chloe,” he says, squeezing my hand. “I’m going to take the deal.”

I look at him, confused. “What deal?”

“Your father and I came to an agreement before you got here.”

“What kind of agreement?”

“His life spared in exchange for you.”

“You’re going to kill me instead?”

“No, I’m taking you. You will be collateral for his debt.”

“Taking me where?”

“Home.”

“This is my home … I’m not going anywhere with you,” I shriek.

“Have it your way then.” He raises his hand and pushes the gun into the side of my father’s head.

“What?” I screech, jumping to my feet. “No!”

I reach for the gun, but his free hand captures my arm before making contact. “It’s your choice, Chloe. You either agree to come with me willingly, or you’ll be forced to watch me put a bullet between your father’s eyes.”

“You’ll never get away with this.”

“I’ve gotten away with worse.”

“Why does that not surprise me.”

“You’ll have the life you deserve with Alexander … the one I couldn’t give you,” my father chimes in.

His name is Alexander.

“How can you even say that, Daddy? This man is a thug. He’s willing to put a bullet in you.”

“It’s nothing I don’t deserve.”

“Can’t we work something else out?” I plead, locking eyes with Alexander. “A payment plan … anything.”

“I don’t want your money, Chloe.”

“What do you want then?” I ask hesitantly.

“You.”

I gulp air into my lungs, faltering at his response. The heat in his eyes is reminiscent of how he looked at me the night we hooked up, but I push aside the shiver that prickles my skin and refocus on my dad.

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