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“Then you search for evidence to do just that. However, I recommend finding something you can show to his enemies.”
“I don’t follow,” she said.
“Men like him always have enemies—other wealthy, powerful people. Find something that will provoke his enemies to take him out.”
Sky nodded. “I see; let his enemies do the dirty work.”
“Exactly.” This was one of the key strategies he once used as a fixer. Avoid taking down powerful people head-on. Never ended well. But find out who their biggest enemies were, and then fuel those people to act? Very effective.
“Okay,” she said. “But what if that doesn’t stop him and his cronies? What if in the meantime, the trafficking continues? How about the poor supernatural critters who get swept up in their nets? Cimil might’ve burned down SBP’s headquarters, but we both know that can’t be their only operation.”
“You must weigh the end goal with the cost of getting there. How many innocent lives will be lost for the sake of ending SBP for good? It is a decision you must make because the burden will be yours to bear.” He reached over and took her hand. “Just know that I am here for you. Even if I am incredibly annoyed that you used me as a nom de plume.”
A demure smile flashed across her lips, and the two stared at each other for a long moment. Her gaze floated down to his mouth, a subtle invitation to kiss her perhaps.
He was about to go in when he remembered something important.Fuck.
“Sky, I need to tell you something.”
“Sounds ominous.” She leaned back, reclaiming her hand.
“Cimil has backed me into a corner. She is demanding that I choose between you and Willa.”
Sky rolled her eyes. “I can already guess how that’s going to shake out.”
“Why do you say that?”
She shot him a look. “Willa was your first love.”
“If only it were so simple.”
She raised a gold eyebrow. “So you’re not choosing her?”
“I did not say that. What I meant is that—”
“Never mind. I gotta go, Damien. Have a nice life.” She stood to leave.
“Sky, wait.” He stood and grabbed her arm. “I want to choose you. I do.”
“Well, I don’t want you to. Because if you did pick me, you’ll always be feeling guilty that you turned your back on Willa.” She threw her hands in the air. “Cimil’s made it so no matter what you do, I can’t win. And neither can you. Not unless I make the choice for you, which I just did.”
“But, Sky, you don’t under—”
“Damien, I’ll be fine. Hearts heal. And look at all the stuff I have to be grateful for. A second chance at life. I can hug my sister and nephew again. I might even get to live forever in this body.”
Damien’s heart sank to the abyss of his soul. “No. You won’t, Sky. That’s the catch. Cimil will execute the woman I do not select. I have until the end of the day.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Willa couldn’t believe how wonderful this new modern world was! People were dumber than ever and so easy to control.
For example, take this room the hotel staff called “the penthouse” with a big bed, modern gadgets, and fine upholstered furniture in autumn tones, all overlooking a glorious park! All for free! And they even brought food to her room on a small rolling table.
“I’m so glad that taxi man brought me here.” She crunched down on a thing called an egg roll. “Where’s the egg?” She shrugged and kept chewing.
After she finished eating and figuring out how to use the bathing chamber with magnificent indoor plumbing, she would throw on one of the new outfits she’d obtained from the small store in the hotel’s greeting area.Also free!
Then she would make the man downstairs summon a ride to take her to see Damien. She had not had the chance to ensure Damien chose her today—not that she had anything to worry about—but why risk it?
