Page 31 of Torched

I do. I’ve been hiding like a scared kitten when I should’ve been prancing the entire yacht like a goddamn panther. Like I own the place. Because I fucking do. This ismyfamily she’s messing with.

My life.

My man.

“I fucked up, didn’t I?”

Callie chuckles through the phone. “No, you didn’t. This thing isn’t over yet, Gen. We still need to find Babushka and we still need that diamond. It’s not over until we find both of them.”

“So what do I do?”

“You wear your hottest dress, fix your hair, put some make-up on, and show that bitch who’s the woman in charge. You taunt her, make her life miserable until she’s regretting every second of even thinking about messing with you.”

“She thinks I’m scared of her.”

“She does. But that’s a good thing. She’s underestimating you. Show her, Genny.”

Show her what I’m capable of. Show her that she doesn’t mess with me and get out on top.

“You’re right.”

“I know I am.”

“I got this.” There is more of a battle-minded tone in my voice that lifts up my spirit.

“Fuck yeah, you do!”

“She’s nothing!”

“Useless!” Callie pitches in.

“Nothing more than a bitter, vile woman with a strong desire for power.”

“She’s pathetic, really.”

“She is,” I agree, still staring into the mirror. Slowly, I can see the life creeping back into my expression, determination creasing my forehead.

“Are you ready?” I can hear the smile in her voice, laced with a sense of pride that has me straightening my spine when I reply, “I’m ready.”

“Good. Now get out of that room and own that shit.”

“Okay!” I jolt, nodding.

“I’ll call you as soon as Reign has anything, okay?”

We say our goodbyes and hang up, and I give myself one more glance.

This is my life, and Cristina will not get to me.

With force, I throw the bathroom door open, clashing against Liam’s chest.

His blue eyes widen as he catches my arms, holding me in place.

“Are you okay?” He searches my face with that same worry I left him with a few minutes ago.

“You didn’t tell me Callie and Kane flew to Boston.”

His face falls. “I’m sorry. I just thought—”

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