“Great. Now we just need the bait,” Parker says while turning to me. “You sure you want to do that, precious?”
“He offered me the deal,” I recall. “Darren Park is the Persian, and he thinks I’m going to be lured by money and security. Which would have worked in the past, but…” I trail off as I look at each boy seated at the table. These aren’t the faces of boys anymore. These are the faces of men. My men. “Nothing can take me away from you now.”
Tomas smiles so brightly that his eyes light up, and Soren appears like a pleased predator. I’m so happy with my decision that I hardly notice Parker’s hand on my shoulder. But when I do, I turn to him, ready to take him into my arms.
Tomas joins us and then Soren, the three of them huddled around me in the chair. The position is weird, but I don’t mind it at all, feeling far too affectionate to care about appearances. That’s what led to so much of my suffering in the past. More important things are waiting for me now—like evening the score here and making sure those who caused us harm are put into the ground.
And it all starts with those pesky Sanderson brothers.
Tomas is the first to drift away from the hug. Parker is next and Soren is last, the two of them sitting much closer than before. We gather close and whisper our plans, understanding that the Persian has eyes and ears everywhere. If he has Amos, then surely he has plants in every household, which means we need to proceed with the utmost care.
By the time we’ve sorted out the details, night has fallen and I’m prepared to make my phone call to the private number that Darren called from when he accosted me in the private locker room at Thasos. He answers quickly and we discuss the details, my eyes hooked on Parker the whole time.
The bait is set: I’ll meet the Sanderson brothers in a private room at Thasos. There, I’ll be handed a one-way ticket and my allowance.
“And Alexandra?” Darren purrs into the phone.
I cringe but respond, “Yes?”
“Don’t disappoint me, all right?”
“Of course not,” I lie. “Why the hell would I do that?”