Page 98 of Traitor

My gaze lands on Bones first. His face is unreadable, but his body is rigid. Ready. He knows this is important to me. Knows this is a piece of my healing, even if it comes in the form of retribution.

I shift, locking eyes with Ghost. He doesn't look away. He lets me see his truth. His regret. His understanding.

Tank is the same. Joker, too. I've never seen him this serious.

One by one, I take them in, their bodies still, their expressions grim, solemn, prepared.

Maybe they think this will be like what I did to Bones in my own basement. A few cuts and bruises.

They wouldn't be wrong.

But they wouldn't be right, either.

Because that awful night wasn't just about pain. Or betrayal.

It was also about humiliation. It was about losing every person I had ever trusted. The ones I thought were my family.

And now? They will feel loss, too. And humiliation. Because not one of them spoke up on my behalf, questioning what was being done to me.

They will feel it today. They will feel it through the next few days. So that it's drilled into their thick skulls and they never forget what loyalty truly means. And they will carry this lesson with them — a scar carved into their pride, a lesson seared into their bones.

I tilt my head, smiling slowly. "I'm going to need help."

A few of them shift, but they stay silent.

"It's only me and my little elf-on-the-shelf here," I say, jerking a thumb toward Ria, who grins like she's been waiting her whole life for this moment.

"And twenty of you."

I turn to Bones. "I want help from the women associated with this club. With the promise of no retaliation. Your promise, Bones, as President."

His jaw flexes, his eyes burning into mine.

"You got it. I promise."

Good.

I turn to the women lingering on the sidelines, watching with wide eyes, unsure if they should be horrified or excited. Mama is among them, her expression unreadable. Layla isn't here. Strange. I'll look for her later.

For now? It's time to settle the score.

I scan the club girls, raising a brow. "Any of you want to take a bite out of these men's asses? With absolutely no consequences? Now's your chance."

Their eyes widen, hesitation flickering across their faces.

I can see it — the war between doubt and temptation. And then, one of them steps forward.

A tall brunette, gorgeous whiskey-colored eyes filled with cautious curiosity. "I'd like to help."

Another steps forward. Then another. One by one, they move to my side.

By the time they stop, I have four willing participants.

The remaining two hesitate, lingering, watching. They don't step back, but they don't step forward either.

Mama sighs, shaking her head. "I don't think I'm prepared to see this."

I smile at her. "But you can't leave either, can you?"

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