Page 73 of Scornful

"More than okay," she says with a smile. "Though I might need help walking."

I chuckle, turning off the water and grabbing towels.

As I dry her off, I can't help but worship her body again—the dip of her waist, the fullness of her breasts, the sweet curve of her hips.

"You're the most beautiful woman in the world," I tell her honestly. "Every inch of you is perfect."

She blushes but doesn't deflect the compliment like she used to. That’s progress, and I’ll take it.

An hour later, I'm dropping her off at the spa.

She looks professional again in her work clothes, but I know what's underneath, know the marks I've left on her skin.

"I'll pick you up when you're done," I promise, leaning over to kiss her. "Be careful today."

"You too," she says, concern flickering in her eyes. "Whatever happens at the club..."

"Will be fine," I finish. "Your dad will cool down. So far so good, right?"

She doesn't look convinced, "It hasn’t even been a day, Geirolf."

I shrug, "Maybe not, but it’ll be fine. I love you, and I’ll see you soon."

"Love you too." She goes inside and I watch until she's safely through the door before heading to the clubhouse.

The drive isn’t bad, and before I know it, Bodul is buzzing me through the gate.

The moment I walk in, I know something's up.

Runes is waiting by the bar, his expression grim. "Geirolf, come with me."

I follow him without question, down to the basement where Laken still is.

The moment I hit the bottom step, I spot him—dried blood crusts his face, and all of his fingers are missing nails, but he's conscious, glaring at us with pure hatred.

"Thirty overdoses this weekend," Runes says without missing a beat. "Kids mostly. All from pills traced back to the Patriot's operation."

"Fuck," I mutter.

That's a lot of ODs.

"Cops are hunting him now too, but I want him first," Runes whispers lowly. "You're with Astrid now. Use it to get under his skin. Make this bastard talk."

I nod, understanding the assignment.

I step closer to Laken, letting him get a good look at me.

"Morning, sunshine," I drawl. "Sleep well?"

He spits blood at my feet. "Fuck you."

"That's not very friendly." I pull up a chair, sitting backwards on it. "Especially considering I'm fuckin’ your ex-girlfriend now. The one you couldn't satisfy."

His face shifts with rage. "She's mine?—"

"No," I cut him off. "She's mine. Every inch of herperfectbody, every sound she makes when she comes—all mine now."

"You’re trying to get in my fucking head, but you’re not gonna! The Patriot will never stop," Laken snarls. "Not the drugs, not the killing. He wants chaos, wants to fix America one city at a time. Starting with you fuckers."

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