Page 57 of Reckoning

Otto destroyed my life so entirely there is no comeback from that.

No, there is nothing for me now, nothing but revenge. And seeing that it’s so neatly presented itself, I’m not going to hold back, I’m not going to turn and run and be a coward.

I’m going to seize it, I’m going to claim it.

I’m going to have my vengeance no matter what the cost.

Koen

Eric Turner-Black.

Oh I know what he’s done. Witnessed every second of it on the footage we got off of Danny’s phone.

But to look at him, to see him out and about you’d think he was the perfect gentleman. He holds the door, he smiles, he’s polite. His parents clearly taught him manners. And he knows exactly where to demonstrate them and when they’re not necessary.

He crosses the street, after politely seeing his date to her taxi. Of course it helps that she’s worth a few bob so he’s playing nice there.

And then he slinks down a dark road, disappearing into the shadows like he’s on the hunt for something now that his appetite is up.

Reid walks slowly behind him. Marking his steps. Ensuring he doesn’t slip through our grasp.

He’s been clever in a different way to Christian. He doesn’t have the funds for security, so he had to make do with being in public as often as possible. When the Blumenfeld’s fell, so did the Turner-Blacks. They’re entire fortune was wiped off the board. Sure, they still have their fancy houses, and their fine clothes but their up to their necks in debt.

It’s another reason why he’s being so respectful of his date. He needs someone to bail him out, and let’s face it, marriage has worked for enough of his type in the past.

He ducks back onto a main street. One crammed with people. For a moment I think we lose him and then he pops out at the other end, where it’s quieter.

I can’t help the smile. It’s like the universe knows our plan, like fate is on our side. There’s a marker on Eric, an invisible timer that’s about to blow. And it makes me feel like the very hand of God as I prowl closer.

“Boss…”

Colt’s voice makes me turn. He’s not one for theatrics. One for drama. It takes a lot to make him nervous but that’s how he sounds right now. Nervous. Unsure.

“What…?” My own voice dies as I see what he’s spotted.

The lone figure walking behind our prey.

It could be a mistake. It could be a coincidence. But I know that shape, I know that walk, I know everything about the woman ahead of us right down to the noise she makes when she comes on my tongue.

“What the fuck is she doing here?” I growl.

She’s meant to be at home, with my guards around her, watching her, ensuring she’s safe.

Only, she isn’t is she? She’s right here, stalking the streets like she’s some sort of avenging angel. Is this where she was the other night? Is this where she goes?

I’ll beat her arse when I get hold of her, I’ll make her understand that such behaviour will not be allowed.

“What do you want to do?” Colt asks.

Our target is right there. Right within our grasp – but then, so is Sofia. We can’t get to him without putting her in danger.

“We’ll stay close.” I reply, like we have any choice. Like we have any option.

Besides, if Sofia is stalking this man too then chances are we’ll need to step in and clear up the mess. In my head, my thoughts are already spinning on how I can work this, how I can make this fall in my favour. If Sofia is bold enough to behave like this then she’s ready for me. I narrow my eyes, staring at her back, I’m going to take her. Tonight. However this ends, whatever the conclusion is, Sofia Montague will no longer breathe free air.

My lips curl at that thought. At the beautiful cage I’ll construct around her. It’ll be so subtle she won’t even realise it. No, she’ll want it. She’ll beg for it. I’ll manipulate her just enough to realise that I am her future. I am everything she needs. I am the very oxygen in her lungs, the blood her heart is pumping through her veins.

It’s her destiny to belong to me, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to make her realise that.