Page 55 of The Beast's Broken Angel
“His mistake was underestimating what I've learned about you,” I said. “Every instinct told me you were innocent. I just needed proof that would convince everyone else.”
“What about Viktor? He knew about the signet ring evidence but didn't report it directly.”
“Viktor's cautious. Probably gathering additional evidence before making accusations against someone so close to family leadership.” Or Viktor was involved too, but I couldn't voice that suspicion yet.
“So what's the plan?” Noah asked, steel entering his voice. “How do we expose Harrison without tipping himoff?”
“Carefully,” I decided. “When I report back to Harrison, he needs to think his manipulation succeeded. For now, he can't know we're onto him until we have overwhelming evidence.”
Noah nodded grimly. “How long do we maintain the charade?”
“Until I have enough proof to destroy him completely,” I said. “Harrison's been patient, building this betrayal over decades. We can be patient for the few days it takes to expose everything.”
The lie tasted bitter because patience was a luxury I couldn't afford when Harrison had already killed five of my people. But rushing into confrontation without overwhelming evidence would give him opportunity to escape or eliminate witnesses.
“Can you handle being my 'prisoner' a bit longer?” I asked. “I need Harrison to think you're broken, ready to confess everything.”
“I can handle whatever's necessary,” Noah replied, dangerous edge entering his voice. “Just promise me something.”
“What?”
“When we take him down, I want to be there. I want Harrison to know his clever manipulation failed because he underestimated a trauma nurse from Brixton.”
The bloodthirsty sentiment should have surprised me coming from someone dedicated to healing. Instead, it sent anticipation through my chest, confirmation that Noah understood the stakes and was prepared to embrace whatever darkness was necessary.
“You'll have front row seats,” I promised. “Right after we figure out who else is involved and how deep this betrayalgoes.”
Noah's smile was sharp enough to cut glass. “Then let's get started.”
I moved toward the door, then paused. “Noah? You handled that well. Better than most would have.”
“Most people don't get accused of treason by someone they...” he trailed off, then shook his head. “Just promise me something.”
“What?”
“Next time you need to test my loyalty, maybe start with a conversation instead of restraints and surgical implements.”
“There won't be a next time,” I said firmly. “You've proven yourself beyond any doubt.”
Noah's expression softened slightly. “Good. Because I'd rather not make a habit of being your prisoner.”
“You were never really my prisoner,” I admitted. “But Harrison needed to believe you were.”
He shot me a look, skepticism edged with something like relief. We walked the quiet corridor together; Viktor was waiting just ahead, broad and immovable as a statue. He gave me a small nod, eyes flicking to Noah—measuring, always.
I stopped beside Viktor and glanced at Noah. “Go back to your room. I need a moment with Viktor.”
Noah hesitated, still raw from what I’d put him through, jaw tight with the effort of keeping his anger contained. “This about me?” he muttered.
I smiled, cold and precise. “Everything is, in the end. Go.”
Noah left, footsteps echoing until the door clicked behind him. I waited for the silence to settle.
Viktor broke it first. “He is stubborn. Not easy to break. This is good.”
I gave a short, humorless laugh. “You think I want him broken?”
Viktor shrugged, the gesture all Russian fatalism. “Broken men follow orders. But broken men die faster. He—” Viktor jerked his chin in the direction Noah had gone— “has fight. Maybe too much. He hates you now. Maybe later, he will understand.”
