Page 98 of Viper

I shrug, quirking a brow, my mind riffling through the many things Zane could be referring to. When I pitched the offer, it was simple. More weapons in exchange for a fuck-ton of money. Much less than we would usually sell them for, but that’s what you do when making business connections.

Behind me, the door opens. My heart nearly explodes.

God, please don’t let it be Rune.

I have no idea why I’m praying. God rarely listens to me.

“Lovely to see you,” Zane coos, the tone, the pitch of his voice, so condescending my churning stomach settles. There is no way he’s speaking to Rune in that manner. “I see you dressed your part.”

My mind swims as I stand. Next to me, Breaker moves just as slowly, buttoning his suit jacket almost in sync with me. When our eyes meet again, I know he’s just as confused as me.

“And I see you have as well.” Her sweet, honey voice melts over me, a soothing balm.

Relief floods me the second I realize we’re not suddenly facing Rune unprepared, but a different issue makes my pulse skyrocket.

Cora is here.

In this room.

When I turn, I see silky black material wrapping the perfect little body that I swear was made just for us to cherish. Then, breasts that nearly burst from the low-cut neckline. I look up at her face, taking in her cute cheeks sprinkled with freckles, surrounded by vibrant red waves and small ringlets that always escape any attempt to tame them.

My entire body sings as I take her in. Her stern expression. Cora’s delicious curves and the black stilettos that look impossible to walk in. The way she cocks her head to the side, as if she’s inspecting Zane.

She flicks his tie and grins. “That suit looks good on you, Zane. No one would ever know you’re hiding a pencil dick under those slacks.”

Beside me, Breaker makes a sound. My head ticks, her words settling uncomfortably in my head.

Everything Breaker told me about all she has endured, the vision of those bruises left on her skin, the incision to remove the birth control, makes my hands fist. I shove them into my slacks to keep from snatching up a knife and aiming for Zane’s eyes.

Biting her lip, Cora turns her attention to us, and I swear to god, I think my heart may actually give out as her emerald eyes meet mine. Her lips form a tight little line as she looks between us. Her gaze moves over Breaker, almost assessing, then to me.

Fuck, she’s a good little actress, and she’s so sexy, so perfect in her tight black dress, that my heart races.

Everything we’re doing, all the things we’ve done—the lies, the secrets we’re keeping, the complicated plan to end Rune—will keep her safe.

I’ll fucking make sure of it.

“Gentlemen,” Zane says, that spiteful grin turning uglier. Meaner. “Rune sent a gift for your efforts. A little someone to sweeten the deal.”

The second the words leave Zane’s mouth, the idea of murdering him intensifies. I can practically feel Breaker’s anger as intensely as my own. I school my features as he looks our way, knowing that any reaction will blow our cover.

Rune’s whoring her out.

He’s fucking using her as a bargaining chip to get closer to us.

Fucking Reaper.

He knew.

I’m going to throttle him when I see him again.

That buzzing feeling intensifies, my skin itching as rage winds itself around my bones. Rune Gavin is a sick fuck. His greed had him handing her over to Zane to gain more wealth and secure his position with the families, but he’s never resorted to using his daughters as payment.

Then again, she’s not his daughter, and that’s the problem.

My jaw clenches so hard my head aches. When I feel Breaker shift, feel his arm move and from the corner of my eye see his hand tap at his tie, I take a deep breath to calm myself. At least one of us needs to maintain control, and Breaker showing signs he’s about to snap means I have to focus. He’s already proven that when it comes to our girls, his control is razor-thin.

Zane’s cruel smile grows as he gestures toward Cora. “Meet Cora Julian, Rune’s daughter—”