Page 93 of Queen of Diamonds

My words slipped through gritted teeth. “I would hate the most beautiful dress in the world, if it was you giving it to me.”

“Well.” He flashed a smile. “I think you look stunning, Omega.” He traced lines across scars he was too familiar with as I held myself still on a knife’s edge. “Perfect bait.”

“Bait?” My blood went cold, eyes snapping back to his. “You said…” I took a breath, world spinning. “You said you left them.”

“I did,” he replied. He dropped his hand from my chin, settling instead on my waist ever so delicately. “You claimed they weren’t trying to protect you.”

“They weren’t.”

“I’d like to discover for myself if you’re lying.”

“What?” I turned, staring up at him, finding more of my sanity as his touch on my scars vanished.

“I made them an offer.”

“What does that mean?”

“I gave them a chance for everything they should want—if your story holds up—or…” He tilted his head, riveted by my reaction. “Or they could save you.”

“No.”

“You think they’ll come, then?”

“They’re…” I swallowed, trying to find a way out of this. “They’re good,” I whispered.

“Did you tell them that you ran from me?” he asked.

“I didn’t tell them anything. They helped me get away one time, but they wouldn’t let me go in case they needed leverage.”

“The night my men almost caught you at the High Roller?” he asked.

“I would have used any pack.”

“If your mates have truly accepted that it isn’t their business to interfere with me or my property, then…” He stepped back, sitting on the edge of my bed. “…You have nothing to worry about.” He reached into his breast pocket. “I left them a note. Four, actually.”

In his hand, he split four playing cards to which I could only see the backs.

“Three queens. One ace. And all of them had a message.”

I waited, heart pounding in my chest.

“On each, there was a location. All buildings that belong to me. I wrote that you would be at one of the three locations written on the queens. But, if they go to the fourth, they’ll get lifetime immunity from the Brotherhood and…” He shrugged. “One hundred grand. Give or take.”

“And if they come for me?”

“You said they didn’t care, and I’ve offered them all that they supposedly kidnapped you for, with extra on top.”

“What happens?”

I knew, though.

“You’ll be there, won’t you?” he asked. “You’ll see for yourself.”

There was a long silence.

“You look so concerned,” he murmured, delight dancing in his eyes. “Am I in for a show?”

A lie jumped to my lips, but this time I didn’t dare speak it, seeing his curiosity to catch me hiding things from him again. I could never win, though, because my silence seemed to make him more pleased.

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