Page 115 of Pucked Around and Found Out

I can't tear my eyes from the screen as the footage plays.

Toren's hand is on his chest. Their faces are inches apart. Another second and they would have⁠—

But they don't.

She pulls back. Says something I can't hear. And Carnage releases her, putting distance between them.

But the damage is done.

I saw it.

“She nearly kissed him,” Fiona says conversationally. “Right there in the living room. Alex Denver's second and the girl he's been protecting. Touching. Wanting. Almost crossing a line.”

“Where did you get this?” I ask, my voice deadly quiet.

“I have surveillance on that house,” Fiona says. “Have had for weeks. I know everything that happens there. Every conversation. Every moment. Every almost-kiss.”

She leans back, watching my reaction.

“And tonight, when my people eliminate them both at that briefing, Alex Denver will know it was because of his arrogance. Because he thought he could best me.”

I go very still. “What did you just say?”

“Tonight isn't about the Kellar Cartel,” Fiona explains. “It's about revenge. Alex Denver has been operating with impunity for years. Moving product, building power, thumbing his nose at federal authority. And I'm done with it.”

She closes the laptop.

“So tonight, I'm taking away everything he's been protecting. His second. His reputation. And the little pregnant girl he sent Carnage to protect.”

The pieces click together with sickening clarity.

“You're using the briefing as cover,” I say. “Using Masen to draw everyone out.”

“Oh, Masen knows exactly what's happening,” Fiona says with a smile. “He's been quite cooperative. In exchange for my protection and control of a reorganized cartel structure, he's helping me set the perfect trap.”

My jaw clenches. “The cocksucker is working with you.”

“Has been for weeks,” she confirms. “He called that briefing specifically to gather everyone in one place. Toren. Carnage. The Denver Kings members. Everyone Alex cares about protecting.”

She leans forward.

“And when my embedded agents make their move, they'll all be eliminated. Masen gets to play the survivor—the only Kellar left standing. And I get my revenge against Alex Denver.”

“You're stupider than you look,” I say flatly. “Alex will bury you for this. You think killing his second won't bring down the full force of the Denver Kings? The Filthy Few? Every organization he's aligned with?”

“By the time they mobilize, I'll have already disappeared,” Fiona says. “With enough evidence on Alex's operations to keep federal authorities busy for years. He'll be too busy defending himself to come after me.”

“Wrong,” I tell her. “He won't bother with defense. He'll just kill you. And he'll make it slow.”

“We'll see,” Fiona says, unbothered.

The SUV pulls to a stop.

“We're here,” she announces. “A secure facility where we can have a longer conversation.”

She opens the door and steps out, then looks back at us.

“You should know… I'm not expecting you to help me. I just wanted you to understand what's happening. Wanted you to see that footage before tonight.”