Page 181 of Teacher's Pet

Then, a smirk. "You may think a life of crime is the only way to survive, but I guarantee you, life on the other side is a hell of a lot more rewarding."

The weight of the moment presses down on me.

And still, his hand waits.

God.

Please, let this be the right decision.

I grip his hand, hard. Not just accepting the deal, claiming my place in it. I pull him in slightly, refusing to let him exert all the authority.

Roman doesn’t flinch. Instead, he grins, that knowing, condescending smirk, like I’m a kid who just learned how to play the game. His grip tightens, unyielding.

"We’ll be speaking soon about the details," he murmurs, his voice low, deliberate. "Keep your eyes wide open tonight, your work began the second you shook my hand."

The weight of those words settles.

"Walker, Cole, and Jake are all in one place tonight," he continues. "If all goes according to plan, my men will have them in cuffs for the murder of Levi Trace by the end of the night."

I exhale slowly, letting the reality of it sink in.

"And you," Roman adds, tilting his head, "will do your due diligence and step back into your brother’s role. I want the whole Antonov empire on its knees, and you will ensure it happens."

I nod once, jaw tight.

Then, from the corner of my eye, I catch her.

Eden.

She stands a few feet away, waving Roman over with a look I know all too well, biting her lip, eyes flicking toward the building.

She wants him.

And for the first time since I’ve known him, Roman looks flustered.

Clearing his throat, he barely spares me another glance. "Excuse me," he mutters. "My wife needs me."

He starts to step away.

But I grab his wrist.

He stops. His gaze flicks back to mine.

"Tonight," I whisper, voice steady, "we make them all go away?"

Roman studies me. Then, slowly, his lips curl into a wicked grin.

"That," he says, "and so much more."

A pause.

A final moment of weight between us.

Then...

"Welcome to Catalyst, Noah."

Chapter 33

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