Page 133 of House of Payne

Lance steps between Michael and me, one arm thrown up on either side of him. “We can still resolve this. We can come to an agreement—”

My hand darts out, and I yank Lance’s arm behind his back hard enough that it makes a loud popping sound. Abruptly, I pull him to me, his men spring into action, and there’s a clamor of confusion and anger as they glance from him to each other, unable to settle on a decision.

Mindless buffoons.

I should’ve known Lance wouldn’t hire people who can think for themselves.

“What are you doing?” he says between clenched teeth.

I press my mouth to his ear. “Teaching you the goddamn lesson I should have before. You should’ve stayed in your corner, Princess.”

Lance’s breathing is ragged and uneven. “You don’t want to do this, Payne. You can still walk away.”

I twist his arm harder, forcing him to cry out. “I’m getting pretty fucking tired of people telling me what I can and can’t do. I’ve been more than patient, and I’ve given plenty of chances.”

A lesser man would’ve put a bullet through their heads. As tempted as I am, I know it won’t solve anything.

Still, I envision the message it’ll send if I send Carlisle with their heads in bags.

The image is so tempting that it takes me a minute to shake it off.

Michael and Lance might be acting like they call the shots, but that they’re just pawns making a name for themselves.

Someone higher up the food chain is using them to send a message.

That’s the only explanation I have, even if I don’t understand the hows or whys just yet.

I hate hypotheticals, but I know there will be time to unravel all of this later.

Lance squirms to look at me. “We can still figure something out.”

I dig my gun into his side and drop my voice. “And why the hell should I make a deal with either of you dimwits? Neither of you play by the rules or honor your word.”

“We can,” Michael maintains. “For the right price, of course.”

“No honor among thieves,” I mutter. I pull Lance backward, and he stumbles. “I’ve indulged you two long enough. It’s my turn now.”

Michael’s expression tightens. “There’s no way you’re getting out of here alive, Payne.”

I chuckle. “Did you think I would show up without backup? I’ve got other measures in place.”

Michael’s nostrils flare, and a flicker of unease springs to his eyes. “You’re lying.”

“Are you a betting man, Everett?”

Michael glances around nervously. “Let him go.”

I twist Lance’s arm harder, and he howls again. “No, I don’t think I will. Don’t be a fucking idiot, Everett.”

Michael takes a step in my direction, and a bullet flies out of nowhere, lodging in his leg. A heartbeat later, he falls to the ground, and one of his men props him up. They form a circle around him, their eyes darting around in confusion and panic.

I had left Carlisle with explicit instructions.

Take down anyone who looks like a problem.

Michael fit the bill.

I had a feeling his mouth would get him into trouble, but this wasn’t quite how I pictured it.