Page 70 of Tainted

“You’re on a dangerous path bringing up my baby,” I threatened bending his wrist backward.

John tried to pull his wrist back, but I held firm for a moment longer, letting him feel the power shift. His expression tightened, the smugness slipping away, revealing a flicker of apprehension. I released John’s wrist, giving him a final, deliberate pat on the shoulder before stepping back.

“I can tell you this. When mine does take its first breath, I’ll be a better father than you ever were, and I won’t use my child as a pawn in my aspirations ‘cause I’m man enough to make shit happen on my own.”

His eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his voice measured.

“This isn’t about your feelings or hers. With Eric gone, I’m rebranding and launching a full-scale anti-corruption initiative. I can’t afford any distractions or potential scandals. And frankly, you’re a reminder of-.”

I cut him off, finishing his sentence, “All the intel you fed my father and God knows who else. All the blood on your fuckin’ hands.”

“You know, Kenyon,” he said with a slow, sarcastic smile, “you have better things to worry about too. Like staying out of jail. Especially now that Eric is dead and has taken all our secrets with him.”

“If you believe that, you didn’t know Pops at all. He might be gone, but your secrets are alive and thriving. Might wanna be careful,” I suggested with a smirk that had sweat beading on his forehead.

“Are you threatening me?”

“I’m just reminding you,” I said, stepping closer, my eyes locked on his. “The truth doesn’t stay hidden forever.”

He narrowed his eyes, then leaned in, “Speaking of the truth,” his voice dropped to a whisper, “Makori and his girlfriend were found dead a few nights ago.”

My heart didn’t feel remorse, so it was easy to remain impassive. “That’s unfortunate. Prayers to their family.”

“You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

“Why would I? I manage an apartment complex.”

“Word on the street is you got into an argument with him just a few hours prior.” I shrugged, maintaining my composure while he studied me, “Stay out of trouble.”

“You too.”

He walked away, and I spotted Sydney across the room, laughing with a group of donors, her smile lighting up the entire space. She caught my eye and waved, but all I could think about was killing her father because prison wasn’t an option. My family had already lost enough.

13

Zara

“Those hands work magic on the pole and hair too,” Cameo smiled, tousling her wig. “Thanks again, boo. I don’t know what I would’ve done tonight.”

“Have that helmet fly off mid-performance. You need to get your money back,” I giggled.

“Shit, I could’ve gone viral and really made a killing. I might need to slap that bitch back on.”

Cameo’s comment had me holding my stomach laughing. That was until Diamond strolled in.

“I don’t know how you’re smiling right now,” she poked.

“Yeah, it’s definitely time for me to go. See you later,” I said to Cameo while throwing my supplies in my bag.

“I’d be rushing out of here too if I had blood on my hands.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Makori and his girl were found dead, conveniently after he got into it with you at Route 66.”

Apparently, gossiping wasn’t just a small-town thing. It happened in the city, too.

“Don’t even start that rumor, Diamond. Makori is far from a saint. Everybody knows that,” Cameo replied in my place because my mind was still spinning.

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