Page 66 of Veiled Vengeance

The guard gives me a judgmental look as he glances back and forth between me and my pile of weapons, but I ignore him.

Once he’s satisfied that we’re no longer armed, he opens the door, granting us entry. Another guard escorts us through a dark hallway and into the club.

Game time.

Masking my emotions has never been my strong suit, but I would walk barefoot across broken glass to save Carmen. I can do this.

The bright lights and heavy bass music fill the room. I spot Carmen right away.

Carmen is handcuffed to the pole on a small stage in across the room.

She’s in sky-high heels, a lacy push-up bra, and a thong. Her makeup is perfect and dramatic, and her hair hangs in natural waves down her back. Her cuffed hand clutches the pole as she walks in a circle around it. Carmen doesn’t bother to put any effort into trying to dance to the music.

We lock gazes, and her lips part in silent surprise. Her eyes bounce back and forth between Asher and me.

Explaining everything is going to be afunconversation.

A row of chairs surround Carmen’s circular stage, but only two are occupied. Anthony and Pierce lounge in their seats,ignoring her forced performance. They track my every step toward them.

Carmen discreetly glances at Diego who sits at the bar. Mateo is in an armchair at the main stage, where a gorgeous woman with black hair spins around on the pole. Gabriel lounges in another chair in front of the other small stage, where a woman with red curly hair removes her clothes for the customers.

Anthony stands from his seat and rounds the edge of the stage while Pierce remains seated. There are two more men stationed behind them. The bulge of their guns is visible beneath their expensive black suits.

“You’re dismissed.” Anthony waves his hand, indicating that the men should leave us, but he doesn’t look away from me as he says it. He makes a point to ignore Asher’s presence, but he can’t help it when he’s been defied. “You were supposed to come alone, Flower.”

“We can’t always get what we want,” I retort and cross my arms. Holding my chin high, I refuse to flinch.

Anthony’s condescending laugh has a sharp edge. “I do. Every time.” He looks me up and down. “I got you.”

I dig my fingers into the skin of my arms as I keep myself from acting on impulse and punching Anthony’s throat.

Coming face to face with the man who has hurt me for years and knowing the full story, I feel this urge to start swinging my fists. But we have a plan, and if I want everyone to make it out alive, then I need to follow that plan.

“Youpurchasedme. There’s a difference.”

Anthony grips my chin roughly and steps close. “I was the one to take your virgin pussy. I still remember what your innocent blood looked like on my dick.”

Fuming, my lips tighten into a stubborn line. “Again.Purchased.”

“It seems you already forgot my lesson. I’ll be happy to teach you again, though. Don’t you worry.” Anthony’s smile is full of malice. “And what do you think you’re wearing? You look ridiculous. Are you auditioning for a G.I. Jane role?”

I raise a brow. “I actually like this outfit. I’m thinking about making this my new look.”

Anthony’s fingers dig into my skin. “You need to watch the way you talk to me, Flower.”

Asher’s breathing is deep, and the vein in his neck pulses dangerously fast. His gaze is locked on Anthony’s hand. The longer he stares, the closer he seems to get to breaking Anthony’s fingers one by one.

“Run along, Agent,” Anthony dismisses Asher, and another guard approaches Asher, grabbing his arm.

Asher roots himself in place and yanks his arm away. “I’m not leaving without Carmen.”

“Ah, yes.” Anthony turns his head so Pierce can hear him. “Help our guest down, won’t you, Pierce?”

Pierce looks affronted. “Why me?”

Anthony doesn’t enjoy the questioning of his authority. He goes rigid and commands, “Just do it, Pierce.”

Pierce gulps down the rest of his drink and slams the glass down on the side table. A dribble of alcohol trickles from the corner of his mouth, and he swipes it away with the back of his hand.

---