Page 168 of Uprising

Her eyes widen. Her breath increases. “You’re sure?”

“Absolutely certain.”

She draws herself up like she’s ready for a fight right this instant. “When can we go?”

“You still want to?” I say. I won’t stop her if she does but I wondered if, after what she found out, that she and Darius and uncle and niece, that she wouldn’t want to see him again, that she wouldn’t want to face him.

“I want this over.” She says. “And the only way I know it will be is when Darius is dead.”

“Hastings won’t like it.” I tease. I don’t give a fuck what he thinks. I’m going to make sure this doesn’t trace to us. Besides, he won’t let us have that Austin fucker, so why would we give him Darius?

She leans in, kissing me. “I thought you didn’t care what other people think about you?”

I grin. “I thought you don’t either?”

She draws in a breath, pulling me down beside her. “Katie is coming tomorrow.”

“The journalist?” I reply.

She nods. “I figured we’d celebrate my mother’s capture by going public about us and Lara.”

I smile. “That sounds fitting.”

Roman

Hastings arrives at eight am on the dot. Carla is bound, gagged, and despite this she’s still making one hell of a racket as we hand her over.

Rose watches her go with a look on her face that is half vindication, half regret.

“She’ll pay.” I say taking her hand.

“She better.” Rose replies.

Hastings walks up to us both and smiles. “I have to admit, I wasn’t convinced you’d do it.”

“Hand her over?” I say.

He nods looking at Rose. “I thought you’d have other ideas.”

Rose shakes her head slightly. “I want my freedom more than I want her dead.”

“Well you have that now.” He says pulling out some paperwork.

“What is that?” I ask.

He passes it to Rose and she frowns, opening it up.

“Just making it official.” Hastings says.

“You’re clearing me of all charges.” She says scanning the document.

“Read the next piece. I’m sure you’ll like what that says more.” He replies.

She glances at me before flicking the page. Her eyes widen as she scans it and then she steps back, covering her mouth as she composes herself.

“I keep my promises Rose.” Hastings says.

“What is it?” I ask keeping my eyes on her.