Page 63 of Corrupted Empire

“Yes,” I reply, taking a sip of my champagne.

“And presumably they’re not the most squeaky clean in terms of ethics?”

“Correct.”

Alexis chews, swallows, and continues. “I think the easiest thing to do would be to make an arrangement with Stardust. They haven’t been pursuing her very aggressively because she makes small payments, and they know she will continue to grow her debt. We can offer to silently pay the debt if they put pressure on her to throw the case. Ruby won’t be able to trace it back to us as we have no public involvement with Stardust, and the prospect of clearing her largest debt might just be enough to do the trick.”

“We could go further than that,” I propose. “We could have them threaten to break something she’d rather remain intact if she doesn’t clear the debt, either with cash or cooperation.”

Alexis makes a face and shakes her head. “No, I don’t like that. Ruby might be a bitch, but she’s not a Cartel member. She’s a cop, and she’s only doing her job. No violence.”

“You were the one who threatened to fillet her if I go to jail,” I point out.

“That was just a threat.” Alexis appears genuinely affronted. “You didn’t think I was actually going to hurt her, did you?”

“It’s not about what I think,” I tell her, cutting another chunk of steak. The knife glides through the meat like butter. “You have a lot to learn about this life. If you’re going to make a threat like that, you best be prepared to follow through. It only takes one failed bluff for your enemies to scent your weakness.”

I pop the steak into my mouth and chew. Alexis sets her fork and knife down, frowning.

“I’m not weak,” she says.

“I never said you were. I just want you to keep in mind that this life isn’t a game of make-believe, Alexis. At some point, you should expect that your hands will be covered in real blood and that it won’t feel anything like what you could imagine. Are you prepared for that?”

She doesn’t hesitate. “I can accept it as long as they deserve it.”

We continue eating, watching each other from across the table. I like this side of her. I like the ferocity, the cunning, the ruthlessness. It makes me want to test her, though. I want to push all of her buttons just to see what will happen.

“And who gets to decide if they deserve it?” I ask.

Alexis finishes chewing her mouthful and swallows. She takes her time, allowing the question to marinate in the air between us.

“I do,” she says finally.

“Why should you make that decision?” I press. “Are you the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong?”

“I’m my own moral arbiter,” she replies. “It’s not a discussion of mutually shared ethics but rather what my own conscience can bear.”

She speaks with confidence and authority, her chin lifted haughtily. I find her boldness undeniably arousing, and I lick my lips as I watch her drink the last of her faux champagne.

Victoria comes out to check on us and is pleased to see our empty plates. “How was it?” she asks.

“Delectable,” I say, though my gaze is pinned to the cupid’s bow of Alexis’ lips.

“Can I bring you anything else?”

“No.” I drag my eyes to Victoria’s. “Please ensure that we are not disturbed for at least another half an hour.”

Victoria nods and leaves.

Alexis cocks an inquisitive brow. “What was that about?”

I stand up, draining the last of my champagne. “I’ve had enough business and morality chat for the evening,” I explain. “I rather think I’m ready for dessert.”

“What’s for dessert?” Alexis’ lip turns slightly at the corner, and her eyes hold mine.

I walk over and offer her my hand. She takes it, and I lift her to her feet, sliding a hand around her waist. “You are.”

I hoist Alexis onto the table, and her glass goes tumbling off. It shatters against the stone patio, and Alexis giggles. “Careful.”

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