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CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

“Power is dangerous unless you have humility.”

~ Richard J. Daley

Em

This wasn’t the basement I’d been kept in my whole life. Honestly, I didn’t recognize this room at all. That didn’t mean much, since there were so many places Ramsey could have put me. The difference this time from all the others was, I wasn’t alone. Yeah, Ramsey, some of his idiot bodyguards. Shyla popped in and brought food for them, but I wasn’t the only one being held.

Next to me on another mattress, leg chained to the wall, was a man. I’d never seen him before. His clothes, while a little messy, were high quality. His braids were immaculate and tied into a ponytail. The watch he wore was expensive or a really good knockoff. I wanted to ask him who he was, but we were never alone.

But…maybe I could talk to him. I mean, Saros told Ramsey whatever he did to me, he’d do double to RJ. Maybe I could find out how much power I had.

“Hey,” I whispered. But the guy had his head in his hands. Was he sleeping? “Hi, I’m Em, what’s your name?”

Ramsey was on the other side of the room, talking to his guys and paying us no mind.

The man lifted his head and turned; there was something vaguely familiar about him. He had a bruise on his dark skin and a cut lip, but other than that no other injuries I could see.

“I’m Andre.”

I wracked my brain but couldn’t place that name. “Do you know why you’re here?”

Andre’s eyes shifted over to Ramsey and then back to me. “My guess would be because he wants something from my father.”

“Oh? Who’s your dad?”

“The governor.”

Ahhh, okay. Yeah, that made sense. I was sure Ramsey was working some angle there. I wondered if Saros knew the governor’s son was here as well.

“I see.”

“Is that why you’re here?” he asked.

For a beat, I didn’t understand what he was asking. “Oh, you think I’m here because Ramsey wants something from my father?” He nodded. “Not likely.” Had the guy not heard the conversation where Saros had told Ramsey he knew I was his son? That was possible—he had appeared to be passed out up until twenty minutes ago.

“You’re so sure?”

“I’d bet my life on it.”

Andre’s lip curled up. “Don’t go bettin’ on that just yet. But, out of curiosity, why are you so sure?”

I jerked my chin toward Ramsey. “Because that dickwad is my father.”

Andre’s jaw dropped and yeah, I’d give him a moment to let that sink in. I watched Ramsey, who met my gaze before narrowing it and looking away.

“Ramsey is your father, and he’s doing this to you?”

“ Mmhmm . In all fairness, I only found out he was my dad not that long ago. I mean, he didn’t treat me like a precious son all these years. But I think why I’m here has everything to do with who I love.”

“Who’s that?”

I turned my head and faced Andre. “Saros Tancredi.” Andre’s eyes widened, and I chuckled softly. “I seem to be surprising you a lot.”

“I know Saros. He’s, well, he’s not a good guy, but I guess…” Andre was struggling, so I helped him out.

“But he’s the bad guy you want on your side.”

He nodded. “Yeah.”

“He called while you were passed out, so he’s aware. Hopefully that’ll work in our favor.”

“Are you two becoming besties?” Ramsey sauntered over, hands in his pockets and a sneer on his face.

Andre stayed quiet. I, on the other hand, either had a death wish or was tired of just taking shit from this man.

“I’d have thought you were smarter than this, Ramsey.”

His eyes blazed with anger at my defiance to speak or talk back.

“You’d be wise to shut that hole of yours.”

“Or what? You’ll punch me, kick me, break me? I’m willing to take that, knowing RJ will get double whatever you give me.”

Ramsey clenched his jaw and if I could see his hands, I had no doubt they’d be in fists.

“I always knew you were worthless. I tried with you through the years, but you were a lost cause. Too stupid to live, but I kept you all the same.”

“Gee, thanks, Dad.”

He leaned down and gripped my chin painfully tight. “You think I’ve lost, but I haven’t. This has been years in the making. You think me so dumb—how did I get you away from Saros?”

I couldn’t answer him with his hold on my face, but he wasn’t done talking anyway.

“You kept your cell phone. I tracked you, knew where you were. Waited. Then you went outside, right onto the edge of the forest. It was like the stars aligned. Knocking Saros’s guys out was also too easy. He needs better men.”

Fucking hell. I was an idiot—I’d never thought about my cell phone.

“By the time this day is over, you’ll finally be a burden I can get rid of, and the governor will be in my pocket. I will run not only Eastbury, but all the surrounding areas. And I will enjoy watching Saros lose everything.”

He released my chin and stepped away.

“Saros gave you an hour, Ramsey. Why do you think that is?”

He glared at me. “He has no idea what I have in the works.”

“Or he’s ten steps ahead of you…as usual.”

He raised his fist, ready to hit.

“You sure you want to do that to RJ?”

He grunted and stormed away. He slammed the door, and I got some serious satisfaction from his temper tantrum.

“Damn,” Andre whispered. “He hates you.”

“I’m not sure Ramsey likes anyone, not even himself.”

“RJ, his son, there’s something there.”

I nodded. “Ramsey has tried to shape RJ into someone, but RJ is too reckless, makes mistakes. He’s a project Ramsey invested in and he can’t get rid of. He cares about RJ as much as a man like that can.”

“I really hope Saros comes through. If he doesn’t, I’m not sure I’m the life in danger here.”

I stared at the clock that hung on the wall. In half an hour it would be an hour. I didn’t know what that meant, but Saros hadn’t thrown that time out for no reason.

“He will. Saros will come.”

“Wish I knew what he wanted with my dad.”

I looked over at Andre. “Not sure I know, either. I mean a pardon from all of this maybe, but that honestly doesn’t make a lot of sense. Having a governor in your back pocket is good, but what is Ramsey going to do? Hold you here forever?”

“I am not staying here forever.”

I wasn’t sure what Ramsey’s plan was with Andre, but I’d make sure that if Saros came for me he saved Andre as well.

“It’s going to work out.”

Andre chuckled darkly. “You so sure of that?”

I closed my eyes and rested my head against the cement wall. “Yeah, Saros will come for us both.”

I had to believe that…No, I did believe it.