Page 16 of Devil's Game

“You know what the Barones did to my family,” Sebastian said darkly, any trace of the businessman gone as his eyes narrowed to slits. “I told you I would give you whatever resources I can to help you take them down, and I stick to my word.”

“And what’s the price?” I sensed my guy’s eyes on me the moment the question slipped from my lips. I didn’t care, though. Zane had mentioned a price on the phone, and I wasn’t going to let the opportunity slip by.

“The same price any of my favors hold. A fight, where I choose the opponent. And a say in how things are run once we get rid of them.” Sebastian leaned back in his seat, interest flickering in his eyes as he watched me.

Merrick.

My gaze flicked to my Merrick, intrinsically knowing it was him who Sebastian would want fighting in his ring.

“You know I’m always up for a fight.” His lips twitched as his hazel orbs burned into mine, as though the answer was for me and me alone.

Chewing at my bottom lip, I nodded, needing some way to dispel the heat burning its way straight to my core. I wanted to see him fight again—not with guns or blades, but with his fists. I wanted to see his raw power on display, muscles rippling as he took down his opponent one blow at a time.

“Now that that’s settled, there’s one more issue we need to discuss.” Amusement laced Sebastian’s tone, and a growl vibrated from Merrick in warning.

Reluctantly, I dragged my gaze from Merrick.

“It would be best for the girl to stay with us.” Zane’s deep voice reverberated across the booth, catching me off guard.

The girl?

“Don’t refer to me as ‘the girl,’ and I already told you that I’m not staying with you a second longer than I have to,” Sophia snarled from beside me, and my eyes widened.

Hell, no.

I bristled, but before I could say anything, Zane cut me off.

“And I already told you that it wouldn’t be safe for you with them. If Tommaso is looking for you, where’s the first place he’ll go?”

“And you don’t think our house is safe?” Merrick growled at the same time Kellan said, “He has a point.”

Incredulous, I looked to Kellan as he shrugged. “We can’t always be home, and with the first stage of the plan in the works, there won’t be many Demons left to guard the house while we’re away.”

Sophia frowned. “Will they really attack your house?”

“They paid someone off at the bar to get to Giana. We don’t know what lengths the Barones will go to, trying to get to her or you.” Kellan gave her an apologetic smile, which only served to make my stomach twist.

He’s right. I know he’s right, but it doesn’t change how much I selfishly want my best friend with me.

“I can stay there and—”

“If the Barones have eyes on them, they’ll see you being dropped off here,” Zane interrupted. The two glowered at one another, the tension building to a near breaking point.

“Meaning, you wouldn’t be safe at either place.”

Sophia’s gaze snapped to mine, and I winced at the betrayal crumpling her expression.

“I want you to come back with us, Sophia, but if staying with them is going to keep you safe . . .”

She huffed out a derisive snort and crossed her arms over her chest.

My stomach sank as her earlier words echoed in my mind—it’s not your fault, and besides, now I get to spend some time with you.She’d taken this so much better than I could’ve hoped for, and her bright side was that she would get to stay with me.

Pain sliced through my chest, and I cast a searching look over to Kellan, knowing he’d know what to do.

“Bringing you back and forth isn’t an option, but we can make sure one of us is at the house for now,” Kellan said, and my heart warmed at his consideration. “We’ll need to bring you back here when things escalate, though.”

“Thank you.” Sophia nodded, but her posture didn’t relax.

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