Page 193 of Fractured Future

“Now, now. Play nice.”

Lifting my hand, I place it on top of Hyland’s strong grip. While it makes Blaine draw his black brows together, Warner unveils a delicious smile that promises a repeat of the absolute filth he said in the boxing ring.

“Where is Tom?” Kade questions.

Checking the phone previously tucked into my pocket, there are no new texts or missed calls. He must be stuck in London traffic.

“He said he was coming in.” I repocket my phone.

“Fine. He can catch up when he arrives.” Kade focuses on our shackled guest, the friendliness now drained from his face. “Blaine Madden.”

“Kade,” he clips back.

“Didn’t think we’d see you here again.”

“Should’ve chosen a more secure prison,” Blaine drawls. “The last one was child’s play to escape.”

“We have a wonderful solitary cell in Belmarsh lined up for you with the worst of the worst—serial killers, rapists, terrorists. You’ll be nice and secure with them.”

“Come on, Kade.” Blaine shakes his head. “Don’t be rash.”

“Then prove your usefulness. You know we have the power to cut a deal.”

“I believe you have all the proof you need. I was able to track down your missing person.” He nods towards me. “Free her from bondage. Deliver her to the Anaconda Team. And infiltrate a prolific trafficking gang.”

“Do you think this is a fucking job interview?” Hudson scoffs.

“Your brother is the one asking me to prove my usefulness,” he responds with obvious pride. “If anything, I believe you should be begging for my help.”

“Is that so?” Kade mocks.

“You’re in dire need of my unique advantage. I know my father. If we combine forces, we can track them both down. I have no desire to claim Gael’s head for myself.”

“So that’s all you want?” Warner shifts on his feet, still warily guarding his prisoner.

Glancing over his shoulder, Blaine flashes him a grin. “Perhaps the assurance that you’ll leave me in peace afterwards. Punish the right man for my father’s crimes.”

What he isn’t saying is just as obvious. Blaine doesn’t just want a lifeline—he wants clemency. A clean slate. All in exchange for his help in tracking down our current nemesis.

“That’s a rather large record you’re asking to be erased.” Kade twists in his chair to cross his legs.

“You’ve pardoned far worse, Mr Knight. And been pardoned for equivalent crimes.”

The sight of colour draining from Kade’s face is shell-shocking. In contrast, his brother seems to amp up, pushing his chair back as he slams his coffee cup down.

“There is a difference between crimes committed in the name of survival and crimes committed for power’s sake!” Hudson breaks out in a yell.

“Is there?” Blaine taunts, unaffected. “I’m not aware of such a distinction.”

“You have spent your entire life serving a criminal dynasty.”

“And I’ve paid the price in blood and more,” he argues back. “As I imagine everyone around this table has. We’ve all survived in our own ways.”

His mouth slamming shut, Hudson stalks away from the table to refill his coffee cup. I’m starting to understand why he has an infamous reputation for having a temper.

“Should we discuss the misdeeds of Sabre’s golden family further?” Blaine sighs in boredom. “Or can we skip the posturing and discuss the terms of your offer?”

Hands braced on the table, Kade draws to his feet. “Excuse me.”