Page 34 of Devil's Game

They were worlds beneath me, and with this final tether to my former life being snipped, I would show them just how true that was.

“Just wait until Angelo hears about this.” The burly guard scoffed, sneering at the pathetic mess that was Pam. “He’s been waiting for an excuse to take care of you for years now.”

I readjusted my grip on my gun as he spat on the linoleum floor, sparing her a cruel grin before he turned on his heel. Glass cracked under his thick boots, his thunderous steps seeming to line up with the beats of my heart as I shifted into action. Spade placed a steadying hand on my back and nodded, lightning sparking in his eyes as the thrill of violence vibrated through him.

“So fucking pathetic.” The other guard chuckled as they stomped across the parking lot, completely unaware of what lurked just past the line of trees.

They should have had their guards up, they should have realized just how many enemies they had at their doorstep before they carelessly walked to their car, assuming they were the biggest predators in the jungle.

Despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins, my breaths remained even and silent as they approached. My pulse hammered in my ears as I waited for the perfect moment to strike.

“I can’t wait until that bitch finds out.” The airport guard snorted, rubbing a scarred hand over his mottled face. “If the dead trainer wasn’t enough to scare her back to the boss, this should do it.”

I grinned at his assumption and waited until he was at the passenger side door, his attention unfocused as he yanked on the handle, before I struck.

Spade launched into action at the same time, his gun pointed at the other guard’s head as the butt of mine went crashing across the burly one’s temple.

“Fuck,” he screamed, cradling his head in one palm and patting his side for his own gun with his other hand. I didn’t give him the chance to pull his weapon as I slammed my fist into his throat, causing a strangled gasp to escape his lips while he struggled for air.

His features slackened when he finally got a look at who his attacker was, the panic quickly turning to amusement as he took me in. Using his distraction to my advantage, I plucked his gun from its holster and tossed it to Spade, knowing he would be ready and waiting.

“It looks like ‘the bitch’ found out,” I purred, slamming my foot into the burly guard’s knee. I grinned at the loud crack that followed, his pained screams music to my ears as he fell to the ground.

“I don’t care what the boss wants.” Seething, he braced himself on his hands as he struggled and failed to climb to his feet, a string of expletives falling from his lips before he continued. “I’m going to wipe the pretty smirk right off your lips, and I’ll make your little boyfriend watch.”

“It’slittle soulmatefor your information.” Spade’s violet gaze danced with amusement as he locked eyes with me.

Panic surged with me when his guard moved, but Spade was quicker. A grin curled on his lips, his eyes locked with mine as he pulled the trigger, adjusting for the few feet the guard had scuttled back without even having to divide his attention.

The limp body smacking against the pavement echoed throughout the otherwise silent parking lot, the bullet havinggone straight through his temple. Blood pooled on the grey, weathered pavement, along with bits of . . .thingsI didn’t even want to identify. The crimson liquid flowed under the car until a thin stream soaked into the burly guard’s pants.

The smug, apathetic look vanished from his face as reality set in. He was outnumbered, his friend’s lifeless body was strewn on the other side of the car, and he could easily be next.

“Now the only thing I’ll be watching is my sugar while she gets her revenge.” Spade grinned as he crossed over to my side of the car, stooping to pick up the bat I’d hidden under the car.

“Thanks, babe.” I kissed his cheek, then holstered my gun. The soft pads of my finger caressed his rough ones as I took the bat from his hands, loving the shudder that rolled through him at the simple touch.

“What are you—”

The guard’s question cut off as I spun toward him, swinging the bat up so close to his face that the gust of air whooshing past him fluffed his brown hair up. I caught it with my other hand, cradling the varnished wood like an old friend as I smiled down at him.

“I thought it was only fitting that you die the same way that your friend did.”

His eyes narrowed for a moment before realization set in.

“You—”

Thwack.

I swung the bat, the impact of the hit across his face turning his almost insult into a scream.

“Let’s think for a moment.” I hummed, hoisting the weapon for another swing. “I know you’re not good at it, but it might not be the best idea to insult the woman holding your life in her hands.”

A sickening laugh sputtered from his lips as he spat a mouthful of blood onto the pavement between us. “You have no idea what power I have. They’re going to—”

Thwack.

I grinned as my muscles bunched and released, the adrenaline and endorphins only adding to my fun.