“What happens if they get out of control?” I’m scared, suddenly. “Will they attack us?”
“Us?” Ace focuses on me, and his face softens. “Ah, Princess, I didn’t mean to scare you. Not us. But Ledger might not be so lucky.”
A ripple of talking, some shouts, and demands spread around the group. The next moment, a shot rings out.
“God,” I yelp in shock.
Ace puts his arm protectively around me, and I lean into the strong muscle of his bicep and the familiar scent of him.
“Shut the fuck up.” Jack has fired his gun and is holding it up in the air. “Now, the rumors stop this minute. This man, Ledger, did indeed have someone taken from our compound. The friend of my daughter who we’ve been protecting. Because of that, he does deserve a punishment.”
Ghost has his hand on his hip, his fingers inches away from a holster. Big Mike also saunters over, and Saul is making his way through the crowd to Jack.
A male voice calls from the crowd. “He came onto our territory. Justice should be done.”
Jack glances around, and his gaze lands on me. Our eyes meet, and for a brief moment, everything else stills. My heart thumps in one heavy, solid beat.
Jack nods once. “Okay, you’re all correct, but only one person should decide Ledger’s fate. Camile, come over here.”
He gestures for me to go to him.
I shrink back a little, nervous of going near Ledger.
“Come on, Princess, I’m with you. He can’t harm you now.” Ace squeezes my hand.
“Me, too,” Rook says and takes my other hand.
I’m dimly aware that I’m letting two men lead me through the few people between me and Jack, and therefore probably causing a lot of gossip about myself. I can’t do anything about it because it’s as if I’m having an out-of-body experience.
I feel as if I’m floating over the grass toward Ledger. He looks up, sees me, and immediately starts begging.
“Please, Camile. I’m sorry. I am so sorry. Give me another chance. I can make you my wife, and?—”
Jack backhands him with the gun, and Ledger screams as blood bursts from his nose.
“One more fucking word and I’ll let Ace at you again, in front of everyone.”
Jack turns to me. “Camile. This piece of shit did you wrong. You too, Rook.” He looks at us both. “So, I only think it’s right that you get to decide his fate.”
24
CAMILE
I look between Jack,Ledger, and Rook, and all the people standing around watching and waiting for my response.
I hate this man. I’ve never known such hate, and I don’t like it. It’s corrosive and bitter, like acid eating away at my insides. Yes, maybe he wasn’t the one who oversaw the assault on me and Rook, but he was the one who put us into that situation. Will Ledger being dead cure me of my hatred and bring me some peace? It won’t bring my father back to life, but it will stop me worrying that Ledger still takes up space in this world. That he might be able to put his hands on me again.
Ledger’s family will learn of his death eventually and know it was in retribution for the murder of my father. They will grieve him, and I will be glad of it.
“Camile?” Jack prompts.
He holds out his gun, the handle first.
I reach out to take it, but he doesn’t let go.
“I’m so fucking proudof you,” he says, holding my gaze in his stormy gray one. “Whatever you decide, just know that. I’m shit at expressing myself, and I’m a cold-hearted son of a bitch at times, but I admire you. I’ve spent my life around tough men, and a lot of tough women, too…” One of the ol’ ladies gives a laugh at that. “But you just being here tonight, holding your chin high, shows me that you’re stronger than all of us.”
I take a shaky breath, and he releases the gun. I’m not an expert, but I was taught how to aim and fire from a young age.
