Page 86 of The Secrets That Kill

He was forceful, yes, and I provoked him because I wanted him to lose control and use me.

I wanted to be treated like that.

I loved it.

So what the hell does that even make me?

TWENTY-ONE

mercer

“Can you do that?”I ask. “Discreetly?”

Sweat drizzles down my back. I pick up the sander, change the paper to the second finest, and rub my eyes with my forearm.

Feeling like shit barely begins to describe my current state. Right now I’m in Bed-Stuy, working off my sexual frustration at my brownstone as I wait for Malone’s answer.

“What’s it worth to me?”

I let out a sharp laugh and take a swig of water, glaring at my phone on the floor. “Actually, it’s more like how many other things can you do for me until your favor-owing pool is manageable.”

He snorts. “I can do it. And I guess I can be fucking discreet. For you.”

Of course, he can. He might thrive on chaos, but he, like all the Knights, understand and practice discretion. So I already know he’s going to do this for me and he’s going to be as discreet as possible. He also owes me a lot of favors, and I almost never ask for one back.

I hate having to ask anyone for anything. But I have to keepreminding myself that it’s a necessary evil of being an Obsidian Knight. We were handpicked because we’re the best at what we do, and sometimes, much as I despise asking, we need others to complement our unique skill sets.

That includes putting trust in others, another thing I can’t stand doing.

I run a hand along the floorboards I’ve just sanded. They need two more rounds and they’ll be ready for staining.

Avoiding certain gorgeous women who have the power to turn my brain inside out has an upside, I guess.

“Can I ask why? This guy’s pretty low-level by our standards,” Malone says.

“Let’s just say it’s personal. I want a detailed report on who he sees and knows, what his routine is, and when would be the best time to approach him.” I take another long gulp of the water. “You do this kind of recon work all the time, and right now I’ve got other things to deal with. Just get it done as soon as you can.”

Malone makes a grunt of agreement. “Anything to do with your little toy?”

“Not. Relevant.”

“Just like you not wanting to share?”

“She’s not on the table, any time, any way.”

“Y’know, I saw Stone at the club last night and he said you were very protective of a hot little slave who went to town on your cock at a sex party.”

“So I enjoy her.” I sigh. “I need to get home soon and get ready for that dinner Beneton is hosting.”

He pauses. “TheBeneton? Porn king and owner of a very elite network of high-end escorts? Who happens to know our other friend, Henderson?”

“That one.”

“Well, don’t let me stop you. I’ll get you what you need. Butdon’t forget I need something from you in return when you move in for your kill.Thekill.”

I hang up. What the fuck does Henderson have on Malone? On even Orion? I take the last one back. I think I can guess what Orion wants…the same thing I do.

But Malone? The man doesn’t have morals like most people with at least some kind of passing awareness of the law, but indulging in shit that Henderson collects? I wouldn’t think he’d be interested. Malone’s also not the kind of person Henderson recognizes, let alone targets. He must want something else.

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