Page 6 of Wilt

“And she has the things I need?” I ask.

“Yes.”

I nod slowly, running my hand across my jaw, my stubble prickly under my fingers. Adding another—an innocent, of all people—increases the risk of this falling through. I figured Priestly would be the one taking me through, not holding open a door.

This better go smoothly; otherwise, I’m not opposed to killing this woman tonight and Priestly after, as useful as he’s proved to be in the past. I don’t tolerate incompetence.

“Very well,” I say to Priestly. “But if she dares try and cross me, your head will roll.”

For a second, there’s a glimmer of panic in his eyes, but then he dips his head in understanding. “She won’t.”

“Let’s hurry this up,” I sigh as I open the door.

It’s darker back here, and the noise from the stage and audience beyond filter in softly. It takes a moment, but I find the blonde, middle-aged woman Priestly’s working with. She picks up a bag walks my way, bumping into me as she pretends to drop it.

Amateur.

I help her pick up the contents of the bag, sliding an envelope of cash inside the moment after I snag a laminated, clip-on badge. “Anything else?”

Her smile is flickers, and when her eyes meet mine, her breath catches with nerves. “No,” she whispers. “No, I think I have everything.”

“Good.” I stand and help her up, her hand clammy in mine. I clip the badge on backwards, hiding her name next to a mag-strip. It’s my ticket to opening any locked doors back here.

“Actually,” I start, grabbing her roughly by the arm, forcing her to focus on me. “I’m looking for a room. One for a more…personalmeeting?”

Glancing down, I watch as her breathing picks up, and she looks desperately at Priestly for help. “I—uh—”

I jerk her attention back at me. “Surely you know somewhere.”

“Of-Of course I do,” she stammers, and I let her go. “Just down there, to the right. It shouldn’t be in use this late in the day, but—”

“Perfect. Thank you.” I paste on a stiff smile. “I appreciate your help.”

She nods quickly and rushes toward the exit, her bag clutched tightly to her chest. The door swings closed silently behind her, and Priestly gives me one more look before following her lead.

I follow the woman’s directions and find a locked door. I swipe her badge, and it opens. Easy. Inside is small and dark, decorated with only stacked chairs, circular tables, and an old sofa.

I have one shot at this, and it all hinges on the first security guard doing his job: passing my message along to pretty little Rosalind.

She’s integral.

I have one shot to make this happen, and I refuse to fail.

Derek Finneganwillsuffer.

I’m going to make sure of it.

And his daughter?

She’ll be the perfect tool for my revenge.

Chapter3

Rosalind

Oh my God.

That was brilliant. My blood is still zinging with adrenaline, like I’ve won an Olympic medal, and it was just the interview. If I end up winning Miss Elite Royal, my heart just may explode.

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