dal

s white. "Your payment? I though

was dragged out of his chest. "Nothing in this

own my spine. "W

you a clean break. In return, I need a favor fro

n industrial area, a part of

s tight, suspicion leakin

word slow and deliberate, like he was

ort-circuit

negotiating a business deal - but his eyes burned with som

couldn't keep up, but my ches

u will keep them off my back for a year." He paused, his gaze drifting down fr

lately. The president of the Serpents marrying the ex-fiancée of a

a hand of cards, every one alread

sign he was joking. There

s of Redemption - you'll have my protection

tract. "You'll have access to my money. You'll live with me.

ttlement large enough to ensure you're comfortable for the rest of

nto the life of a 1%er club president's wife, even in name onl

My voice came out t

rs. We'll be even." He paused, and his gaze dropped, heavy on my shoulders through the screen. "But think carefully - wit

t. He was right. I had nothing. No

ssive warehouse, the Serpents of Redemption lo

e came low through the tablet, pressing agai

my eyes meeting his on

ross his face, unhurried, like he

k me. "Wait," I said, my throat dry. "The text messag

, searching for an

in his eyes - the look of a hunter watching his prey st

physical blow. It was all a t

appeared at my most vulnerable moment, and th

errifying face and felt, fo