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“Evan tried to negotiate, but it was the one thing The Sheriff refused to discuss. We managed to add several specifications that mean we can use it to our advantage, but unfortunately, the performance has to happen,” Bree says sadly, as she looks at me with pity written across her face.

Before I can respond, Evan slams one of his fists down on the table with such force that all the cups and glasses shake.

“She’s not fucking going to the performance. I don’t give a flying fuck what that asshole threatens to do. We will deal with the consequences.” His voice is low and dangerous, leaving absolutely no room for arguments.

Liam addresses his brother. “I know this is hard, Ev. But if Teigan isn’t there, you know exactly what he will do. He made it very clear.”

“What will he do?” I ask, my gaze flicking between Liam and Evan, waiting for them to explain.

Liam lets out a sigh when he realises he’s going to be the one to tell me. “The Sheriff made it perfectly clear that if you didn’t show up, your friend, Lilly, would perform in your place.Not only will she be expected to perform in whatever way he demands, she will also be punished on your behalf.”

I gasp, my hand flying to my mouth in shock. I turn to Evan, who keeps his gaze locked on his fists. Given the way his eyes are scrunched up, I know Liam’s telling the truth.

“I refuse to let Lilly go in my place,” I snap.

Finally, Evan’s eyes spring up to meet mine, and all I see reflecting back is pure anger. “No fucking way, Teigan. You are not going back there.”

“I won’t let Lilly, or any of the other girls, take a punishment that was meant for me,” I grind out, struggling to contain my own rage at the awful fucking situation we find ourselves in.

“I’ve told you before, I don’t give a shit about anyone else. You’re all I care about, and I refuse to put you in more danger,” he growls.

I throw my hands up into the air in frustration. “You might not care, but I do. You can’t tell me what to do, Evan.”

He laughs, but there’s no humour in it. “I fucking can. I own you, remember?” The dark tone he uses sends a shiver through my spine, and it’s like ice rushes through my veins. I want to stand up and shout at him, not caring that we’re surrounded by his family.

Before I get the chance to reply, Bree holds her arms up and whistles, capturing everyone’s attention. “Okay, okay. Let’s simmer down before someone says something we can’t take back,” Bree says in her best mediator voice.

Liam picks up from where Bree left off. “I know this isn’t the best situation to be in, but we’ve spent the last couple of weeks trying to think of how we can use it to our advantage, and I think we finally have a plan.”

Evan scoffs. “Well, this plan better not involve Teigan or the performance because I’ve made my feelings on that perfectly clear.”

Bree and Liam look at each other, their faces twisting like they’re trying to decide which of them wants to anger Evan more. I’m more than a little shocked when it’s Desmond who speaks up.

“We know your opinion, Evan, and of course, we want to take how you feel into consideration, but at the same time, there’s so much more going on here. I know it’s hard, but you need to see the bigger picture on this one,” Desmond states calmly, sounding far more sensible than I’ve ever heard him before.

He appears to be getting wise in his old age. If the matching confused and shocked expressions around the table are anything to go by, all his children feel as startled as I am.

“What fucking bigger picture?” Evan grumbles.

Bree lets out a huff. “In case you’ve forgotten, Ev, we’re trying to take down a secret society that deals with flesh trade and sexual slavery. This is the first big break we’ve gotten, and we have to take it.”

Evan begins to say something, that I’m sure will be offensive, but I cut him off by placing my hand over his fists, trying to calm him, even just a little.

“Evan, can we at least hear what Bree’s plan is, please?” I look up at him with big pleading eyes, and as soon as he lets out a huff, I know he’s going to back down.

He relaxes his fists and turns his hand over, our palms touching as he laces our fingers together, not caring that his family seem to be watching our every move. My heart stutters as he gives me that cocky smirk that he reserves just for me.

“We can hear her out, but I’m never going to stop putting you first. I would slaughter everyone who stands in my way, burning down everything around us, as long as you survive in the end. You are all that matters to me.”

I squeeze his hand, wishing more than anything I could lean forward and capture his lips with mine. The atmosphere aroundus crackles, and it’s like everything else falls away, leaving just me and Evan in our own bubble.

Sadly, Kian clears his throat loud enough to burst our bubble. “As romantic as that blatant homicidal behaviour is, shall we hear Boss Lady’s plan? Then we can all leave before you start fucking her on the table,” Kian adds with a chuckle.

Everyone around the table groans as Bree tells Kian off for being vulgar. My cheeks flame and I’m sure even my ears will be bright red with how embarrassed I am.

“Fuck you, asshole. You’re just jealous,” Evan grumbles, as he uses his free hand to flip Kian off.

“I mean, you’re a very handsome guy, Evan. But not enough to make me jealous. Besides, Freya keeps me more than satisfied,” he states smugly.