Page 47 of Scornful

"I haven't been near her?—"

I knee him in the gut, doubling him over. "Another lie. You were at Bubba's. You put your hands on her."

"That was weeks ago!" he gasps.

"And you've been watching the spa," Rio adds, speaking up. "I've seen your car parked across the street."

Laken's eyes dart around desperately, looking for an exit that doesn't exist.

Four pissed-off bikers with every escape route blocked.

Laken here might be in a pickle.

"I wasn't—I just?—"

"You just what?" I shake him hard. "You just thought you could use your past with her to get information? Thought you could sell out the club?"

"The Patriot said?—"

That's all I need to hear.

My fist crushes into his ribs, feeling at least one crack under the impact.

Laken screams, doubling over again.

"The Patriot," Emil spits. "You're workin’ for that psycho who tried to kidnap Tindra? Who killed Flora?"

Rio's face goes dark at his wife’s name, and I see how badly he wants to put an end to the Patriot.

Can't say I blame him.

If Laken had information that helped the Patriot, it means he's partially responsible for Flora's death, too.

"Time to go," Magnus says. "Fenrir's waiting."

I zip-tie Laken's hands behind his back, probably tighter than necessary.

He's crying now, blubbering about making a mistake, about being sorry.

I don't give a fuck.

"Move," I order, shoving him toward the door.

We escort him down the stairs, Emil's hand locked on one arm while I hold the other. Laken stumbles, still begging.

"Please, you don't understand. He threatened me. Said he'd?—"

"Shut the fuck up," Rio says coldly. "Save it for someone who gives a shit."

We're almost to the bikes when Laken makes his desperate play.

"I know about you and Astrid!" he blurts out, looking right at me. "I've seen you together!"

Everything stops.

Emil's grip on Laken loosens in shock.

Magnus goes very still.

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