Page 23 of Always A Villain

“So how the hell does a guy like that end up in the middle of this shitstorm?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. But it’s the first real lead we’ve had, even if it’s a shit one.” His voice drops lower, the weight of the last week hanging heavy between us.

“General Hawthorne!” A shout interrupts us, sharp and impatient. One of Conrad's subordinates is waving me over. “Commander Valentine’s requesting a word.”

Of fucking course.

Conrad’s been insufferable since the attack, barking orders like he’s king of the universe, even though he barely lifts a finger. He’s the least present, but the loudest, alwaysdemanding updates like we owe him something. It’s getting old.

Arsen smirks at me. “You want backup?”

The corner of my mouth twitches. “Nah,” I mutter. “I’ll deal with the prick myself.”

Tension coils through me as I stride down the hallway. I don’t bother knocking—just shove his door open and step inside, jaw tight.

“Axe, glad you could join us.” Conrad waves a hand toward Isaac, who’s seated across from him. “Have a seat.”

I drop into the chair, ignoring the unease creeping in. Why the hell is Isaac here?

Conrad’s usual smugness is gone, replaced by something that almost looks serious. That alone sets me on edge.

“I have a favor to ask,” he says, then glances at Isaac. “I know I’m not exactly in a position to ask for anything right now.”

My patience is already razor thin. “Spit it out, Conrad.”

He leans forward, voice low. “There’s a bounty on your head. Twenty-five million. It’s circulating underground, and...it’s not just about you anymore.”

I don’t even blink at the number. “Not news. There’s always been a price on me. What’s the point of this little meeting?”

“It’s Rory,” Conrad says, producing marriage dissolution papers from his desk.

“No fucking way,” I growl, before he can breathe another word.

“Axe, listen to me?—”

“No,youlisten,” I say with cold finality. “I’m not divorcing her.”

“They’ll leave heralone if you do,” he presses, desperation seeping into every word. “If she isn’t tied to you, they won’t need her.”

The thought of losing her claws at my spine. My hands curl into fists, itching to smash his face in.

“Axe...what happened last week?—”

“That had nothing to do with the Dolore,” I snap, anger grinding through my teeth.

“No, but it was a reminder. We’re not invincible. The Sovereign has enemies—our power isn’t limitless.”

“I’m not divorcing her.” The idea of it makes me sick. “It’s not happening.”

“You have to consider what’s best for her.”

I stand so fast, the chair scrapes the floor. “She is my wife. This conversation is over.”

He doesn’t back off. Never fucking does. He stands too, squaring up as though he can match me. “Think of it from her perspective. She was forced into this. Haven’t you subjected her to enough of your violence? Enough of your hatred for me? You’ve made your point. Let her go.”

I want to smash that self-righteous tone right out of his fucking mouth.

Isaac steps in. “Axe, he’s right. It would be in her best interest.”