Page 146 of House of Payne
Once news spreads of London’s capture, it’ll be a feeding frenzy even I won’t be able to stop.
Jesus.
How the hell did I let this happen?
“You’re going to get us a location to be able to run our business as well,” the voice continues. I can almost hear the triumph in it, and it makes my blood boil. “We know you’ve got your eye on a few.”
“I need proof of life.”
I’m going to even consider playing by their rules, I need to know I’m not being played.
“That’s fair.” There’s a scuffle and something being dragged. Then, I hear a muffled voice and the unmistakable sound of London’s whimper.
How did she let them get to her?
Is she working with them to get away from me?
London isn’t stupid enough to strike a deal with your enemies, no matter how badly she wants out of her contract.
“Check your phone.”
When it pings, I pull it away from my ear and wait for the image to load. London’s droopy eyes and scowl stare up at me from the screen. I swallow and place the phone back against my ear.
“We can arrange for another picture.”
I gesture to my head of security and clear my throat. “That won’t be necessary. You have no idea who the fuck you’re dealing with.”
I have a sneaking suspicion that Michael or Lance is behind this. Maybe both of them.
I should’ve taken care of those bastards when I had the chance.
“If you try anything funny, we’ll take it out on her. I’ll give you some time to think about it. We’ll be in touch.”
Then, the line goes dead.
I throw the phone across the room hard enough to break it.
Then I meet Katia’s stunned gaze, and I don’t know who’s more surprised by my outburst, me or her.
“You better have some intel on them, or I’m not going to know who the fuck to blame for all of this.”
Katia offers me a tight nod and leaves the room.
As soon as she does, I press two fingers to my temples and rub in slow, circular motions as I realize two things at once.
The first is that they have me right where they want me.
And the second is that I went ahead and broke one of my cardinal rules.
I wasn’t just infatuated with London.
I fucking cared, and I had no idea what to do about any of it.
***
London
My head lolls forward, startling me awake.
