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I refuse to bow to the mafia heir like everyone else.
“No, you’re not. They’re a lot more loyal and obedient. One day, I’ll fuck the disobedience out of you, and you’ll never say no to me again.”
Shivers run through my body at his threat. Or was it a threat? Did I secretly like the scathing look he’s giving me for defying him?
He clicks the pen, setting it on top of the papers. “This is my one-time proposal, Little Chaos. You’re looking at a long time behind bars. Fifteen years, maximum. That is if Governor LeMaster doesn’t make an example out of you and your destructive ways. Not to mention the other crimes they’re tacking on. As it sits, if you sign on the line here, your sentence is with us, under our roof and protection.”
My mind rolls through everything he’s said. Fifteen years? Jesus, that’s a long time for a measly car dismantling. Wait…
“Other crimes?”
Jericho smirks, folding his hands together. “They’re throwing the book at you, Little Chaos. Endangerment. Possible murder, missing persons. You name it, this police station has written it up. Would you like to see?”
He doesn’t give me a chance to answer when he slides a single piece of paper under my eyes.
Murder. Kidnapping. Extortion. Arson. The list of offenses goes on. Crimes that have nothing to do with Leighton’s car. Crimes I haven't committed.
“This is bullshit,” I whisper, tossing the paper across the table, hoping to poke his eye out. Too bad it fucking misses its mark. “I didn’t do any of that!” I shout, my emotions winning the war.
He grins. “There’s a mountain of evidence I’ve submitted against you, Little Chaos.”
“What evidence? Are you insane? You can’t… They can’t…”
“I’m the law, Journey. Everything I give them, whether it’s false or not, will take you to court. They’ll use it against you and lock you away forever. Is that what you want? It’s your move, Journey West. Take my offer or rot.”
Rot. He’ll let me stay behind bars. Forever. Then, I won’t be able to get my sister. Sunshine. She’ll rot, too. My monster will pull everything that is helping to keep her alive. Would he let me stay here for eternity?Honestly, I don’t know. I’m only his spy. But am I important to him? I’m sure he could sweep in, snap his fingers, and get me out. My only question is. Would he do it? He has the power. But is there want there?
I slump in the seat, inadvertently following his ridiculous command.
“You’d really…” I trail off.
“Blackmail you?” he questions smoothly, thoroughly enjoying the panic rearing up inside me. “Anything to get what I want.”
“What do you want?” It surely can’t be me. I’m no one important. I’ve got no money, no real job, and I’m trapped in an invisible prison playing puppet to a master.
I’m simply Journey West, daughter of a neglectful mother and a deadbeat dad who forgot my existence the moment my mom said the words, “I’m pregnant.” Fuck Corbin West. If I had his kind of money I wouldn’t be here. Sunny wouldn’t have been taken from me. She’d have gotten a new heart years ago.
“You,” he says easily without hesitation.
“I don’t understand,” I weakly admit, giving him all the ammunition he needs.
Long gone are the lessons that were drilled into my head about holding my emotions and taking in every small detail for later. Fear sinks its claws deep into my flesh, pulling me under the water and depriving me of oxygen.
“You don’t need to. Over time, you will, though.”
“You wouldn’t,” I breathe. “You…”
Jericho shrugs, collecting the papers from the table and stacking them together. He hums a tune under his breath.
“I would,” he says, standing tall and straightening his suit. “It was nice knowing you, Journey.”
The way he says my name chills the room. All the oxygen leaves it, depriving me. There’s no humor. No love lost. He’s simply packing his things and slowly walking toward the door.
The decision is now. It can’t wait.
“Wait!” I shout, heaving a breath. Desperation claws at me—an unfamiliar feeling taking hold of me. “What is in the paperwork?” My voice drops into a shameful abyss pulling me under.
I’m not one to beg. But he’s got me over a barrel. Apparently, where he wants me to be.
