Page 72 of Scarlet Mark

Franklin’s scowl shifted into a smile that chilled my insides. “We accept those terms.”

Of course they would. Amara hadn’t gone into much detail, but from what I gathered, Malcom favored group play. And he considered these two bastards his best friends.

I refused to think about what they did to her. Not yet. Not until I had them alone.

“When?” I asked, needing to move this along before I accidentally stabbed one of them.

“Preferably sooner rather than later, as we’re paying for the entire night.” Hampton sounded so nonchalant, as if he hadn’t just purchased a woman for the evening. Did he think she was willing? Did he care?

“Won’t you be missed?” I wondered out loud, glancing around. “This is your event, isn’t it?”

“My wife plans it all,” he replied, shrugging. “She’ll handle it in my absence.”

I nodded because I had no words for that. Nothing kind, anyway. How often did he leave hiswifeto host while he fucked another woman? Perhaps she didn’t care, preferring the night away from him.

What a sick and twisted life he led.

Franklin, too.

Ending them would be a favor to humanity.

I cleared my throat. “We can proceed with the transaction. I require the funds first.”

Franklin pulled out his phone. “Tell me your details.”

I gave him an account Raven had set up for this purpose. “Where do want your evening entertainment?” I asked after checking my phone to see that the amount was fully transferred. I forwarded the confirmation to Raven. She could play with the funds as she saw fit. A reward for her help, one I knew she’d balk at, but she deserved the payment regardless.

“There’s a room designed for this in the other wing.” He gave me directions on the desired location for our meeting.

“We’ll be there in fifteen minutes.” I started to walk away, when Franklin caught my arm.

“Just to be clear, we prefer to do the unwrapping,” he advised, his voice low.

Not going to happen.“Of course.” I forced a smile and gave them a nod, unable to say a proper goodbye. My attention was on Amara and preparing her for the final task of the evening.

Poison was no longer good enough.

I’d wanted to send a message.

Well, we’d be sending one all right.

I joined Amara at the bar, taking her elbow and cutting off her conversation with the man beside her. “Are you done playing, kitten?” I asked against her ear.

She smiled. “Forgive me, Congressman. My date has finally returned.”

“In my day, a man never left his date unattended for long. You never knew what kind of scoundrel might creep in, you see,” the older male beside her said, his tone kinder than I would have expected. “It was lovely to meet you, Ms. Dagger.”

“The pleasure was all mine.” She gave him an alluring smile, her eyes sparkling through her mask.

“You take good care of this one, son. She’s special.” He patted me on the shoulder as if we were old friends, leaving me a little befuddled by his camaraderie.

But as I agreed with his sentiment, I replied, “Of course, sir.”

“Good.” He nodded, satisfied, and wandered off.

“Interesting company you keep,” I said, watching the bald man amble away.

“He’s probably one of the few decent men in the room.” She slid off her stool, grabbing her purse. “I’ve always liked him.”