Page 96 of Made For Ruin

Enzo's expression darkens. "Ah, yes. Derrick. It seems he thought he could double-cross me after all the generosity I've shown him over the years."

Fear claws up my throat. "What are you talking about?"

He leans in, his breath hot against my cheek. "I can't have people thinking they can betray me and get away with it, Lainey. Surely you understand that."

My heart pounds so hard I feel it in my temples. Enzo straightens, running a hand along the gun barrel.

"You see, I had such high hopes for Derrick. Thought he could be an asset to my business. But it appears his loyalty was...misplaced."

He moves to the window, looking out at the tranquil lake. The same view I once found so peaceful now fills me with dread.

"I brought you here because I know how much this place means to you. I wanted you to be comfortable while we sort out this unpleasantness with Derrick."

My mouth goes dry. "Please, Enzo. Don't hurt him."

He turns back to me, his eyes glittering in the shadows. "You always were a clever girl, Lainey. So quick to put others before yourself."

The gun swings lazily from his hand as he approaches me again. I can't tear my gaze away from the barrel. From the way his finger rests on the trigger.

"Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Derrick made his choice. Now he has to face the consequences."

Desperation claws through me. "Enzo, please?—"

"Shhh." He presses a finger to my lips, silencing me. "Don't waste your breath begging. It won't change anything."

Tears sting my eyes, but I blink them back. I won't let him see me break.

“What do you want?” I ask him. Each syllable feels like molasses.

Enzo's lips curve into a cold smile. "Lainey, Lainey, Lainey. You already know what I want."

He circles behind me. My pulse thrums in my ears as I strain against the ropes, desperate for any give.

"I want the diner," he says. "That little piece of prime real estate you've been clinging to like a life raft."

Anger surges past the drugs, hot and bright.

"You can't have it," I spit out. "I won't let you take it from me."

“Everything has a price.” His smile never reaches his eyes. “Everyone has a breaking point.”

Enzo rises with predatory grace. Each movement calculated for maximum effect. He adjusts his cuffs with surgical precision.

“I had hoped to be civil about this.” False regret colors his tone. “You leave me no choice.”

The gun appears in his hand. My heart stutters as he places it on the table beside me.

“The papers are simple.” A folder joins the gun. “One signature ends this. You walk away wealthy. Free to build any legacy you choose.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then we explore less pleasant alternatives.” His voice stays conversational. “Your brother’s fingers are quite valuable to him.” A crash from the next room. “And after him, we’ll discuss your kneecaps. Nothing fatal. But you won’t serve coffee again.”

The drugs blur his face but the gun stays crystal clear. “You’re insane.”

“I’m a businessman.” He studies his watch. “You have one hour to decide. Use it wisely.”

“They’ll come looking for me.” The words ring hollow even as I speak them. The diner is closed. No one expects me until dinner.

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