Page 33 of Merciless

“You seem unwell,” Avery said. “It would be better if you stayed seated.”

The words were soft, borderline concerned, yet William understood the threat for what it was. His desperate gaze shifted to me, and what he found wasn’t his son. Instead, he was staring at vengeance personified.

I raised the mic to my lips once more. “Answer the question, William… Don’t you remember your former wife? The one you claimed was the love of your life, your Bethy… Who betrayed her more?”

He shook his head, mask bleeding utter ruin as his lips mouthed a soundless apology over and over.

I thought Nikita would be ballsy enough to challenge me, but instead, Jennifer was the one who recovered first. Rising from her chair, she let out an awkward chuckle. “That’s enough, Colton. The game is finished—”

I pointed one solitary finger her way. “Sit your ass down before I expose all your lies, like I’m about to do to your mama.”

Noah piped up then. “Fuck you, asshole. Don’t speak to my girlfriend like that! Who do you think you are?!”

“Me? I think I’m the guy who fucked your girlfriend last night.”

That was the tipping point, the distinct moment when the air crackled in expectation, right before Noah launched his fist towards my face.

Anarchy followed.

Screams reverberated off the walls, scuffles escalated on the fray and heated accusations were thrown at the bride and groom.

I welcomed the mayhem, my heart soaring from the tattered ruins of my father’s wedding, knowing each person present would remember this night forevermore.

“You will pay for this, Colton Richards,” Nikita spat, her face reddened and blotchy. “Come on, William. We’re leaving.”

“Great timing, Stepmother. Your ride just pulled up,” I said, gesturing towards the main doors.

“What the hell are you—”

Her speech cut off as two police officers entered the venue, closely followed by my lawyer, Thomas. They beelined for us, ignoring the jeering patrons as they passed.

“Nikita Volt?”

“Richards. Nikita Richards.”

“Nikita Richards, place your hands behind your back. You’re under arrest—”

“No. No! It’s my wedding day!”

That’s when the bride surprised the hell out of everyone and decided to take her chances on her own. She bolted. The old bitch was speedy for her age, too.

Still, the police took chase, tackling her to the ground, white tulle and all.

It was the perfect conclusion for a horrendous day.

Nikita kicked and shouted. William tried and failed to placate the cops. And I stood there in the centre of it all, luxuriating in their despair and downfall.

Avery soon came to settle beside me, two full beers in hand. I took the one he offered and clinked my glass against his.

“How does it feel?” he asked, sipping from the bottle.

“Like I’ve finally returned home.”

Chapter 21

WILLIAM

I sat in the foyer of the local police station, my hands cradling the wrinkled paper cup as if it held my personal salvation.