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“Could we not increase my patient load,” Christine snaps.
Dane spits out a mouthful of blood. “You’re going to regret that, old man.” He takes a step in Russ’s direction and I plant a hand against his chest.
“You earned that, boy.”
“Like fucking hell—”
“Learn some fucking manners.” I turn to Russ. “And don’t you ever attack one of my men again. Got it?”
Russ nods.
“Now Dane raises a fair point. Amber might be a pain in the ass, but she’s a hot piece of ass.”
I don’t mention that the thought of trading her for anything makes my blood boil. She’s gotten under my skin, permeating my senses.
“It’s a good trade,” Christine says, which is crazy because she is the last person I’d expect to say that.
“If we go back to maternal mortality in the Middle Ages, it’s likely one of those women will die without us.”
She’s right.
“And you think they’re just going to give Georgia over if we give them Amber?” I ask.
“For me, no,” Russ says. “But with you at my back, they would.”
“You were hoping we would force the issue?”
“You’re a beast to be reckoned with. If I go into negotiations with Amber on a silver platter and you next to me, there’s no way they’ll turn me down. It’d be suicide.”
His logic checks out. Men like Gunther crave power, and he knows there’s no hope of maintaining control of his men if he makes a move against me and my people.
The thought of letting Amber go makes my chest tighten, but I have to put my desires aside and do what’s best for the Keep going forward. It’s not like Amber wants to stay with us, anyway.
“I’ll help negotiate a treaty,” I say. “We’ll get your daughter back.”
Dane snorts. “So we’re just giving Amber away?”
“For five women.”
Dane’s fists clench. “All of whom are knocked up. Oh, and three have men coming with.”
“You know what, I’m with Dane.” Selina crosses her arms over her chest. “I can’t believe you’re actually suggesting we negotiate with the men who stole Jayne?”
“This isn’t your place,” Blake says, though I can tell he’s just as inflamed as she is.
Selina casts him a look that suggests she’s about to commit murder. “Fuck you all for even thinking about negotiating with such scum.”
Ignoring her, I say, “We’ll go over the logistics later. For now, we rest.”
10
LET’S BARGAIN
AMBER
After what feels like hours of being left alone, I hear the unzipping of the tent.
While Cole was gone, I obeyed him, suffering itches and discomfort because I’m desperate to please him. To make him think he can trust me. Because he left me without the bag over my head, I’ve made a mental note of where everything is in the tent, just in case I end up needing something for my getaway.
