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And, of course, the plot thickened. Although, Nikolai seemed genuinely shocked that Emma had heard his family’s name before. Maybe it was just a coincidence. Emma peered up at me, and I could see the worry on her face before she focused back on Nikolai. I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like what was about to come out of her mouth.
“My roommate was dating Valentin Rossi for a while.” She side-eyed me before uttering her following words. “I went out with one of his friends. Seth Michelson.”
Nikolai tensed and a look of disdain passed across his face. “You dated my brother?”
I didn’t want to think of Emma being involved with the Michelson family, let alone the mafia, which I assumed was what they were. Despite that, nothing could’ve made me happier than seeing the derision on Nikolai’s face. It appeared there was no love lost between him and his brother.
Emma forced out a laugh. “That’s why I thought you looked familiar the first time I saw you. It all makes sense now. You reminded me of Seth; only he’s not a psychotic jackass.”
Amusement rippled through Scar. “Ah, how I’ve missed this. As much as I’d like to sit back and listen to you banter back and forth, we have some things to discuss.” He focused directly on Emma. “Have you made your decision yet?”
Emma had made her choice, but she didn’t know I had a plan of my own. If I’d discussed it with her, she would’ve found a way to come to the meeting independently. Did I deliberately deceive her? Sadly so, but I didn’t have any other options.
Emma nodded, but I squeezed her hand, knowing she would hate me after what I was about to do. She opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off. “She’s not doing what you want,” I threw out.
Grabbing my arm, Emma dug her nails into my skin. “Carter, stop! I can do this.”
“No,” I growled, making her suck back a gasp. I didn’t want to frighten her, but this was serious. I snapped my focus to Scar. “I’m here to take her place. Whatever debt you think she owes, I’ll pay it. I’m not going to let you ruin her life.”
Emma stepped in front of me and grabbed my face, but I kept my eyes on Scar. “That is not the way this is going to work,” she demanded. “Dammit, Carter, look at me!”
It killed me to ignore her, but it had to be done. Scar studied me and lifted his brows. “You must really care about Ms. Jameson to put your life on the line. Ryley was the same way about her mother. That goes for Paxton and Gabriella too. Such devotion. I’ve never seen that kind of commitment.”
“Do we have a deal?” I asked.
Emma pushed against my chest, and I didn’t have to look at her to know her eyes were blazing like fire. “So help me, Carter.”
With satisfaction written all over his face, Scar extended his hand. “We do.”
Emma grabbed my hand before I could take Scar’s. “Please, Carter. I don’t want you to do this.”
My eyes found hers, and tears poured like rivers down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Emma. It has to be this way.” I gently pried her fingers away with my other hand and held her back while I shook Scar’s hand, sealing the deal. Emma’s face turned blood red, and she jerked out of my hold. She might not forgive me yet, but I’d make up for it later.
Scar nodded at Nikolai and motioned toward Emma. “Take her to the living room. I need to talk to Reynolds.”
Emma’s daggered glare shot to Scar. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Nikolai took her arm, and she pulled it out of his grasp. I despised him touching her, but I didn’t want her in the room. “Emma, please. It’ll only be for a minute,” I promised.
Huffing, Emma threw her arms in the air. “Fine. I’m out.”
Scar exploded in laughter as Emma stormed to the door and swung it open with Nikolai right behind her. The other two goons stayed in their positions on opposite sides of the room.
Scar shook his head. “She’s a spitfire.”
“Just a little,” I agreed.
Once the door was shut, Scar moved around to the back of the desk and sat down. “If you want to take Emma’s debt, you can do it by working for me. I need good, strong fighters.” I already had a feeling that was what he wanted.
“You want me to fight for you?”
“Not for me, per se,” he replied, his dark eyes gleaming in the light. “I need a winner, and that’s you. Someone who isn’t afraid of going all in, if you know what I mean.” I knew exactly what he meant.
“I have to kill.” It was more of a statement than a question.
Scar’s evil leer was answer enough. “Do you have a problem with that? If so, there’s another option.”
My jaw hardened. “And that would be?”
