Page 160 of Corrupt Me

“The decision has been made, and we can all put this behind us soon,” Cassandra says.

Blake’s jaw tightens. “Don’t ask us to bring him back alive.”

“I won’t. The hardest part is upholding morality. Once you make an exception, you can never change it.”

“Ma’am, with all due respect, you are the best matriarch we could have wished for,” Mia says.

Cassandra smiles fondly at her. “I want you to promise me that you won’t allow darkness to consume you. That’s another type of power, and its dark allure is magnetic. I am asking you not to kill out of anger or spite, but because you’re defending yourself.”

“With one exception,” Kaden says, and no one is against it.

We endured too much shit because of Felix. Not only are we motivated by revenge but also by the promise of peace of mind and ultimate freedom.

As I glance at my friends, it’s clear—the competition of who will get to Felix first has officially begun.

Every one of us has our reasons for killing him. And one of us will.

When Cassandra retires for the night, a pregnant silence falls over the group for a few seconds. We watch each other, the weight of everything we’ve been through thick in the air.

“One more week,” Bailey says softly, and a reverent yes follows in response.

“We have lived looking over our shoulders for months now. I’ve forgotten what it’s like living at ease,” Celine says in a small voice.

“To freedom,” Kaden says, and we lift our glasses in a toast. That has always been our ritual when something big happens.

“To life,” Celine says.

“To love,” Mia says.

“To hope,” Blake says.

“To dreams coming true,” Abigail says.

“To the future,” Dane says.

“To peace,” Bailey says.

“To Family,” I end.

While time is not on our side, we have to ensure nothing goes wrong with our plan. I am so close to getting my hands on Felix, my body vibrates with energy.

But as soon as Bailey places her cheek on my shoulder, my attention returns to her. She yawns softly, and I carry her upstairs.

“I’m not that tired,” she murmurs.

Sure. “I just love carrying you.”

She looks me straight in the eyes. “Promise me it will always be like this.”

“I promise, angel. Every heartbeat of mine is a testament to that vow.”

“And also promise me we’ll grow old together.”

She’s nervous, which is understandable. There’s always risk involved in a mission. I feel her like I do myself.

“I promise to do whatever is in my power and beyond to fulfill all your dreams.”

“Because you love me?”

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