Page 111 of House of Payne

I raise an eyebrow. “It’s a meeting. We’re not storming in there to do something stupid.”

The last thing I need is to make it look like I’m planning something reckless.

Katia tilts her head and looks at me. “Okay.”

She doesn’t say it, but we both know there’s a lot at stake.

There’s been too much tension and uncertainty since my meeting with Michael Everett.

It’s only been a few days, but I sense a change in tides, and if I’m not careful, we’re going to be caught in the middle of a storm.

Smooth whatever feathers have been ruffled and get this shit taken care of. Do what needs to be done, Payne.

Stopping by to check in on London’s childhood home wasn’t part of the plan, and I still have no idea why I felt it was necessary.

All I know is that putting her in her place was a ridiculous attempt to remind both of us who was in power.

As if that was ever in question.

Watching the color drain from her little prick of an ex’s face was just an added bonus.

What do you expect? They were together for years, and he’s close to her father, so, of course, he’s going to hang around hoping to get her back.

For the umpteenth time,I wonder how much of a problem he’s going to be.

Will I need to send Carlisle to send him a message?

Don’t be ridiculous. Sending Carlisle is going to make it seem like a bigger problem than it is. You do not want to send London, or your enemies for that matter, the wrong message. It is not your job to save her, remember?

All Noah needs is to find someone else to latch onto, and the problem will take care of it itself.

I just need to be patient.

For now, only one thing needs my attention.

The lepers who are hoping to replace us with the Everetts and the Fitzpatricks.

The clear, blue water emerges ahead, sparkling underneath the afternoon sun, and my eyes sweep over the boats docked on either side.My pace is steady and even as I see Michel Everett and Lance Fitzpatrick standing near the water with their hands in their pockets. Then, I see another man with a buzzcut and a cheap suit. He is smiling and nodding, and our allies study him intently.

Fucking hell.

After decades in business together, is this what we’ve come to?

My footsteps are light and soundless as I advance on them from the back.

The man with the buzzcut notices me first, and panic registers in his eyes. “Can we help you?”

I pat the gun in my pocket, and I see his eyes linger before they move back up to my face. “I’m sure you can. I’m here to talk to them, and I suggest you take a walk.”

Michael and Lance freeze.

Maybe they haven’t forgotten their place after all.

His eyes widen. “You can’t just interrupt and act like—”

I take the gun out and roll my shoulders. “Act like what? Like we’re not in business together? I already suggested you take a walk once. Don’t make me ask you again.”

He takes an unsteady step back and throws up a hand.