Page 100 of Blood in the Water

Saving Cas, or pursuing revenge with the Shadows at my side?

“You’re an arrogant prick.”

This time, he actually laughed. A full-bodied, belly-to-throat sound thatwouldhave been amazing had it not been directed at me.

“Doesn’t change anything. So? What’s your choice? I won’t let you walk out of this gym without picking one. Save your bodyguard and walk away, or let him go, and maybe I’ll even pay for your contract myself.”

If he was going to play dirty, then so could I.

I was so much smarter than arrogant assholes gave me credit for—and it was time they paid for it.

“So just to be clear…” I took a hesitant step away from the wall. He watched with that same amused curiosity he had as he ground against me on the dance floor, as if he had somehow caught me in a trap. “If I tell you I want your help with Cas, you will help. But then I’ll have to leave the Shadows behind?”

He nodded.

“But if I tell you I want you to pay for my contract for revenge against Max, then the Shadows will take me on as a client, but you won’t help with Cas?”

He nodded again, a little corner of his mouth perking up.

“And we both agree to be bound by this offer?”

He rolled his eyes. “You think I’d go back on my word?”

“Humor me.”

“Fine. Yes.”

I smiled brilliantly. “Then, pay for my contract. You’ll help me get my revenge.”

The arrogant smirk dropped from his face. “What?”

“I said, I want you to pay for my contract with the Shadows. Take me on as a client.”

His face contorted in a mix of anger and surprise. “You’re gonna let your bodyguard die? I have to be honest, I did not expect that. You’re a bit more of a bitch than I thought.”

“Oh, God, no,” I laughed as I leaned against the punching bag and crossed my arms. “Of course, I’m not going to let him die. But your offer had nothing to do with Wynn and Ciel’s help.”

“Yes, it did. I was very clear. Pick the contract, and we don’t help your bodyguard.”

“No,” I shook my head. “You were very unclear, actually.”

I watched as he thought back over every detail of his bullshit offer and the way I phrased it. His eyes went wide as he realized. “That’s not what I was saying.”

“But thatiswhat we agreed to. You’re mine for my revenge. Wynn, Ciel, and I will be rescuing Caspian.” I turned on my heel and walked back toward the elevator. “Oh, and first step in my grand plan for revenge?”

He glared.

“That’s right! Step one: rescue my right-hand man.”

“What the fuck!” He shouted after me, but I was already stepping inside the elevator. “That doesn’t count!”

“It sure as hell does!”

“You have to find him first!” he spat.

“Did I not tell you? We did!” I smirked while the elevator dinged. “Wanna know the best part? Max was there, too. So it looks like we get a double whammy. Revengeandrescue.”

“I didn’t agree to this!”