Total pages in book: 131
Estimated words: 123575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 618(@200wpm)___ 494(@250wpm)___ 412(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 618(@200wpm)___ 494(@250wpm)___ 412(@300wpm)
“You’ve caused quite a bit of trouble, Miss Hayes.” The second man adjusts his platinum cuff links. “It’s rather unexpected, really. We had anticipated certain... complications in our arrangement, but you weren’t one of them.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“No?” The man in the driver’s seat flashes me a professionally empty smile in the mirror. “That wasn’t you at the warehouse? Were you gathering evidence? Or what about that rather intimate encounter in the botany garden last week?”
My chest tightens uncomfortably. They’ve been watching me. Us.
“There’s no need to worry, at least not yet. Let’s just say we have certain investments we must protect,” the guy in the passenger seat continues. “Arrangements which required considerable financial backing.”
“If you want us to be honest, your involvement has created...uncertainty.”
The threat slides beneath their corporate pleasantries like a silk-wrapped knife.
“Okay, but I still don’t know what you’re talking about.” I keep my voice steady. “Or who you are.”
“We’re friends,” the man in the driver’s seat says. “Friends who provided certain resources to facilitate certain goals. Friends who prefer their investments remain...stable.”
The SUV turns, and I realize we’re on the industrial district access road.
Is this where it all ends? Are they going to kill me and deposit my body in front of the warehouse to prove a point?
“We aren’t friends. I don’t know you. I don’t know what I have to do with any of this.” I gesture to the space around me.
“Insurance.” The man in the passenger seat turns, and his gaze is cold despite his pleasant tone. “You’re a reminder that actions have consequences beyond personal vendettas and family drama.”
“Are you threatening me?”
They both laugh, the sound perfectly orchestrated.
“Threats are crude, Miss Hayes. We’re simply ensuring all parties understand the seriousness of the goal, and the part they play in it.”
“And if I decide not to be involved?”
“That option expired the moment you offered our associate your assistance in demolishing the Hayes empire.” The second man checks his watch. “Though we must admit, your research has proved...intriguing.”
They know about Mother’s files. About what I found.
“What do you want from me?” I ask again, dropping the pretense.
The leather seat creaks as I shift, hyperaware of every movement I make in the confined space. These men aren’t just wealthy—they’re dangerous in a way that makes Arson’s violence seem straightforward. At least he’s honest about his intentions to destroy.
“Your heart condition,” the first man remarks casually, “it’s not nearly as debilitating as your medical records suggest, is it?”
I’m not surprised that they know of my heart condition. It’s the most basic thing, something everyone knows about me. That’s not what has me curious. It’s the information they aren’t sharing that interests me the most.
How much do they know? What do they know?
“You still haven’t told me what you want,” I say, proud of how steady my voice remains.
“Want? That’s such a direct word. We prefer to think in terms of mutual benefits. Shared interests.”
“And what interests do we share?”
“The dismantling of the Hayes empire, of course,” the man driving speaks again. “I must say our methods differ from the rather...passionate approach you’re currently employing.”
The pieces suddenly fall into place. How else would Arson be able to get away with what he has? To be able to use the warehouse? To kidnap Aries without anyone noticing.
“You’re Arson’s backers. You funded his revenge.”
They exchange looks of mild amusement.
“We provided certain resources to facilitate certain outcomes. The personal vendetta aspect was a...convenient motivation. We have our own motives, but we won’t be sharing those at this time.”
“And now?”
“Now we’re ensuring all the players understand the rules of engagement. Passion is useful, but ultimately, this is business.” There’s an edge to his voice I don’t quite understand.
“What kind of business involves kidnapping and revenge?”
“The profitable kind.” The second man smiles. “The kind that requires careful management of all involved parties.”
Me included. I’m not just a complication in Arson’s revenge anymore—I’m a variable these men need to control.
“And if I don’t want to be managed?”
Their synchronized laughter makes my skin crawl.
“There is no longer a choice to be had.”
“Just tell me what you want.” I clear my throat and add, “Please.”
“Our intentions are pure. All we plan to do is deliver you safely to your destination. In return, we want you to remind all parties that we’re watching. Always watching.”
The SUV pulls up directly in front of the warehouse entrance. No hiding, no being subtle. Sending a message to Arson directly.
“Give our regards to our associate,” the man driving announces, “and please remind him how important the deadlines are.”
“What deadline?” I blink, trying to figure out what’s going on right now.
“One week. That’s how long our associate has to demonstrate to us that this situation remains under control. After that...well, let’s hope we don’t need to take action directly to ensure our investment.”