Page 157 of House of Payne

Goddamn it.

He’s right.

As much as I want to drag him out of here and back to the Payne estate, I know I can’t. Not with London’s life hanging in the balance.

You shouldn’t have let yourself get attached. This is what you get for letting your guard down.

Abruptly, I release Michael and take a step back. “You’re not worth it.”

Michael’s lips twist into a sneer. “You tell yourself that, Payne.”

I draw my hand back and punch him squarely in the jaw. “Don’t push me.”

Michael uses the back of his hand to wipe a smear of blood away. “We’re just getting started, Payne. Now, I’d suggest you get the fuck out of my office before I have you thrown out on your ass.”

My mind races to come up with a solution, but Michael knows he’s won this round.

I’ve been outmaneuvered.

Reluctantly, I click the safety back on and put away the gun. Then, Itake a few steps back, my eyes never leaving his face. “This isn’t over, Everett. I’d watch my back if I were you.”

Michael eyes me over the rim of his glass. “Do your worst, Payne.”

My eyes stay on him as I walk backward out of the office, with Carlisle and Katia flanking me. Michael’s team eyes us, but none of them moves a muscle. Once we’re in the elevator, Carlisle barks something into the phone and tenses. A few moments later, the doors ping open. The reception area is empty.

The black sedan is waiting for us by the curb as we walk out.

I get in first followed by Katia closely on my heels.

Carlisle scans the sidewalk for a minute longer before getting into the passenger seat.

Suddenly, we’re pulling away from the curb.

Wordlessly, Katia hands me a drink, and I grip the glass hard enough to shatter it, sending shards in every direction.

Blood drips down my hand as I stare out the window and reign in my emotions.

For the first time in a long time, I have no idea what my next move is.

***

London

“What’s the worst they can do?” I stop pacing and stare at my reflection in the mirror above the dresser. “You know they’re not going to let you walk out of here.”

Over the past few days, they’ve done everything to get me to break, from threatening bodily harm to taunting me and everything between. They’ve even suggested dragging my father back in, but none of it has worked.

I have nothing valuable to offer them, and I can sense their growing frustration.

If their reactions are anything to go by, Mason isn’t budging, and it’s only a matter of time before they abandon their plan and get rid of me.

I’m a loose end nobody wants, but I’ll be damned if I leave this place in a body bag.

With a frown, I shake my hair out and pat it. Once my fingers close around the pin, I hold it between my thumb and index finger and ignore the tremor racing through me. On the tips of my toes, I make a beeline for the door and kneel.

Finally, my heart leaps as I hear a familiar click. Slowly, I rise to my feet and close my fingers around the knob. When I twist it, I hold my breath, expecting the guards to pour in. The door creaks open, and I poke my head out and ignore the thundering in my chest.

The carpeted hallway outside is quiet and empty, save for a small patch of silver moonlight illuminating the hardwood floors.