Page 30 of Toxic Salvation
“I’d argue the safest place for Vesper is about a thousand miles away from you, give or take.”
“Maybe. But that baby changes everything. I’m going to be in her life whether any of you like it or not.”
Waylen touches the back of his head where it hit the mat, still scowling. “You want Vesper here? Then you get me, too. I’ll be here every damn day, watching your every move.”
“Be my guest.” I shrug. “Hell, move in. Make the commute easier.”
Waylen stares at me. “You’re serious?”
“It’s a big house. And Luka’s missed you. Can’t say much for the kid’s taste, but he’s only nine.”
“You just want a built-in babysitter.”
“Is it so hard to believe I want what’s best for him? I just swallowed my pride and offered you your job back. Doesn’t that tell you something about my motivations?”
Waylen doesn’t look convinced. “Was that supposed to be you giving me my job back?”
“I wasn’t getting down on one knee, if that’s what you were hoping for.”
His fists finally unfurl. “You’re going to have to, if you want me to say yes.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m dead serious. You want me back? You’re going to have to beg.”
“You’re out of your goddamn mind.”
“I’m coming back either way, Kovan. Trust me—you want me on your side if you expect this arrangement to work.”
“Christ, you’re annoying.”
“Is the begging going to start anytime soon?” Waylen checks his watch with theatrical flair. “I’ve got places to be.”
I grit my teeth. “Fine. Waylen Fairfax, you’re a pain in the ass, but you’re good at your job. Great at it, actually. I want you to come back. I want you to be Luka’s tutor again.”
“Not bad.” He crosses his arms, looking smug. “Now, let’s discuss compensation.”
“You had a generous salary.”
“Then you fired me. So if you want me back, you’ll have to make it worth my while.”
“Fucking extortionist. Fine. Ten percent raise.”
“Double up and you’ve got yourself a deal.”
“You want me todoubleyour pay?” I laugh out loud. “For the exact same job you were doing a month ago?”
“What can I say?” He bobs a shoulder. “Bad decisions have tough consequences. You shouldn’t have screwed my sister and then treated her like garbage. Consider it an asshole tax.”
I grimace, but in the end, I extend my hand. “Done.”
He looks shocked that I caved so easily. “Just like that?”
“My hand’s getting tired, Waylen.”
He grabs it and squeezes hard enough to crack bones. The pressure feels deliberate. “I want a nice room, too. One with a garden view.”
“Pick any one you want. I couldn’t possibly care less.”
