Page 143 of Desecrated Saints
“Hudson,” Leroy greets with a smile. “It’s been a long time.”
“Not long enough,” he grits out.
“Keeping my son on his toes, are you? Only now, he isn’t paid to make excuses for you.”
“Enough,” Kade thunders, stepping forward. “This is between me and you.”
Leroy laughs in his face, so loud it’s actually unnerving. His date frowns at us all before snagging a fresh drink and making a hasty exit. She’s probably off to snort some cocaine in the bathroom before she gets paid for pretending to like this sack of shit.
“Think you’re a big man now, do you?”
Kade refuses to cower. “I’m more than the person you taught me to be.”
The depraved man I know begins to peek through Leroy’s glossy, paparazzi-perfect exterior. He wraps himself in finery and lies, but there’s a slavering monster rotting him from the inside out.
“You had one job,” he sneers at his son. “Make sure the street rat didn’t jeopardise my reputation further. That’s it. Eighteen more months and you would’ve been free to do as you please.”
Hudson moves to stand by his brother. “Sorry we derailed your plans. How inconsiderate of us. If you want, I can kiss your ass and pretend I don’t want to slit your throat? I did it enough back then.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ve come to realise my efforts have been misguided. Thankfully, I have another child. Once I track your traitorous mother down, I will ensure your sister doesn’t repeat your mistakes.”
Kade’s teeth are bared in a threatening snarl. He looks ready to snap his own father’s neck, with or without our help. I doubt he’d hesitate over taking this asshole’s life, morals or not.
“Cece won’t have to experience your poison,” Kade elucidates. “They’re never coming back here. You’re going to die exactly as you should—humiliated and alone. Then my job here is done.”
The crowd parts as a handful of grey-faced, heavily armed guards make their entrance. Leroy taps his concealed earpiece with glee. I’m sure he’s being well-compensated for his role in this pantomime. We’re surrounded, but not one of us cowers in the face of aggression.
The nearest guard points a gun straight at Kade’s face. No tasers or batons, they all pull deadly weapons and train them on every single one of my guys. I’m the only one left without a target on me, so I step forward.
“Why don’t you come and give me a proper hello, Patient Eight.” Leroy eyes me with interest. “You’re looking a little cleaner than the last time I saw you.”
“I don’t make it a habit to execute wayward employees these days.”
“Ah, she speaks! Augustus should’ve removed your acid tongue when he had the chance. Come along, I tire of your childish games.”
Glancing between Kade and Hudson, they both give subtle head shakes. The closest armed guard notices and strides forward, smashing the barrel of his gun into Hudson’s temple. I stare at his finger on the trigger, my feet carrying me further forward.
“There we go,” Leroy croons. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
Mentally checking out, I make myself walk straight into his open arms. I can smell the liquor and cigars on his breath as his lips graze my cheek.
“Care to dance, my dear? It is a party, after all.”
I lower my voice to a low, sensual croon. “I’d rather cut your dick off with a rusty knife and make you swallow it.”
“Such fire, Patient Eight. I am glad your spark hasn’t dulled.”
His hand clamps around my wrist. He doesn’t give me a chance to even say goodbye. I’m dragged through the circular tables and away from the others. Fighting back will only ensure their deaths. I allow my mind to completely empty like it used to, sliding back into the safety of numbness.
When we reach the polished parquet of the dance floor, Leroy pulls me into position. We spin around beneath the light of a chandelier built into the marquee. Champagne and whiskey sour in my stomach at the scent of his aftershave washing over me, laced with imaginary blood.
When I glance at the guys, I find them unmoved.
That’s when I realise Seven isn’t with them.
“Am I boring you already?” Leroy grips my chin.
“I’ve had better dancing partners.”
