Page 113 of Savage Daddies

But then my fingers magically locate something.

A button.

I press it down, and then stand up to meet Felix’s eyes.

The air feels different now, and it tastes sweeter on my tongue.

The microphone is on the floor, but a tiny red flashing light indicates that it’s been powered up, and that’s all I need to know.

“A unknown number?” Felix chuckles. “Subtle!”

I remain quiet.

“So, you’ve been plotting to destroy me withthem.They’re all a bunch of pussies.” He cackles. “They pride themselves on coming to your rescue, but I don’t see them party-crashing today. They only care enough about you to get into your pants, Zoe. When are you gonna learn?”

Inwardly, I grimace. Things aren’t sounding too pleasant at the moment on my part.

Time to anger the beast.

The microphone might not even reach the wine tasters. But it’s worth a shot.

“You’re a killer. Paul Royal. Isla Juniper. Those are the two notable ones, but there’s more. The invoices are proof—that’s how you started your business at eighteen years old. Your fans deserve to know the truth. You murdered Paul because he refused to join forces with you, and murdered Isla Juniper because Paul requested it. You pretty much murder anyone, don’t you, even if there’s no financial reward? Like my sister.”

“I didn’t kill your sister. I went back to that tree and she was gone. I suspect you and the three biker friends have something to do with that.”

“We saved her.”

“Once.” The room is dark, but Felix’s face still finds a way to glow. “One time. I’ll find her and do it again.”

“No you won?—”

“This is your fault, Zoe. There’d be no need to punish if you orchestrated self-restraint. That’s the problem with you. You’re always testing your luck.” He pauses. “Maybe not. I know what you’re like. It all started with the porno searches—you’ve always been a ratty little whore, spreading your legs the minute somebody from the opposite sex gives you attention. You embarrass yourself, and you embarrass me. You’re lucky you have a face like that. You’d be scrounging around at the bottom without me.” He tilts his head, reevaluating. “Or, maybe not. Maybe you’d be working as an easy whore. Either way, I saved you. Be more grateful. Don’t you see the crowds outside? Everybody wishes they were you.”

I’m not bothered about the microphone anymore, the public, people finding out. Felix thinks he’s done some sort of charity number on me, like he saved me from the streets, and it boils my blood.

Anger courses through my veins, and my heart feels like it’s gonna explode. How dare he steal my life and think it a blessing? He took away my freedom and trapped me in a mansion, sugarcoating it with quartz finishing, grand chandeliers and staircases. He thought I’d see it as a gift, and he thinks I’m indebted to him.

Once, Felix said,“The average female would kill to get their hands on limited edition Louboutins,”but he forgets that the average female also has a sex drive, and dreams of building her own future.

And then there’s Sammy.

I wouldn’t even call it parenting. Felix is a replica of my father.

And I’m done with the way he’s treated us both.

Tears blur my vision, but my body shakes with an emotion I can’t quite pinpoint.

All I know is that I want to see him burn.

So I launch myself at him. Start throwing punches at his chest.

“You selfish, ungrateful brat.” He grabs my wrists and locks them together. “Your sister might be alive and well tomorrow, but my employees will track her down in no time. You speak too much, that’s your issue. I think we need to quiet you. What if I knot that rope around Fiona’s neck, and this time I make you watch?”

“And if I refuse?”

“You reach the same fate.”

“You wouldn’t. You need me alive for your reputation.”

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