Page 65 of Hayes
“Well done. You are just as Hayes said you were. I’ve been waiting for three weeks for you to show your skills. It’s just as incredible as I imagined.”
I scowl at him. “I could kill you. I’d wipe that smirk off your face and treat me with respect if I were you.”
He swallows gently, his eyes darting to my hand as if he’s just realized the blade is real and not made of wood. “I know you could kill me. But every man in my house could kill me at any moment. My enemies could attack and kill me. I could die getting hit by the bus crossing the street. Death isn’t something I fear or a new concept to me. It’s something I live with every day of my life.” He pauses. “What is new is that you have the skills to be able to kill me. Skills that, if Hayes is to be believed, you taught yourself?”
I nod.
“Impressive. You’re incredibly impressive.”
He’s charming, but he’s not Hayes. He’s not the one my heart aches for.
“Take me to Hayes. Let me have a private conversation with him.”
His lips rise ever so slightly. “All you had to do was ask. You didn’t have to threaten to kill me. If you want to see Hayes or any other person, you’re free to.”
I frown. “Without your guards.”
“As I said, everything is up for negotiation. The guards will take you to him, and then they can stay outside while you talk. Fair enough?”
“Fine,” I growl, pressing the knife to his neck until a bead of blood appears.
He doesn’t flinch. As the leader of the Retribution Kings, he’s used to pain.
“Now, ask me for something real. Something you don’t think I’ll give you.”
I narrow my eyes at him, not understanding.
“Ask me,” he says.
“Tell me who killed my father. Help me get revenge on all who took part in his death. And maybe I won’t kill you.”
He shrugs. “I have no doubt you’ll kill me if I piss you off enough. Good thing I don’t plan on doing that.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“I didn’t kill your father. And I didn’t order him to be killed. I wasn’t in a position of power when he died.”
I believe him. I never really thought he killed him or had anything to do with his death. But I’m sure Titus has killed plenty of innocent people.
“But I do know who killed your father. I know who was behind his death, and I will help you get revenge—if you agree to marry me.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Help me first; then I’ll consider marrying you.”
“Of course.”
“You’ll help me, even if it compromises your position as leader of the Retribution Kings?”
“I will.”
I don’t trust him, but I don’t have another choice.
He grabs my wrist. “Do we have an agreement?”
He squeezes, forcing me to drop the knife.
“After I speak to Hayes, I’ll give you my answer,” I hiss. I need to hear what that lying bastard has to say first.
Chapter 27
