Page 18 of The Hitman's Forbidden Obsession

“I’ll help with that,” I say smoothly, rising from my seat.

Avery turns to look at me, all wide-eyed and grateful. “Are you sure?”

“Of course, angel.” I press a soft kiss to her temple and slide a hand down her back before collecting a few dishes. “Least I can do.”

Victoria doesn’t say a word as I follow her into the kitchen, but I can feel the heat rolling off her. Rage, fear, contempt. She sets the plates down by the sink with a controlled clatter, then spins on her heel to face me.

And there it is. The sneer. The malice.

“I had no idea becoming her boyfriend was part of your plan to kill her,” she hisses, voice low and venom-laced. “But I don’t care if you want to use the bitch before putting an end to her, I guess. Just don’t take too long about it. I paid you to do a job, after all.”

It’s so casual. So callous. So fucking cruel.

Something in me goes cold.

Not fiery, not explosive. Just frozen solid. A black, glacial fury that sharpens my edges and makes everything go still.

I step forward. Slowly.

Victoria takes an instinctive half-step back, but she’s already boxed in, trapped between the edge of the counter and the weight of my presence. I don’t touch her. I wouldn’t want to.

“You really are a piece of work,” I murmur, voice like cracked glass.

Her jaw tightens. I see her preparing a comeback, but I don’t give her the chance.

“You want a status update on your little job, Victoria? Fine. Here it is.” I lean in just enough to drop my voice to something lethal. “The job’s off.”

Her eyes flare. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” I let a slow, grim smile stretch across my face. “I’m not hurting her. I’m not touching a single hair on her head. In fact, I’m going to spend every goddamn day making her smile. Making her feel safe. Loved. Worshiped.”

Victoria’s face twists with fury. “You little...”

“If you want your money back,” I cut her off, “feel free to take me to court. I’d love to hear you explain to a judge exactly what you paid me for.”

She goes rigid.

“And just so we’re clear,” I add, stepping even closer, “every cent you gave me? I’m going to spend it on her. Designer clothes. Vacations. A diamond ring the size of your spiteful little heart. It’s all going to her.”

I pause, letting the silence stretch like a blade between us.

“Now. Here’s how this is going to go,” I continue. “You’re going to file for divorce. And then you’re going to leave the country. I don’t care where. But if you’re still within reach this time tomorrow…”

I let the threat dangle in the air like a noose.

I don’t say the words. I don’t have to.

Victoria’s face has drained of color. Her lips are pressed so tight they’re almost white, and her eyes, furious and gleaming, can’t hide the flicker of fear underneath.

She doesn’t speak.

She just stares at me like she’s trying to hold her ground, trying to win some silent battle of wills.

But she’s already lost.

Because she thought she’d hired a killer. But I’ll become her executioner if I have to.

Chapter Seven

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