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I know how the Reaper’s operate. Todd will be destroyed, humiliated and broken and never see it coming. When the dust settles and he is left with nothing, he will disappear or fall victim to a nasty accident. Suicide is always a neat and tidy way to end a man’s life. To everyone else, he would have ended it rather than face the humiliation of his ruin. But I know he would have been helped along the way by the very man controlling all their destinies. Never piss off the hand that knows all your secrets because it will be the last thing you do. Well, if he lays one hand on Katherine, Ryder will have to fight me to get to him first.
With a sigh, I push the envelope away and call Katherine to tell her the good news. Then I try to re-focus my mind on business. My company takes up all my time and I’m paying the price for a few days of neglect. I wish I could push it all aside for one last night, but there are deadlines to meet and time’s not on my side. I employ thousands of workers all around the globe, and they are relying on me to keep their jobs and put food on the table for their families. I owe them to keep everything going and so with a heavy heart, I do what I do best. Make money.
* * *
Time ticksby and I manage to wrap things up just before seven. As I begin shutting down my computer, there’s a sharp knock on the door. Cody enters and I see the worry on his face.
“What?” I say harshly. This is all I need.
He sits before me and rakes his fingers through his hair. “It’s that contract with the Saudi government. They’ve found a problem and want answers tonight otherwise they’ll be forced to re-evaluate the contract and you know what that means.”
I groan. “Fucking, Ronsteel. Those bastards have been nipping on our heels all through this bid and have probably thrown a spanner in the works.”
Cody nods angrily. “Sorry, Sam. I know you wanted to get off, but this is big. It’s an all-nighter just to straighten it out because we’ve already lost hours of work and the deadlines in twelve hours.”
I slam my fist on the desk. “Fuck, I haven’t got time for this.”
Cody looks concerned. “Is everything ok, Sam?”
I bark. “No, it most definitely is not. Listen, grab everything you’ve got and meet me back here. We’ll nail this super quick because I have somewhere I need to be that I can’t get out of.”
Cody, to his credit, just does as I say with no questions asked. I feel the blood rushing to my head as I reach for the phone.
I hear Katherine’s shaky voice and almost lose my fucking mind. This just can’t be happening. “Listen, darlin’. Something’s come up that I must deal with. You’ll have to start on your own and I’ll meet you there. Take the equipment and use it as discussed. I won’t leave you without back up, you do trust me, don’t you, darlin’?”
I hear the tremor in her voice as she tries to sound brave. That alone makes me want to hurl my desk through the window. “It’s ok, Sam. Don’t worry, just get there when you can. Won’t it look strange though?”
I grind my fist into a ball as I growl. “No, you won’t be the only one turning up alone. Those bastards invite many a lone woman to their parties with one aim in mind. Just remember the plan and you’ll be fine.”
There’s silence on the other end, and I feel my heart beating faster than it ever has before. Then she says in a stronger voice. “I’ll be fine, honey. Just do what you have to do. I’ll see you there.”
She hangs up and I feel the blood roaring through my veins like a river of fire. Then I make the call that provides the insurance I need. Nothing else matters but keeping Katherine safe.
Katherine
When Sam called and told me I’d be going solo, I felt the shiver run through me. It’s one thing going to this so-called club in the first place, but I thought I’d have him by my side for reassurance. I hope he gets there quickly because this is going to be make or break and I want to wrap this up quickly.
I take extra care with my appearance and choose a gorgeous green silk dress that caresses my curves and makes me feel a million dollars. My make-up is designed to bewitch, and the underwear chosen is the type that would send a grown man mad with lust. Once I climb on my heels, I feel in control and ready to take on the world.
The final touch is the black sequined mask that disguises the girl behind it and accentuates the flashing eyes of revenge. This mission is turning into a pleasure. Despite taking revenge on the behalf of the many faceless victims, I am feeling empowered with the thought of them behind me. Everything I do will be to make it right for them and spare the victims of the future from a wrecked life. This is my calling, regardless of the reasons that brought me here.
As I make the final touch—a splash of my favorite heady scent, I see the Reaper looking back at me in the mirror. I allow a small smile to pass my lips for a memory of the past. This one’s for you, Ryder. Payback will be sweet and then you can fade into my past where you now belong. A stronger man has claimed my heart and he won’t let me down—I trust him with everything I’ve got.
Jeremy and Susan look at me appreciatively as I head into the kitchen. Susan smiles.
“Katherine, you look stunning.”
I grin and spin around. “Not bad for something thrown together at the last minute.”
Susan laughs as Jeremy consults his watch.
“I believe your carriage awaits fair lady.”
I smile, the excitement taking hold of my principles.
“Thank you, kind sir. This is a ball that Cinderella would avoid at all costs.”
They look surprised and I laugh softly. “Prince Charming may be the one who shows up late in this fairy story. Let’s just hope he gets there before the bewitching hour.”
