Page 70 of Depraved Truths

“Shit, it took you long enough,” I grumble, my voice void of mirth.

“Sorry, love,” Eli says with a grin. He stands behind William, his blade pressed to the man’s jugular. “Scream, and I’ll gut you like a fucking fish,”

“Who are you? What do you want? If it’s money, I have plenty in the safe over there.” William points behind the desk.

“Money?” I scoff, incredulous. “You think this is about money?”

I tap my nails against the desk. “I have something you might be interested in. May I borrow your laptop?” I ask sweetly. “Well, I suppose I don’t have to ask, do I?”

Eli tosses me a pair of latex gloves. I slip them on quickly, then grab the laptop.

“Password?” I demand.

Hunt grunts but stays silent until Eli digs the blade into his neck, breaking the skin. A drop of blood forms. “Alright, alright,” he mutters, rattling off the password.

Access granted.

I reach into my bodice, pull out a small disc drive, and insert it into the laptop. A few clicks, and images flash across the screen.

William’s eyes widen, and his jaw slackens as evidence of his numerous indiscretions unfolds before him.

“What is this? Blackmail?” he spits out, his face draining of color.

“Something like that,” I reply, my voice dripping with satisfaction.

“Now, this is what’s going to happen. You’ll receive a text with further instructions after midnight. Speak to anyone—anyone—and I mean it, this information goes viral immediately,” Eli states, his tone cold and final.

William swallows hard and nods in agreement. “Oh, there’s one more thing you should know.” I pause for effect, enjoying the fear etched on his face. “Your wife and sons have been dosed with a biochemical agent. It has some rather nasty side effects. If it isn’t treated within twelve hours, it will lead to an excruciating death.” I’m lying of course, I would never hurt his family.

His face pales further, his lips trembling.

“Don’t worry.” I pat his cheek twice, feigning sympathy. “I have the antidote. As long as you follow the rules, no harm will come to them. Not a word to anyone, and make sure you come alone. We have eyes and ears everywhere, so don’t try anything stupid.”

“Understood,” he whispers, his voice barely audible.

Eli releases him, and William rubs his neck, his fingers tracing the nick.

“Okay, then. Carry on,” I say, clapping my hands together. “You have guests waiting.”

Chapter 46

Hunt leaves the room quickly, with not even a backward glance. It's almost comical. I’m not concerned about him staying silent; I’ve slipped a small listening device on him, just to be safe. Bryce is controlling all the cameras and erasing the evidence of our little excursion. Eli exits through a side door as I reappear at the party. As I pass the security guard who escorted me back, I wink. He smirks, clearly thinking I’m just another one of William’s floozies, sucking him off while his wife is mere yards away.

I lock eyes with William, and he looks away quickly, heading outdoors with his guests to sit down for dinner.

Smiling graciously at the men at the door, I offer Gabriel a discreet nod as I move toward the valet for my car. I tip him generously before sliding into the driver’s seat as exhilaration pulses through me in waves. My phone rings, and I tap the screen on the navigation.

Bryce’s voice comes through the line. “Well, it looks like the plan is working. He has barely touched his food. He hasn’t saidanything, and based on the cameras, hasn’t made any strange gestures or movements.”

“And the footage of Eli sneaking in and out of the study?” I ask anxiously.

“Wiped clean and replaced with earlier footage.”

“Perfect. I’ll see you soon.”

Back at our hotel, the elevator dings as I reach the penthouse. Stepping inside, I’m met with the aroma of food. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was, and I can’t even remember the last time I ate. Breakfast, maybe?

“I ordered food. I know you love steak and fries after a busy day of tormenting people.” Bryce smirks.

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