Page 50 of Black Sheep

“Define ‘more.’”

Tension ramps back up my spine, thicker than before. I raise my head, look him in the eye. “Cleo.”

The expression that creeps across his face makes my skin crawl. The need to speak her name in his presence makes me want to pummel something.

“She told me I was wasting my time sending her to you,” he muses, a repulsive smile curving his mouth. “You’d think she’d have picked up by now that I know what makes my own son tick.”

“Is that a yes?”

“You return her to me when this shit is over. I’m not finished with her yet.”

“If you still want her when I’m done with her.”

His teeth bare. “Unless you’re superhuman, you won’t be able to wear her out that easily. Trust me, I’ve tried.”

The manic wave is cresting too fast. I need to leave. But I need answers. “I also want to know what you’re holding over her head.” Fuck. I realize my slip the moment the question leaves my lips.

Finnan’s smile widens. “She didn’t tell you?”

My jaw clenches, and I remain silent.

“I’ll tell you what, show me some evidence that you’re on the Taranahar case, and we’ll come to an arrangement about your precious girl.”

I stride to the nearest surface and dump the glass still holding the liquor. I’m long past saturation point. The brutal need to take vengeance snaps at the anchors of my control as I head for the door.

“I’m leaving. And I’m taking her with me.” I grab the handle. Yank it wide open.

“You’ll meet a little resistance but I’m sure you’ll bring her round eventually. Oh, and remember what I said. I want her back.”

I look over my shoulder. His expression is still smug. I can’t resist the urge to wipe it off his face. “What makes you think she’ll want to come back to you when I’m done using her?”

He shrugs, his demeanor remaining the same. “She may temporarily share your bed, but she’ll always be mine. I only need to crook my finger for her to trot back to my side.”

My brain screams at me to let go of the door. To rip and maim and smash and burn. I grip it tighter, pull the door wider.

“Axel?”

The change from boy to my name is probably what stalls my feet. Even if I were bothered to recollect the last time he used my name, it would be a futile exercise.

“What?” My voice bleeds blackness I won’t be able to restrain in the next ten seconds.

“We have a deal. Attempt to double-cross me at your peril.”

Chapter Thirteen

SPECIAL DELIVERY…OR NOT

Cleo

The futility of pacing finally drives me to the shower half an hour after I retreat to my bedroom. But standing still under the torrent of hot water doesn’t stop my racing thoughts.

The two men who destroyed my life are locked in a room, colluding two floors beneath me. I don’t delude myself into thinking somehow I will escape being caught in the middle of whatever sinister arrangements are being hammered out.

I’m not leaving here until I get what I want.

All I can think about is how to survive the impending hell long enough to finish the job and save my mother.

Because hell is coming. The look in Axel’s eyes promised it. The ferocity with which Finnan pursued this meeting and the way he looked at me downstairs confirmed it. I will be collateral damage at the earliest opportunity. Or a sweetener to seal the deal the second it’s required.

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