“No,” Gabe ground out.
Sydney continued as if he hadn’t spoken. “Now we find out that he has purchased a huge plot of land, and recent reconnaissance missions have shown that he is building an enormous facility. Can you guess what that would mean, Gabriel?”
“No.”
“Exactly. You don’t have the brains to look to the future. You hardly think beyond your own dick. So next time you decide to compromise the only person who can prevent William Harrington from taking over the world, maybe think again! Are we clear?”
“Yes,” he spat.
“I didn’t hear you!”
“We’re clear!” he shot back.
“Good. Now get the fuck out of my sight.”
Chapter 17
Sydney’s fury never subdued, and after Gabe stormed out of the room, she gave the order for everyone to be dismissed. Reyna was relieved. She’d had quite a night. But she knew it wasn’t over yet. She and Beckham had unfinished business.
But before she could say anything to Becks, Sydney snaked a hand around her wrist. “And you.”
Reyna’s eyes widened. “What?”
“You and Jodie engineered this little outing. It was foolish and reckless. We put in a lot of effort to free you from Harrington’s grasp. Perhaps you should show some more respect around here.”
“I understand that you’re upset. It was reckless, but I never thought that it would happen like this. Who would have guessed I’d run into Everett? So back off. I’m not going to do it again.”
Sydney’s anger simmered and her eyes narrowed. “You have free rein of the facilities. There are no locks or bars on your doors. We keep you in to protect you from the outside world, not to keep you from it. You could be happy here. Instead you act like a spoiled child.”
“I am not a spoiled child. I am a recovering kidnapping victim who found herself in another prison,” Reyna spat. “I am a pawn on your chessboard. That is all I am to you. Don’t think for a second that I don’t know that. So, cut the ‘you could be happy here’ bullshit and use it on someone else.”
Reyna yanked her arm out of Sydney’s grip. Sydney gave her an appreciative look.
“You have fire. I’ll give you that.”
“I appreciate that you got me out of there and that my brothers are safe. But I offered to be of help and all anyone has said to me is no. You shouldn’t even be surprised that I’m frustrated. I want to help this organization, Sydney. So let me help, but I’m not going to be used. Not by you or Harrington or anyone.”
Sydney crossed her arms and arched an eyebrow. “We’ll see about that.”
Reyna shoved past Sydney. She didn’t even want to deal with that shit right now. She knew Sydney had every intention of using her. But wouldn’t it be easier if they would work with her?
Reyna took a deep breath and prepared herself for what was to come as she walked over to Beckham, who was standing next to Penelope.
“Time for that talk?” she asked Beckham.
“Hello, Reyna,” Penelope said.
“Penny.”
Reyna couldn’t help it. Her eyes darted to Penny’s left hand. Empty. It was empty. Her heart stuttered. There was no ring. No engagement ring. Did that mean that they weren’t engaged? She’d tried not to think about it. Or Beckham much, for that matter, yet she couldn’t help but get her hopes up.
“Good to have you back on board.”
“Good to be back.” Reyna nearly sighed at the pleasantries. “Sorry to hear about your father.”
“Yes, it’s dreadful,” Penelope said, frowning at the mention of her father’s death.
“Congrats on becoming mayor though. Following in his footsteps.”
“Oh, you heard?” Penelope asked.
“I was at your mayoral ball, in fact.”
Penny scrunched up her almost perfect face in confusion. “Weren’t you still with Harrington then?”
“He brought me along.”
“I didn’t see you,” Penny said.
But it was Beckham’s attention that shifted, his eyes widening slightly. “You were there?”
“In a soundproof room with one-way tinted windows overlooking the festivities.” She hated the memory, but Beckham’s brow furrowed in confusion.
“How voyeurish of you,” Penelope said.
“Not my idea of a good time. Trust me.” Reyna turned her attention away from Penelope to concentrate on Beckham. He seemed to be piecing something together and she couldn’t read what he was thinking.
“Where was the room?” Beckham asked.
Reyna tilted her head in confusion. “I don’t know. I guess, from the stage, it was in the upper left corner. Why?”
Beckham straightened and something dawned on his face. “You’re right. We should go talk now.”
“But Beckham,” Penelope all but whined.
He shot her a look. “Go home, Penny. You shouldn’t be absent much longer anyway.”
“You’re not coming back with me?” She stuck her bottom lip out slightly and tried to put her hand on his. He pulled back from her and gestured to the door.
“No,” he flatly refused.
“We’re going to need to talk about this,” Penelope said.