Page 55 of Undertow

Brother or not, I have no interest in a sentimental moment with Merrick and I’m sure he doesn’t either.

The wary look he spreads around the room confirms my fears. This is about something else.

“He wasn’t that stupid,” Merrick whispers, leaning close.

My stomach tightens at his silent message. “What are you saying?”

Merrick sends another nervous glance around the empty suite before tugging my sleeve to pull my ear toward him.

“He was set up. You both were,” he says.

The familiar anger hardens inside me. “By Scarlett?”

He shakes his head. “Bigger.”

“McArthur?” When he doesn’t respond, I feel sick. “Tell me.”

He tenses and studies the door.

“Merrick! What the fuck is going on? Say it,” I hiss.

His quick glance at the door sends a shiver through me.

“Iplanted the device on you, not Patrick. He was just being a jealous, gloating dick in the moment. He had no idea he was about to take the fall. McArthur ordered the hit, and Scarlett helped. Ricky and Stone were witnesses to sell the lie. McArthur wanted Patrick out of the way, while locking you firmly under his thumb.”

“He already owns me. What else could he want from me?”

“Don’t be naïve, Shaw. You had to see this coming.”

“See what? He’s already taken everything from me.”

“Not everything.”

“What else is there?”

“Your blood.”

A cold sweat breaks out over my body. My blood?

There are several interpretations of that statement. Not one would ease the sudden pressure in my chest.

Merrick lets out a breath. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but if you ever considered running again, now is the time.”

I stare at him in disbelief. This is coming from the man who tortured me for days to prove I can’t.

He must read my confusion, and once again I’m struck by the uncharacteristic concern in his demeanor.

“He’s ready, Shaw. He’s going to force you into the family and activate your connection with the RLC. That’s really what Undertow is about.”

11

THE MUTILATION INSIDE

Despite his convincing display, I can’t take Merrick at his word. It’s not personal. I can’t trust anyone. There’s no reason for me to assume he’s lying, but there’s also a possibility he’s trying to manipulate me for his own agenda. Either way, I still have to operate under the assumption he’s telling the truth, both to save face with him and protect myself in case he is.

Knowing Scarlett might be some kind of twisted fiancée only makes my stomach churn more when I knock on her door to fulfill my end of our agreement. Merrick’s theory would also explain her sudden warped entitlement. But understanding it does nothing to soften my internal tirade at the reality.

It’s been bad enough being a McArthur prisoner. I willneverbe a McArthur son.

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