Page 144 of Seeking Vengeance

“But this is only a conversation,” Bishop mutters.

“Itisonly a conversation,” I reiterate. “Do you all understand what we’re doing here?”

“You’ve sent more than enough messages to make it clear.” De Marco mimics Whitby’s seated position on the opposite side of the cargo area, Goodin doing the same at his side. “We keep our mouths shut. Back you up if necessary. And get the woman out if shit happens.”

I nod, my gaze flicking to Layla who stares at me through the mirror. “You can trust them.”

She scoffs. “Just like I can trust you?”

I’m not fighting with her again. The last thing I need is to battle my dick when her bratty attitude takes hold.

“We scoped the place while we were waiting,” Goodin adds. “Caught sight of two armed guards outside, but nothing else. There might be more in the house.”

“Doubtful.” I shake my head. “Emmanuel likes privacy.”

“Then it’s safe to assume there’s two.” Goodin shrugs. “But there could be fifty on standby at a moment’s notice just in case you’re thinking of getting cocky.”

“Nobody is getting cocky. If bullets start flying the battle won’t end until both parties are dead, and I have no intention of dying today.” I shoot a glance to Bishop. “You good now?”

“I’ll be good once it’s over.” He focuses out the windscreen, resting his arm on the window ledge. “Let’s get this done.”

I pull onto the road, increasing the pace to eat up the distance between us and imminent hostility.

“There’s to be no complications. Are we all clear?” Bishop reiterates louder than necessary. “This is a conversation. Nothing more.”

I don’t reaffirm it. He’s been given enough assurances on how this has to play out. His issue is that he knows me too well. Knows theoldme and what that animal is capable of when cornered.

“This is it.” I jerk my chin toward the upcoming property with its head-high brick-wall perimeter stretching more than a quarter mile in the distance. Large decorative spikes line the top ledge, the glossy metal maybe intended as a decorative feature, but also offering intimidation and security. “You guys in the back need to get down. Stay out of sight until we’re through the gates.”

They do as instructed, slinking from view as I drive by the first security camera affixed to the boundary wall. The round black devices are positioned every ten yards leading up to the thick barred gates that never existed in my childhood.

“Nothing gets said or done without my say so.” I stop in front of the barrier separating me from assholes I despise, the intercom a foot outside my closed window, and shoot a glance to Layla through the rearview. “No comments. No actions. Nothing. You hear me?”

She smiles, batting her lashes in an innocent taunt.

“Don’t test me, Layla.”

“Don’t worry,” Bishop snarls. “If she fucks this up, they won’t be the only ones preparing to kill her.”

Her smile remains in place. “I’d like to see you try.”

“Enough,” I grate. “We’re on the same side.”

“You sure about that?” Goodin mumbles in the back. “You guys aren’t giving off a fuzzy sense of comradery.”

“We’ll be fine,” I force the misguided optimism into existence. “We’re only here for a fucking conversation.”

Layla rolls her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. “We’ll see.”

“Yeah, we’ll fucking see,” Bishop mutters.

“Enough,” I repeat. “None of us are stupid enough to fuck this up, right? So show some goddamn restraint.” I lower my window and reach for the intercom to press the call button.

The inside of the car falls silent. There’s nothing but the rumble from the engine and the rustle of wind as we wait.

I’m sure our presence is already known. Either Emmanuel, my siblings, or a battalion-sized security team are hiding in the wings watching. Waiting.

“Hello?” A fragile female voice breaks the quiet, the fake innocence nudging my agitation.

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