Page 80 of X's and O's

Grayson waved his hands for us to all settle down. “No, nothing like that. Clearly my attempts at distracting you were misplaced. I should have stuck to your strengths. I’m splitting the group into two. And you’re both going to pick a target from the list to take out as a team.”

One by one, I watched the eyes of the men around me light up.

And something dark inside me responded with excitement.

Fuck. I really was triggered. I needed this. Needed the kill. The violence. And if I didn’t let it loose somewhere like this, there was no telling where it would sneak free.

Whip hadn’t deserved the way I’d lashed out at him tonight.

And Violet…she shouldn’t have had to see me like that.

“I’m in.” I nodded to Grayson.

He nodded. “Good. You’re with Whip and X. Trig, Ace, and Torch will make up the second team. Pick targets. Work together. And remember, someone on that list is targeting us as much as we’re targeting them. So whichever ones you go after, question them first. Find outwhat they know. Because none of us are safe until we work out who sent those letters.”

“What the hell have I stumbled into?” I asked warily.

Whip threw the bloody napkin down on the table between us. “Welcome to Murder Squad, Levi.”

21

X

X:

Good morning, love of my life. How did you sleep?

Violet:

With a knife beneath my pillow. How did you get this number?

X:

Your employee database was about as secure as a toddler’s piggy bank.

Violet:

Fabulous. So now I have to add getting a new phone number to my to-do list today.

X:

What else is on yourto-do list?

Violet:

Oh, you know, just the usual. Warming up my throwing arm. Sharpening my knife. Considering which type of attack dog to buy so insane psychopaths wearing masks can’t get into my apartment anymore.

X:

Dogs really like me. Next time I climb through your window, I’ll make sure I bring treats. Just let me know if he or she has any allergies.

Violet:

I don’t know why I’m still replying. I can’t work out if you’re joking or one-hundred-percent serious.

X:

Do you really have a knife beneath your pillow?