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And he would remain dead, no matter what happened.
“The more time you spend with these people, especially for any extended period of time, like at a golf tournament, the riskier it gets.”
“I know the risks,” I reminded him. “And I’m willing to take those risks to make these people suffer. If you think about it, everything’s just become much easier.”
“Easier?” Henry furrowed his brow. “Easier how?”
“Instead of trying to attack from outside the guarded walls, I’ve been invited in, just like we’d hoped.”
“Just don’t forget what happened to you the last time you were on the inside.”
I pinned him with a glare, my jaw ticking. “You honestly think I’ll forget? Forget those bastards tried to kill me. Forget it was a miracle I survived in the first place, but only because some asshole wanted to make money off me. Trust me, Henry. I haven’t forgotten. Not even when I spent years locked in a cell surrounded by the stench of death, only allowed out to train or fight. The reminder of what they did to me just to increase their wealth is etched in every single one of my scars. In this new face I wear because the old one had become too damaged.”
With every word I spoke, my irritation increased, the horrors I’d faced on a daily basis flashing before my eyes. In those early days, I’d almost wished that bullet had killed me. It would have been better than the hell I’d been trapped in. But the more time I was locked up and subjected to the worst torture imaginable, the stronger my resolve grew.
The stronger my need for revenge grew.
It was what kept me alive. What encouraged me to finally take a risk and escape.
So Henry needn’t worry.
No matter what happened, I wouldn’t forget my purpose.
He gave me a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. You’re just looking out for me, like you swore you would when we were stuck in that shitty foster home.”
“That hasn’t changed, nor will it ever. No matter what.”
I held his gaze. “Thanks, brother.”
Henry cleared his throat, not one to dwell on his feelings for longer than necessary. I wasn’t either. “What do you need from me?”
The sound of my cell ringing cut through and I pulled it out of my pocket, looking at the number flashing on the screen.
“You can start by pretending to work for me.” I handed him the phone.
“Any reason for that?”
“No doubt Alton did his research and creamed himself at the prospect of managing my investments.”
“Very well.” He grabbed my cell and stood from the table, stepping away from the open doors to answer the call.
I pulled myself to my feet and headed onto the terrace, the April sun heating my face as I took in the stunning view of endless ocean just a few yards away. I focused my attention on the rhythmic movements of the bodies bobbing up and down on the water.
A bubble of hope filled me at the idea of spotting Imogene amongst them.
But she wasn’t there.
I briefly contemplated stopping by her place to make sure she was okay. That was the last thing I needed, though. I needed to stop worrying about her. Needed to remember my purpose, like Henry told me.
Not get distracted by a beautiful smile and sexy body. Remember she was merely a tool. Nothing more.
“You were right,” Henry’s voice cut through.
“About?” I spun around.
He strolled toward me and handed me my phone. “That was Sinclair’s assistant. She indicated he hoped to set something up with you sooner rather than later. Even offered to stay in town a little longer to cater to your availability.”
