Chapter 20
I stare at the monitors in front of me, reading as quickly as my mind will allow.
The information lays out a sad life, not too dissimilar to my own in certain aspects. The relationship between Nova and West runs deeper than I imagined, adding another layer of difficulty to our situation.
You don’t grow up that close with someone and not find ways to get out of scraps together. And from the looks of it, the two are resourceful and like to live on the other side of the law.
My eyes move to the next monitor, showing information on a deceased woman listed as West’s mother. The resemblance between her and her son is uncanny, despite the erratic look he now sports. Moving on, I examine the detailed police report from West’s arrest, along with his prison sentence, and subsequent release.
Tavish has dug up info that the police never found, displayed below the reports is the list of contacts West has within the local drug ring. At the top of the list, a man by the name of Rex Vito. From what Tavish could find, it appears the man oversees nearly all of this side of Massachusetts’ opioid dealings.
I grit my teeth as I read through all the instances he has fucked over those under his employ, including West.
The info shows that Rex set up West’s arrest, orchestrating for him to take the fall when Rex caught wind the cops were getting close to making a breakthrough on their case.
“Motherfucker.” I growl, slamming my fist onto the desk.
Tavish jumps, choking on his drink. “Hey!” He shouts, glaring at me. “Watch the aggression, man.”
I turn my furious look on him, my lips curling up as he shrinks into his seat.
Adjusting his glasses, he waves at the monitors in front of him. “Look, these don’t work if this doesn’t work.” He gestures toward the rest of his set up.
“Go take out your anger on one of the numerous prisoners around, but leave my computer out of it.” Averting his eyes, he shoves a chip into his mouth, the loud crunch breaking the tension.
Sighing, I run a hand down my face. “You’re right.” I admit, looking back at the image of the man who just moved to the top of my kill list. “I can think of a much better use of my anger.” Turning toward the exit, I clap Tavish’s shoulder. “Thanks for this.”
“No problem.” He mumbles around the food in his mouth.
Chuckling, I open the door. “Oh, could you send all that to me?” I glance over my shoulder and catch him nod. “Thanks. And remember. Not a word.” Tavish gulps, nodding again and shooting me a thumbs up.
Shaking my head, I leave, shutting the door behind me.
The device tucked in my pocket buzzes a few seconds later with the secure link from Tavish.
Climbing into the elevator, I pull up the info and locate the file. I skim over it again before tucking the device away, making my way to my car as the elevator doors open.
Just got to make a quick stop first.
Pulling up to the small cabin, I throw the car in park and climb out, stretching under the early morning light.
My little detour took more time than I expected, but it’ll be worth it I’m sure. I’ve already seen the viciousness both of them possess.
Images of West repeatedly stabbing Carver and Nova standing over me with a knife pressed to my throat, a wild look in her eyes as she threatened me, flash through my mind. My cock twitches at the prospect of finding out just how deep the darkness runs.
Time to find out.
I close the car door, strolling toward the shack. It’s quiet, making me wonder if they’ve both succumbed to sleep. There’s no way they tried to leave, of that I’m certain, my traps wouldn’t allow them to get far. Glancing behind me, I eye the treeline, my gut churning at the thought of either of them getting caught in one of the snares, or worse, explosives.
Maybe when they’ve come to accept their fates, I can disable a few…
Shaking my head, I turn my attention back to the cabin, climbing up the steps and grabbing the door handle. Twisting my wrist, I slowly pull it open, not wanting to wake either of them if they have opted to sleep.
Why do I care?
I push aside the thought, stepping inside. A blur of movement to my left kicks in my instincts. Ducking, I barely avoid the lamp swung at my head. I’m so distracted by the attack I nearly miss the boot hurtling toward me.
Catching her leg, I yank Nova toward me, straightening and slipping my arm around her neck. I level West with a glare as I warn, “Drop it or I”ll break her neck.” It’s an empty threat, but the look he gives me shows he doesn’t notice.
Slowly setting the lamp on the floor, West raises his hands, his eyes darting between Nova and me. “Okay okay.” He agrees, his muscles bunching as he works to restrain himself.
My lips twitch, almost giving me away. A renewed excitement fills me as I see the murderous hatred emitting from him.
Good thing I have something for him to let all that energy out on.
A flash of a different form of release pops into my head. I bite my lip, my eyes trailing down his muscular body. It wouldn’t be my first time exploring that side of myself, but it has been quite some time since I’ve given into the urge.
West tenses further under my heated gaze, his cheeks reddening as he tries to subtly shift.
I smirk, enjoying the effect just a look has on him.
Just wait, pretty boy. I’ll introduce you to a whole new world.
Flicking my tongue out, I slowly lick my lips as I drag my eyes down to his bulging jeans and back up. Before we can continue our little foreplay, a sharp elbow hits me in the gut. I grunt, tightening my hold on Nova.
“Their.” She snaps, stomping her foot down on mine. I laugh, angering her further. “It’s not funny, asshole.” She growls, attempting to free herself but no match for my strength.
I wrap my other arm around her waist, pressing her body back against mine. She gasps as her ass presses against my cock. “The more you struggle, the more I enjoy it.” I whisper in her ear.
She shudders, unable to hide the effect my words have on her.
“That’s it, beautiful.” I purr, rolling my hips into her. “Can’t hide from me, my little nightmare.” She sucks in a breath as I use her own term, surprising myself by how right it feels.
Before either of them can react further, I stop my movements and drop the seductive voice. “Now if you both would calm down.” I rumble, eyeing West.
He glares at me, his arms still raised but fists clenched. A glance down at Nova shows her shooting a venomous look of her own my way.
“Okay, close enough.” Chuckling, I nod toward the couch. “Sit down, pretty boy. I have a present for you.”
He eyes me suspiciously, sliding toward the couch and slowly sinking down onto the cushions. “What is it?” He asks, his eyes darting between Nova and me.
“I found out something pretty interesting last night.” I say instead of answering his question, walking Nova toward him. “Seems that you’ve got a bit of a past.” West’s eyes widen, the color draining from his face.
Releasing Nova, I twist her around and push her to a seated position. “We’ve got a guest I think you know. Now you both be good and stay here while I go get him.” I level them both with a stern look before spinning on my heels and exiting the room.
Muffled thumping sounds from the trunk as I grow closer. Popping it open, I peer down at the man bound and gagged. “Showtime.” I chuckle, reaching in and yanking Rex out of the vehicle.
He thrashes in my hold, shouting muffled curses into the cloth in his mouth. Shaking him, I growl, “Shut up.” His struggles intensify as we grow closer to the door. Tightening my grip, I drag him up the stairs and inside, coming to a stop several feet in front of West and Nova.
The remaining color drains from West as his eyes land on my gift. “What. The. Fuck.” He whispers, dropping his arms finally and gripping the edge of the cushioned seat.
Nova looks between us, confusion on her face. “What’s going on?” She demands, a hard edge to her tone at her friend’s discomfort.
Without responding, I drag Rex along as I gather up the chair and discarded rope previously used on me. Shoving him down onto the wooden seat, I make quick work of strapping him to the chair, ensuring the knots are secure. I push myself upright, standing behind him with a hand firmly on his shoulder. West continues to stare at Rex, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
Shifting my attention to Nova, I smile. “Nova, meet Rex.” I squeeze my hand, my smile widening as Rex flinches at the force of my hold. “The man responsible for selling out West.”