Page 66 of Toxic B!tch

She listens intently, her fingers tapping against the desk. “What would my role be?”

“You’d oversee more than just our little town. It’s a country-wide operation. Expenses on us. But the Western region would be your zone.”

“What states?”

“Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada. Unless one of our contractors refuses a job, you’ll never go farther than that.”

Indigo’s expression is unreadable. “How much?”

“A million flat, per contract. Each target is their own contract.”

I suck in a breath. That’s a fuck-ton of money.

“How many a month?”

“Depends.”

“And if I quit?”

“We’ll give you a severance and go our separate ways. This isn’t some B-movie drama, Indigo. We’re upscale. You won’t find another assassin at your door. Unless you spill our secrets.”

Indigo smirks. “I would never.”

Brandon nods, then turns to me. “And you, Malik?”

“Me what?”

“Why are you here?”

I exhale slowly. “Indigo is my girl. I wanted to make sure she’s safe.”

Brandon studies me. “And your thoughts on all this?”

I shake my head. “I’m not real sure.”

“Same rules—you talk, you die.”

“Understood.”

Brandon’s lips curve. “Good.”

“You touch him, you die,” Indigo snaps.

Brandon smirks, clearly entertained rather than threatened. “Then I guess it’s good we’re all excellent at keeping secrets. Yes?” His gaze flicks between the two of us, a knowing glint in his eye.

Indigo glares at him, jaw tight, but gives a curt nod.

Brandon turns his attention to me. “Indigo, he can go with you. Expenses paid. How you split the payment is between you.”

“I don’t want the money,” I say, my voice even, steady. “Only to make sure she’s safe.”

Brandon studies me for a long moment, then nods like he approves of the answer. “Fine. Now, let’s iron out the rest.”

What follows is a painstaking breakdown of logistics, contingencies, and rules that make my head spin. Indigo listens intently, asking the right questions, her mind working through every angle of this deal with a level of focus that unsettles me.

She’s not just considering it. She’s in.

Brandon explains that her assignments will come to a phone he will provide her. The first contract will be delivered to her within the next few days, details encrypted on the phone solely for communication with him. No outside calls, no traceable activity. The Chamber operates in the shadows, and they expect the same of her.