Page 172 of Seeking Vengeance

“No.” I shove him away and raise the gun, making a show of letting it fall limp in my fingers. “I’m the one who came unarmed, remember? I don’t want you as an enemy.” I lower the weapon to the asphalt and kick it aside. “Nobody needs to die today.”

“Just be taken hostage?”

I expel a heavy sigh. “She’s only a hostage to her own anger. We had a fight. She’s pissed. But she still wants to be with me. And from what I’m told, you’d appreciate not having to deal with her anymore.”

“Is that what she told you?” He frowns.

“That she’s the outcast? The black sheep? Yeah. She hates her life in Portland, and loved the time she spent with me. Let me take her off your hands. I’ll protect her. Provide for her. She’ll never be left wanting.”

“Except for the truth, right?”

My jaw ticks. “We don’t have time for this. Salvatore and Remy are inside that shitty hotel looking for her. They’re not going to unfurl the welcome mat if they find you here.”

“I already placed a call to the owner. If he knows what’s good for him, he would’ve gotten rid of them.”

I fall silent.

Cole does, too. Both of us scrutinize each other through our animosity.

“So you think you’re going to convince her you’re a good guy?” He focuses on the car over my shoulder. “I say you’re kidding yourself. Hunter has a sinister reputation, but even he’s disgusted by some of the tales of your glory days.”

“I’m not a good guy. But I’m not that man anymore either. I did everything I could to get out of the lifestyle and start over. You, of all people, should understand the dedication that required.”

He continues dissecting me beneath his gaze, his thoughts loud but undecipherable. “She’ll hate you before she ever attempts to love you again.”

“I can live with that. But I won’t live without her. I promise you I’ll rain hell down on everyone until I get a chance to redeem myself. And I’m a man of my word, Torian.”

“I’m beginning to see that.” He grabs his lapels to straighten his jacket. “I’m assuming you love her back?”

I stiffen, every muscle, every limb.

I’m getting somewhere here. I’m winning him over. I’m not going to lie, though.

“No,” I answer simply. “What I feel for her doesn’t represent the whimsical bullshit people brag about.”

“Then why the fuck would I—”

“Because she fucking consumes me,” I snarl through clenched teeth. “She destroys me. Rips me apart and leaves me weak. Every thought I have is savaged by her. Every breath is tainted with her scent. What I feel for her is more than the bullshit of love. It’s something you wouldn’t understand and couldn’t comprehend.”

He raises a brow, mocking me. “Nice speech.”

My anger spikes. I glance for the gun, itching to sweep it off the ground.

“I suggest you leave it where it is. Especially when I’m finally starting to not want you dead.” He waves a lazy hand toward my face. “You’re lucky I recognize the pussy-whipped expression. You’re also fortunate I have plans for your family and no patience to babysit her while they unfold.”

“With all due respect, don’t you think it’s a little late for babysitting? You should’ve told her before you made a move.”

His left eye twitches, the seconds passing in reignited hostility before he states simply, “I was yet to make a move,Langston. Do I look like the type who would repay what Emmanuel has done with a friendly bullet wound?”

“Then who—”

“Who’s to say he didn’t do it to himself? It got us all here, didn’t it? It gave him the attention I’ve learned he craves. It also fuels your siblings’ hatred and makes them more inclined to follow Emmanuel’s lead.”

“Maybe you’re right. But what does that mean for Layla?”

“It means I’ll give you what you want. At least partially, anyway. You’ve got thirty days.”

I pause, waiting for a catch.

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