Page 123 of Beautiful Revenge

Never in my life did I dream we’d be standing face to face again.

He wasn’t only my partner. He was my friend. I trusted him with my life.

He’s supposed to be the ghost in this scenario.

But I’ll never forget the look on his face when he sees me.

I feel a sinister smile touch my lips. “Hello, mate.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

DEAD OR DEAD-DEAD?

Devon

“Fuck,” Hugh hisses.

I flip on the lights.

His eyes flare.

Somehow the fluorescents put this life-changing scenario into perspective.

This isn’t a nightmare any longer. It’s fucking reality.

“Hugh. It’s been a while.”

He opens his mouth to say something but closes it. Even the surprise of seeing me doesn’t deter him from what he came to do. He pushes the bathroom door open so hard, it slams against the wall.

“No Roman Malloy. He’s gone.”

Hugh narrows his eyes. “He’s dead?”

I laugh. “You mean, like you’re dead or dead-dead? It seems the definition is nuanced when it comes to you.”

His gaze shifts around the room. And since we were both agents, I’d bet my life savings he’s looking for an escape.

Just like I did when he manufactured that explosion I barely made it out of alive. The same one I thought he died in.

“We’re on the third floor and the windows don’t open. If you want out, you’re going to have to bust through that window or take me down. I dare you to try either.”

His fingers flex like they’re itching to go for a concealed weapon. “How did you figure it out?”

“Do you mean the fact you’re not really dead?” I hike a brow and don’t move from my place blocking the door. “You’re not the only resourceful bloke in the room. Did you really think I’d be forced to hang up my career and simply roll over and accept it?”

He takes a step closer. “You have no fucking idea what I did for you. Yeah, your name was put out there, but the only reason you’re standing here alive is because of yours truly.”

“Is that so?”

“It fucking is. You were so fucking close to exposing Turner. He wanted you dead. I saved your ass by outing you to the world.”

“Fuck you and your lies.” I bite. “All you did was save yourself.”

A muscle in his cheek jumps in anger. “You don’t know shit.”

“That’s where you underestimated me. Someone was feeding Turner state secrets. I knew it was happening, but I didn’t know who or how. It was a gut feeling at the time. But if you think I’d stop investigating just because I don’t have a title after my name, then you never really knew me. Let me give you the condensed version—I know every-fucking-thing.”

He shakes his head to argue, but I don’t give him the chance.