Page 97 of Torment

“So, back to what I want out of this deal.” Rex went to sit back down in his chair—like a king.

Hunter pulled his hand through his hair, and Scarlet noticed some streaks of blood. “Did I miss the part where all this was part of a deal?”

“I’m the joker, remember?” Rex winked. “I change the rules by diverting the direction in which the game is currently going.”

“Fine, I’ll bite. But don’t think for one second I don’t know that you had your own reasons for wanting me to kill Brent.”

Rex lifted a brow. “I like you, Mr. Keaton. I really do. It’s a pity you don’t have a taste for the darkness—although, after what I witnessed tonight, I think there might be some kind of monster you’re hiding, lurking in the shadows of your soul.”

Hunter didn’t answer.

Rex grinned. “But never mind that. The favor I’m about to ask isn’t from you.” Rex focused his gaze on James. “As a matter of fact, it’s with you…Mr. James Baxter.”

Scarlet’s breath hitched, and her mouth instantly went dry. James stiffened, and Hunter continued to glare at Rex.

“Yes,” Rex started. “I know who you are, Mr. Baxter. I know all about your operation, infiltrating our world, pretending to be a buyer and then saving—as you put it—the girls by putting them back into society.” Rex got up from the chair, slowly sauntering across the room toward James. “You have caused me a lot of trouble the last few years, Mr. Baxter, and I’m afraid that needs to stop.”

James straightened. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Rex smiled. “That’s real good. Keep up the front. First rule of admission—deny, deny, deny. But I know all about you.” Rex stopped in front of James and glanced at Scarlet. “I also know all about your daughter.”

That was the moment Scarlet’s blood no longer swooshed through her veins, but rather froze solid. Rex had known all along. Rex had known who she was, known who her father was. But why would he pretend? Why would he…

Scarlet narrowed her eyes. “You knew, didn’t you?” She slanted her head to the side, studying him. “That’s why you came here. You knew Brent had me hidden here, and you knew my dad and Hunter would come. Brent couldn’t figure out what you were doing here, but this is why you came.”

Rex stared at her like a proud teacher at a student. “Well done, Scarlet. You really are one smart woman.”

Hunter grabbed Scarlet’s hand and pulled her back. “What do you want, Rex?”

“Oh, that’s easy.” He turned to James. “I want you to stop. I want you to end this operation of yours and move the fuck on. Stop messing with my business, and stop fucking with my clientele. After saving your daughter from that psychopath, I don’t think it’s too much to ask, is it?”

James never took his eyes off Rex for a second. Scarlet could see the hate swirling in James’s eyes as he stared at the man who would force him to throw away his life’s work, to step down and pretend there wasn’t a dark world out there.

“If I do this, if I stop, you will not come near me or my daughter or anyone she holds dear.”

“Done,” Rex answered without hesitation.

James stepped up and pushed his face inches from Rex’s. “You will pretend that we no longer exist, and if you get word of anyone plotting against me or my family, you will take them down.”

Rex lifted a brow. “That’s a very specific request.”

“I’m a very specific man.”

Rex studied James for a few seconds, while Scarlet continued to hold her breath.

And then Rex stepped back. “Deal. You close down your little rescue operation, and I will make sure you and your family remain unharmed for the rest of your days.” Rex smiled. “I’ll pretend I’m god.”

It was astounding at how blasé Rex was. It was like nothing fazed him, nothing affected him. The dead bodies were pooled around him, and yet he still remained so unmoved, so cold.

James extended a hand, and Rex took it. There they were, two men shaking hands like they just signed a business contract.

Scarlet’s head was starting to spin, and she felt her knees go weak.

“Scar,” Hunter called out as he caught her just in time. “Fuck, we need to get her out of here.”

Rex rubbed his hand down his jacket. “Well go, then, be free, my little birds.” He waved them out, urging them to leave. “And please, don’t let me see your pretty little faces again.” He winked at Scarlet, and shot her the most charming smile—a smile which hid the purest form of evil imaginable.

“Oh, Colton, is it?” Rex called out, and Colton stepped closer.

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