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“There are five stages of pain involved with this maneuver. You just experienced level one. I assure you that if I get to level five, you won’t be conscious and that’s after you’ve defecated all over yourself. Make another attempt and you’ll learn.”
When he continued to struggle, I added another wave of pressure. This time he howled like a banshee.
“Are you really that stupid, Sean, or should I consider you a pain slut?”
“Fine. Just stop.”
“Say please.”
“Fuck you.”
All I had to do was shift my position without going to what my team called DefCon 3.
“Fine. Please.”
I backed away and he rubbed his hand, panting like a dog. “I’ll be waiting for his reply.”
“He’ll kill you.”
“Let him try.”
I left his house, heading to my car. As soon as I climbed in, I called Max, surprised when he answered. “How was the ballet?”
“Extraordinary. She was utter perfection.”
He could always make me laugh. “I’m glad you’re alive. No issues?”
“None, but word on the street is Killian is antsy.”
“Just as I thought. He’s got a player here in town. I paid a little visit, providing a warning for his boss. I also planted surveillance equipment. We should be able to hear every conversation he has with Killian.”
“You are one slick son of a bitch.”
“I don’t like when my friends are almost killed.”
It was his turn to laugh. “You’re getting more like me every day.”
“Ouch. I don’t take that as a compliment.”
“Asshole. I’ll let you know the outcome.”
“Yes, I’ll be curious as to what he does.”
* * *
Madisen
I was ninety-nine percent certain I’d seen a dark SUV outside of Mike’s apartment. Not just once but cruising the complex as if the driver was looking for someone. That someone would be me. Maybe it was irrational but with a little digging, I knew Dante could find out I had a brother. I wrung my hands, glancing over my shoulder. While I didn’t think I’d been followed, I couldn’t be certain. I’d tossed everything back into my small suitcase and had left a note I was returning to Vegas. The lie was already making me feel terribly guilty, but I couldn’t place my brother’s life in danger.
I’d waited another day, debating what I was about to do. Finally, my nerves and terror had driven me to tracking down Viper’s address, which had been no easy feat.
“What are you doing?” Asking myself the question out loud didn’t provide an answer, just silent murmurs in my mind. I took a step back, purposely turning away from the front door.
His front door.
Up until the incident in the bar, I’d had difficulty thinking of him as Viper.
Not any longer.
