Page 79 of Fatal Scheme

“Now.” I assert, lining my blade to the joint of his thumb, not interested in playing around, or tiptoeing the line any further.

“All I know,” he chokes out, the fear of pain paralyzing his body, but I keep my eyes trained on his, a harsh reminder of what’s to come if he betrays what we agreed upon, “is that something big is happening in three days.”

In pure shock, I look back at Jasper and Tyson, both of them never breaking eye contact as we simultaneously go over this in our minds, but my hands shake at the victory, knowing that I successfully relayed the information from my father, without compromising myself.

Single-handedly, I saved us all, and proved that I can handle the brunt of the violence on my own, traits that may come in handy when we decide what to do going forward.

“Thank you,” I say softly, nodding as I face my victim with my back turned to everyone else, wincing as I know what has to come next.

I don’t particularly like lying, especially when I use my word as bond, but I can’t pretend that this man isn’t an example, and I have to do what’s expected of me, within the parameters of our agreement with the Corazza’s.

Without another breath, I grab a different blade from its place on the counter, closing my eyes as I bring it to this man’s fingers, opting to slice straight through the bone, three of his digits landing on the floor in a puddle of blood.

His mangled screams pierce through my eardrums like a bad musical on repeat, but I only smile in response, snatching one of the dismembered fingers and making a statement as I pop it into my mouth, sucking the blood from the still-live nerve endings with a sadistic smile on my face.

The faces in the room are a mix of shock, disgust, and pleasure – coming from Jasper, of course – but nobody stops me, and I’ve never felt higher in the wake of destruction.

“Next time you come for us, you don’t fucking miss.” I shove what used to be his finger into his own mouth, laughing as he gags on it, my mouth stained with blood in the most satisfactory way.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” Rocco Corazza studders, gagging as he looks between us three, and I can’t stand the distance anymore, dropping my tools as I strut to my men.

“She’s as sick and twisted as they come,” Jasper laughs, pulling my body into his arms, swiping his tongue along my lips.

“Reminds me of my sister. You two would be the best of friends. Nobody impresses me, not like my little sister does, but Carter … you’ve earned my respect,” Rocco says, holding his hand out for me to shake, and I bear my teeth at him, showing off my best smile, knowing damn well that my lips are stained blood-red.

“I’d love to meet her, then,” I laugh, his gag reflex interrupting our pleasantries, but before any of us can say another word, Tyson wraps his arms around my midsection, dragging me away before I ruin the alliance we just built.

As we make our way to the front doors, I feel electrified, like I could zap anyone that comes close enough to touch, but Jasper snakes his arms around my waist, lifting me off the ground and spinning me until our lips are millimeters apart.

“Are you going to share, my pretty little vampire?”

“What’s mine is yours,” I whisper, almost begging him to dive off the deep end, and he barely blinks, tangling our tongues together while the sting of metallic infects us both as we stumble back to the limo.

“We’re skipping the club,” Tyson says, speaking to us and the driver at the same time, but I mope against the seat, wanting to play longer.

After all, I’m dressed to kill – literally – and there’s no fucking way I could wind down after that electrifying fucking scene we just ran from.

“Oh, come on! I’ll be good, I promise,” I whine, turning to face Tyson, but he only looks forward, his eyes not landing on mine.

“No, Carter. We’re going back to the suite,” he says sternly, the rumble in his chest scaring me straight, but at the same time, I’m so fucking wired, I decide to play with the monster himself.

“I’ll just sneak out while you’re sleeping.” I shrug, giggling as I bury my face into Jasper’s chest, his smile and laugh on full display, like he knows exactly what game I’m playing.

“Carter,” Tyson warns, his voice low and husky as he grabs my throat with one hand, dragging my body until I’m completely facing him. “Do not make me tie you to the bed.”

Whimpering under his brute strength, his hands envelop my body so well that I’m merely a puddle beneath him, but refusing to break all the way.

“Don’t you dare threaten me with a good time,” I smirk, tangling my fingers in his hair, while Jasper slowly works his hands up my dress, teasing me while I flirt with danger.

“We could tie up that pretty little body, make you beg for fucking relief while we do whatever we want to you,” Jasper purrs, seemingly switching sides as he pins my arms to the seat, leaving me to grind my hips into the leather, searching for any source of friction between my legs.

“I’m all yours,” I concede, my words coming out breathy and desperate, hoping one of them gives in, allowing me a second of pleasure.

“On your knees,” Tyson commands, his booming voice switching the vibe in this car, and immediately, I feel my body sway into submissive mode, obeying his order without a second thought.

Kneeling on the floor of the car, my hands fumble with the buckle of his belt, but he tilts my chin, looking directly into my eyes as he snatches my wrists into one hand.

“No, baby girl. You don’t get rewarded tonight,” he grunts, a darkness taking over his eyes that I’ve never seen, sending a shiver down my spine that not only terrifies me, but lights up the parts of my body that enjoy this side of uncertainty, too.