Page 15 of Devil's Game

“Of course, I do.”

“Well, there’s a bit more to it, I guess.” Rubbing my arm nervously, I internally scolded myself. I could stab a man and watch him bleed out, but I couldn’t tell my best friend that I liked it. “I’m not just a bystander in all this—or, at least, I won’t be anymore. I can defend myself, and not only that, but I want to.”

A crease formed between her brows as she studied me. I expected horror or revulsion, but instead, there was only confusion with a glimmer of respect.

“Okay.” She nodded and looped her arm through mine again.

“Okay?”

“It might take me a while to get used to it, but who am I to judge? I think it’s actually pretty badass that you’re going to stand up to him.” She grinned back at me, and some of the tension dissolved between us.

“I promise I’m going to keep you safe, Sophia.” I pulled her to a stop, barely believing this was happening right now.

“I know, Gi.” Her lips tilted up slightly into a sympathetic smile. “Like I said before, it’s not your fault, and besides, now I get to spend some time with you.”

“You said I was a badass, but I think you’re underestimating yourself, Soph.” I winked and tugged her along as we slowly made our way over to the bar.

“Me?”

“Yeah, you.” I chuckled, nudging her with my shoulder. “Not many people would be able to roll with the punches like you have. That’s what’s really badass.”

“Well, I honestly should get an award for having to deal with that asshole.” She glared at Zane’s back across the bar, and I stifled a laugh.

My chest warming, I smiled back at her, nearly needing to pinch myself just to make sure this was reality.

“Well, at least you won’t have to deal with him anymore.”

“Let’s have a seat.”Sebastian gestured us over to one of the private booths near the back of the dance floor after pouring us each a glass of whiskey.

I accepted the drink but placed it on the table the second we sat down. Despite watching him pour the liquid straight from the bottle, it would be a while before I felt comfortable accepting a drink from a stranger.

Besides, I’d never been one to indulge in straight liquor. Give me wine or a sweet cocktail any day.

Sebastian eyed my discarded glass but didn’t say anything as he brought his own to his lips.

The booths were comfortable, spacious enough to fit our large group, yet they were cozy enough to have a conversation. There were three plush, dark-purple-leather benches placed in a U shape around a low table. The guys waited for Sebastian to sit first before positioning us strategically. Spade sat closest to Sebastian and Zane, while Sophia and I sat next to him, leaving Merrick and Kellan to sit across from our hosts and closest to the door, in case we ran into any trouble.

Sophia slid her glass onto the table too and leaned back in her seat. Tension radiated between her and Zane as he glowered back at her, the two of them lost in a silent stare down until Sebastian cleared his throat. Their gazes snapped back to him,and Sophia tried to feign a nonchalance that I didn’t believe for a second.

“What’s your plan now that the Barones know it was you who attacked them?” Sebastian leaned his elbows on his knees, waiting intently.

“We’ll start with their influence on the town,” Merrick explained, taking a sip of his whiskey before setting it on the table. Despite the men’s friendship for years now, there was palpable energy zinging through the room, like everything could unravel in an instant. “We’re going to interrupt their cash flow one step at a time. First with their shakedowns on local businesses, then with their shipments, and finally with their government connections.”

Sebastian cocked a brow. “I assume you have a plan for each of these steps?”

“We do.” Kellan placed his still-full glass on the table and crossed his arms over his chest.

“But you’re not going to tell me, are you?” A grin unfurled on the fight club owner’s lips as he leaned back.

“We’ll keep you informed, but until we can identify if there are any other traitors among us, we’re keeping the details close to our chest.”

I suppressed my grimace, not wanting to show any sign of discord to our potential ally, but that reminded me of the secrets the three of them still kept.

Spade shifted in his seat. Though he continued watching our allies, he placed a warm palm on my leg, as though it was a silent reassurance of their promise.

“Well, I trust you both. Spade, not so much.” Spade stiffened, but Sebastian only chuckled. “I’m only joking, Spade. Don’t go stabbing me now, or that might make this partnership a bit awkward, don’t you think?”

“So, you’re going to work with us?” Kellan asked, cutting off whatever Spade was going to say. Placing my hand over his, I distracted him enough to pull his murderous gaze from Sebastian.

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