Page 91 of Vow to Hate You

Setting down my whiskey, I crossed my arms. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I was at the bar when I saw you three,” he said, lifting his chin. “I thought we could chat, since I never see you at the club anymore.”

My jaw clenched. “I’ve been busy. You have my number.”

“Can we talk?” His eyes darted around. “In private?”

Rhyett grumbled something under his breath while plucking some bills from the cash Ash had given him. He tossed enough on the table to cover the bill before the three of us stood up.

“Wait,” Percy sputtered, jumping to his feet. “I meant only Damian.”

We ignored him, striding toward the exit. Percy followed behind us, his quiet arguments only shooting bitter annoyance through me. He knew better than to approach us in public. The crisp night air hit when we stepped outside where the valet was. An employee quickly walked over, giving us a smile. Sliding my hand into my slacks pocket, I pulled out the ticket stub, handing it to him. Ash did the same while Rhyett was openly glaring at Percy.

“You have until my car gets here,” I said, turning my attention to Percy. “What do you want?”

His eyes flashed with anger, and he straightened his spine. “You think you can disrespect me?—”

I checked my watch. “You’re wasting your time. Spit it out.”

“I haven’t seen the books in months,” he forced out through clenched teeth.

“No reason for you to see the books,” Ash drawled. “You get your money.”

“I helped build that place,” Percy snapped, his hand curling into fists. “You can’t push me out.”

I arched an eyebrow. “No one is pushing you out.”

“I want us to open a second club.”

My eyes grew cold as I stared at him. “I already gave you an answer. It will never fucking happen. If that’s all?—”

“I can ruin you,” he hissed in a low voice, getting in my face. “If your father found out, what would he do? Or better yet—your father-in-law. I might not know the details, but I’m aware how important it is that they don’t find out.”

Anger scorched my veins as I leaned closer, forcing him to tilt his face up to hold my glare. “Try it. Then you know what happens? The money you siphon fromourfucking hard work will dry up. Then where will you be?”

Ash and Rhyett remained silent, standing on either side of me. It was the three of us who got Club Facade to where it was—not Percy. Years ago, when he loaned us money, I figured that would be it. I should have known the sleazy fuck would drag it out and blackmail me for all he could get. Now, I wondered where the hell he got the money we borrowed, because it became quickly apparent he wasn’t the super wealthy business tycoon he portrayed himself to be.

“Stop fucking threatening me when you have nothing,” I warned him in an icy tone. “You’ll keep getting your money if you keep your mouth shut.”

His nostrils flared. “I want more. I know the club is doing well.”

Ash scoffed, his eyes trailing over Percy in disgust. The club was doing more than well. Ash did the books, and this year we’d nearly tripled our profits. If we wanted, we could open a second club, but if it ever happened, Percy would never be a part of it.

“Get fucked,” Rhyett hissed, his patience already snapping. “You get more than enough.”

Percy licked his lips, his face turning red. “Be careful, Damian. You’re not untouchable. I know why you’ve stepped back from the club. That little piece of ass who came home?—”

I grabbed the collar of his suit, yanking him close before my brain caught up with my actions. Even then, I didn’t give a fuck who was watching. Red edged my vision as Percy sputtered outdemands to let him go. My SUV pulled up along the curb behind him, but I only tightened my hold on his collar.

“Talk disrespectful about my wife again—or talk about her at all—and I swear on fucking everything, it’ll be the last thing you do,” I growled menacingly.

Fear slid across his face as he grabbed my wrists, attempting to break my hold. “You can’t hurt me. I want my fucking money,” he stammered out. “Or I’ll ask your wife for it.”

He cursed at me when I shoved him back, slamming him into the side of my car. He choked out shallow breaths as I fought to stay in control.

“I’ll sue,” he rushed out. “Get you arrested. Then I’ll take the club.”

I leaned down, making sure he heard every word. “Do it. I’ve tolerated your bullshit for years, because you aren’t worth my time. But for my wife? I’ll happily sit my ass in jail for dealing with anyone who disrespects her. Stay away from her. This is your only fucking warning.” My voice dripped with threat as I continued. “If you try to get rid of me, the club goes down too. It’snothingwithout me, and you know it.”

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