“What do we do now?” I ask, unsure what to say or how to let on that I want more of a role in this kill.
River and Sebastian exchange a quick glance before River answers. “We wake him up.”
“How?”
“Just like this,” Sebastian says as he walks over to the bed and slaps Nolen’s face with the back of his gloved hand. “Time to wake up, buddy.”
After slapping him a few more times, Nolen startles dazed and confused. “What the fuck?” Nolen’s eyes flick upward, spotting each one of us standing masked in front of him. “Where am I? Who the fuck are you people?”
Nolen’s eyes squint for a brief moment before realization dawns on him. “Wait, you’re the guys who grabbed me behind the strip club. River Thompson?”
“You know, Nolen, we need to stop meeting like this. I’m sure there’s more to you than the ability to use women as you wish.”
“Is that what this is about?” His expression turns smug. “You were going to get your turn, but now that Rich is missing, you’re upset that Andrew wants to put a hold on things for a while?”
My eyes fly to River as he steps forward.
On hold? What is he talking about?
I expect River to mirror my confusion, but he doesn’t seem surprised.
Instead, his jaw clenches and he says, “You think I took you because I didn’t get my turn?”
“Maybe, or like Rich, you didn’t even want to do this anyway. This life isn’t meant for a timid little accountant like him. And maybe you too?” Nolen baits.
River clicks his tongue. “You’re about to find out exactly what type of man I am.”
“What the hell is this about?” Nolen asks with impatience.
River looks over his shoulder, giving me the okay to go ahead with what I need to say.
“Do you remember me?” I ask, walking to the side of the bed.
“You do look like a woman I fucked. But you all do look the same, don’t you?” He laughs devilishly.
River glances over his shoulder at Sebastian with a devilish chuckle, before swinging his arm back and ramming into Nolen’s cheek. A loud cracking sound fills the room as River effectively breaks Nolen’s jaw. The sounds of his crushing cheekbone echo through the room.
“Ah, fuck!” Nolen screams as his head whips to the side.
“You know what this is about. Let me tell you.” River grabs his face bringing it back toward us. “You and your friends are done hurting women. And you see this beautifully, strong woman standing in front of you?”
Nolen’s expression hardens. “Yes.”
“She’s going to help end your life,” River tells him with a quick glance in my direction.
My heart pounds against my ribcage. This part of the plan was never discussed, but I can’t say I’m upset about it—more anxious or eager?
Sebastian steps forward, placing a hand on River’s. “Quick word, River.”
River shoots a threatening look at Nolen before walking to the other side of the room with Sebastian, but not before taking my hand to join them.
“What are you doing?” Sebastian spits out, keeping his voice low.
“We didn’t discuss this, but Lux deserves a chance to truly avenge herself.” River’s words speak for me, verbalizing how I feel brings a warmth.
“How do we even know—” Sebastian begins as if I’m not standing right next to them.
“I can do it,” I interrupt.
