Page 161 of Maddening Fixation

My stomach tightened.

Zachary’s mouth curved into a thin, vicious smile.

“She stays with me until every last weapon is recovered.”

He shrugged, almost casually, as though he hadn’t just demanded a human life in exchange for a shipment of guns.

Then his gaze returned to Romeo.

“Consider that the price of your failure.”

He turned away.

For a moment, I thought it was over.

Then Zachary stopped.

He glanced toward his son—the same man who had nearly pulled the trigger on Romeo only moments earlier.

There was no reprimand in his expression.

Instead, he gave him a slow nod.

Approval.

The sight chilled me more than his threat had.

His son lowered his weapon.

The rest of Zachary’s men followed.

One by one, they moved toward the crates.

The first man bent down and lifted one.

Then another.

Metal scraped against the warehouse floor as the crates were gathered, loaded, and carried toward the waiting vehicles.

No one spoke.

No one lowered their guard completely.

I watched as Zachary’s men filed out, their footsteps echoing through the warehouse.

One vehicle started.

Then another.

Zachary remained outside until nearly everyone else had left.

His son was the last to follow him.

Before getting into the vehicle, Zachary turned his head.

His eyes found mine across the distance.

He held my gaze for several long seconds.