Page 143 of Midnights
The release tears through me, every muscle locking tight before I finally let go. I catch myself on the tiles, dragging in a breath while my pulse slams against my ribs.
I laugh dryly, shaking my head at the mess I’ve become.
It’s probably for the best that I’ve got a mountain of work to prep for. It's time to get my head back in the game, because this?Thisis a distraction I can’t afford to indulge.
Throwing on fresh clothes, I head into the kitchen, relieved to see that dinner is ready. Cam is still in that ridiculous apron, and the sight immediately puts a grin on my face. I pull out my phone, ready to snap a blackmail photo, but he’s faster than I give him credit for.
“Don’t even think about it,” he yanks the apron off before I can hit the button.
“You’re no fun,” I mutter, sliding my phone back into my pocket.
He leans back against the counter. “You look like shit. Did you handle that job without me, or did you decide to walk home?”
I grab a plate and start dishing up, shaking my head. “No, dickhead, I didn’t walk home. And yeah, it was an eventful day. I’ve got some interesting shit to share though and more info on a job I need you to do.”
“Well, this should be good.” He pauses mid-bite with his fork hovering in the air. “Do tell.”
As we dig into our food, I lay it all out—every twisted detail. By the time I finish, I slump back in my chair, and wait for his verdict.
He snorts, setting his fork down. “Let me get this straight, you’re losing your shit over Raven’s new work contact because he’s got a questionable record, or because you can’t stand the thought of her being around another man?”
I roll my eyes, unfazed. “Hilarious. What I found was enough to make me want to dig deeper. What’s the point of having our skills if we aren’t going to use them?”
He stares at me for a long beat, like he’s weighing something. Then his lips twitch, and before I know it, laughter spills out.
“I’m just giving you shit,” he grins. “But you’re down badfor our girl Raven.”
I shoot him a flat look, but he keeps going, shaking his head like I’m some kind of lost puppy. “Obviously, I’ll do it. Or was there something else?”
“No. That’s it.”
I exhale, pushing my plate away. The truth is, I know Cam won’t leave a single fucking thing unturned. He’ll find everything I did and then some. He’s got a way of pulling every thread until he has the full picture.
Cam grabs his plate, stabbing a bite of food before pointing his fork at me. “Good. Because if you keep digging, you’re liable to go full caveman. I’ve seen that look in your eye before.”
I stand with my plate. “Thanks for the analysis. Let me know when you’ve got something.”
Cam salutes me with his fork. “Anything for you, darling.”
“And I’m heading over to the estate later to deal with our friend. Meet me there in an hour.”
The bastard slumps forward, blood crusted at his temple, cracking where Cam laid him out. He’s been out for over an hour—an hour too long. I don’t have all fucking night.
The overhead bulb flickers, buzzing softly. We don't have cameras or windows down here, because it's not that kind of room. This one was designed to swallow screams.
Cam leans against the door with his arms crossed, looking amused. But I know better. He’s waiting.
I plant a boot against the guy’s shin and press, not enough to break it, but enough for it to wake him up. The body always fights pain before the mind does. A choked groan rasps from his throat as he jolts awake. His eyes flutter in confusion, but then I can see the fear crawling its way in. He scans the room, sees Cam, then me.
His eyes widen, and he tries to fight his restraints. “I—I told you already, I don't know anything.” Pathetic.
I lower myself to his level. I don't give a damn, I just need him to believe I might. My voice is calm and controlled, which is shocking, considering how wound up I am right now.
“That’s not true, is it?”
He swallows hard.
Good. He should be afraid.
