Page 49 of House of Payne
I have spent years building a reputation as someone who is ruthless and cunning, and I don’t give second chances.
Especially where betrayal is concerned.
London doesn’t know it yet, but before her contract is up, I have every intention of possessing her in every way that counts.
A thrill races through me at the notion, and my grip on the glass relaxes. After a few more sips, I can almost ignore the knot in my stomach. Once I finish the drink, the phone in my pocket buzzes. Sighing, I fish it out and set down my drink.
“What?”
“Is that any way to answer the phone?”
I switch the phone to my other ear and raise an eyebrow. “Do you want me to roll out the red carpet? If you want a warmer welcome, I can arrange for that at the club.”
Liam Fitzpatrick makes a low noise in the back of his throat. “As tempting as that offer is, this phone call isn’t about pleasure. It’s about business.”
The silence stretches between us.
I begin to drum my fingers. “Yes?”
“Is there any news about the location we discussed?”
An image of the diner, run-down and decrepit, flashes through my mind, and I smile. “I’m making progress.”
“That’s not what I was hoping to hear.”
I roll my eyes. “These things don’t follow a fucking schedule. It’ll getdone when it gets done.”
Liam makes another low noise. “I just want to remind you of what’s at stake. The Everetts are waiting for this to be resolved, too. A lot is riding on this, Mason.”
As if I need reminding.
Liam Fitzpatrick is an ass-kissing prick, and he loves reminding me of how small I am in the grand scheme of things. While we’d all love for him to be dealing with my father where acquisitions are concerned, I’m not going to let him get under my skin.
I know he’s waiting for me to fail.
We’ve been in bed with the Fitzpatricks and Everetts for years, but partnerships can dissolve in an instant.
All it takes is one wrong move or misunderstanding, and the city will become collateral damage in our war.
I have no intention of it happening on my watch, but sometimes, I fantasize about putting Liam’s head through a wall.
Repeatedly.
Then I picture him on the other end of my Glock.
It’s almost enough to make me forget the predicament at hand.
With London working off her father’s debt, I can’t go near the diner without breaking our contract.
There are very few boundaries I won’t cross, but I don’t break my word.
Not for Liam fucking Fitzpatrick or anyone else.
“…a few other spots we can suggest.” Disdain drips from Liam’s every word. “I had them lined up in case your spot didn’t pan out.”
Fucking asshole.
I’m not sure when or how I got on his bad side, but Liam is always in the shadows.
