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“And those are?”
“I connect people.”
He smirked at me. “And you contacted me because you want to connect me to someone?”
“No, I contacted you because you have something I want.”
His smile turned forced as he continued to stare at me. “And what is that?”
“A child.”
His smile turned wide at that. “Ms. Tyler, I think you have mistaken me for someone else. I don’t deal with kids.”
I stepped forward into his space. Lowering my voice, I looked at him out of the corner of my eye. “Now, that’s a lie and we both know it. A man as powerful as you can never truly hide all you do. You have a child, and I want him.”
His hand settled on my hip, gripping me hard, but I didn’t flinch. “And why are you so desperate to have this child?”
“Call it hush money,” I said, hoping I was taking this in the right direction. I had another reason all mapped out, but this felt right.
“And what reason would I possibly have to keep you quiet?”
“Child, five years old. Brown hair, blue eyes. Starting price, half a million dollars,” I said, repeating the details I’d found out through Michael’s emails. “It seems you have someone in your organization that’s not quite as good at covering his tracks as he thinks. You’re the one facilitating the purchase of a child. I know it’s an illegal adoption scheme. So, if you want me to keep my mouth shut, and possibly connect you with other clients in the future, you’ll give me what I want.”
His smile was pure evil. He thought he had me. “And why would I fold to someone like you?”
I smiled up at him. “Because I’m someone you don’t want on your bad side. I can be a very good friend and bring in more clients than ever.”
“A good friend that blackmails her friends?”
“I never said I was a saint. And let’s not think of this as blackmail. More like the mutually beneficial arrangement in which I bring clients your way.”
“I don’t need your help in finding clients.”
“You’re right,” I confirmed. “You’re doing just fine on your own, and if you don’t agree to what I want, I’ll send all the files I have on you to a friend at the FBI. This friend can either turn his head to what’s going on, or he can make your life very uncomfortable.” I shrugged, like none of it mattered. “Sure, you can get out from under the charges of child endangerment, trafficking, and a slew of other charges. It’ll only cost you time and money, and the unfortunate side effect of losing clients who don’t want to work with someone under investigation. You’ll come out on top in the end, but why bother with it over one child?”
His eyes flicked to his guard and I sensed him about to pull his weapon. Luckily, Scottie and Fox had my back, pulling their weapons before the guard had the chance.
“I wouldn’t bother. Not only are my men very skilled, it’s pointless. If you don’t agree, my friend finds out everything anyway. The kid is all I want. I’ll even waive the finder’s fee on the next five children, just to show good faith.”
His smile was tight as he motioned for his guards to stand down. I had him right where I wanted him. There was no way he was backing out of this deal.
“I know what child you’re talking about. Unfortunately, he’s already been placed in a home.”
“Then I guess you’ll have to work some magic. You have twenty-four hours to deliver the child. Just remember, anything you try will only land you in hot water with the FBI.” I pulled a card out of my bra and handed it over. “I’ll be waiting for your call.”
I turned to leave, but he snatched me around the waist and pulled me closer. His body pressed against mine as his lips slid over my skin. I felt absolutely nothing but revulsion, but I kept my cool.
“You are quite the adversary.”
I smiled saucily at him. “I know. Doesn’t it make you hard?”
I knew it did because of the hard on pressed against my stomach. But this guy was on a power trip and admired the way I’d backed him into a corner. I wasn’t about to blow it by crushing him under my boot, no matter how much I wanted to. I pressed a kiss to his cheek and whispered, “Twenty-four hours. Then I come for you, and it won’t be pleasurable.”
I bit his ear for added effect before pulling out of his hold and sauntering back to the car. I had the opportunity to kill that fucker, but couldn’t do it until Theo was safe. Duke was gripping the steering wheel tightly as I passed, but he held it together. Scottie opened the door for me and nodded to the men we’d just faced off with. After slipping inside, everyone remained silent as we pulled away from the meet. It was only when we were a few miles away that I finally let out a quiet exhale of relief.
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DUKE
