Page 23 of The Queen
“Lila Foster,” I say calmly. “Ring any bells?”
“Nope.”
“God, you’re an ass.”
“And you’re a little cunt.”
“Fucking shut it!” James bellows suddenly, slamming his hand down on the table still stained with David’s blood.
Felix squirms under James’s scrutiny. Sweat beads on his forehead, catching the weak light and making him look even more pitiful—if that’s possible. His lips part, but no sound comes out straight away, just the stuttered breath of a man who knows he’s cornered.
My stance is rigid, not an inch given. This isn’t just about betrayal; this is personal, a wound festering in my chest that needs cauterising.
I lean closer, invading his space, making sure he feels my presence, my power. James stands on the other side of the table, a deadly enforcer, the promise of violence rolling off himin waves. Felix’s gaze cuts to him and then quickly back to me, knowing full well where the real threat lies.
No offence to James, obviously.
“Talk,” I snap, my voice echoing off the walls.
He glares at me. “I’m not working with Lila.”
“You say her name like you know her.”
“I know of her. I know everything about you.”
“Well, then I guess I need to catch up, if I can be bothered after this. Why do you hate me? I haven’t done fuck all to you. If you want to hate someone, hate Dad. He’s the one who abandoned you.” Yeah, it’s harsh, and I’m not dissing my dad; I’m trying to gauge the reaction I get.
His eyes flash furiously.Bingo.
“So you think you can get to Daddio through me? Is that what this is?”
“Pretty fucking much.”
“You suck.”
“So do you.”
“Oh, my fucking God!” James snaps, pressing his hands to his eyes as if in disbelief. “Wrap up the snide remarks, will you?”
“Classic only child,” I tut, shaking my head as Felix snickers.
We glare at each other, but the shot to my heart is fucking real, and it takes my breath away.
“Says you,” James clips out, pointing to both of us.
I watch Felix, studying him. The arrogance is real, but something has changed.
“Give me one good reason I shouldn’t let him do what he does best,” I say to Felix, my voice cold as the basement air as I nod towards James.
Felix sizes me up, taking in the cold promise in my eyes. I can see he’s weighing his options—play the hardass or bargain for his skin. After an agonising moment of silence, he swallows hard.
“Because I’ve got shit you need to know,” he says through clenched teeth.
His words hang between us, bait on a hook I’m not sure I want to bite. But curiosity is a persistent bitch, and right now, she’s got me by the balls.
“What shit?” I ask, my voice void of any warmth or patience. “Spit it out already.”
“Your mother. I know who killed her.”
