Chapter 31 #2
Viper’s thigh hits my shoulder as he leans over and picks up the knife, and another electric jolt travels through me.
He keeps the knife in its case, pointing out the intricate oriental patterns that wrap along the simple wooden sheath.
Out of everything on the table, it’s the least assuming, least decorated knife.
“Made from Yasugi steel,” Viper says. “The highest-quality traditional-style Japanese knives.”
“It looks like a kitchen knife,” I say as he slides it from the sheath and shows me the blade.
“It is.” He sets it down. “Some of the finest Japanese cutlery. It’s used for slicing meat.”
I frown, remembering they are selling weapons for Rune’s game hunts.
“Shall we discuss terms?” Zane asks. The way he eyes the kitchen knife makes my stomach twist grossly.
“I have the terms here.” Clyde says, crossing the room.
He hands Viper a small gold envelope with a red wax seal.
The one I know that holds my fate. Funny how one piece of paper can alter an entire life.
If handed to the wrong person, that single note could ruin me.
It almost did when Rune tried to marry me off to Zane.
Now that Zane’s called things off, I’m being offered to Viper in good faith. Rune handing me over to them shows a level of trust, not just in business, but with my life. I’m his adopted daughter, and on the outside, I’m a valuable asset.
Like Zane said, I’m here to sweeten the deal.
Sitting in the chair beside me, Viper pops the seal, removes the letter from the envelope, and slowly unfolds it, an uncaring, callous look on his stunning face.
A flicker of something passes behind his eyes as he skims the letter.
He rubs the thick paper between his fingers like he’s debating the words on the page, then hands it to Breaker.
When Breaker reads what Rune wrote, he tilts his head to the side, gaze dragging over me, then hands the paper back to Viper. Like they do this every day. Bargain in women and sex and weapons.
Hell, for all I know, they do.
The thought sticks uncomfortably in the back of my mind.
Viper sets the letter down on the table, then taps a finger to the center of the page as he eyes, first Clyde, then Zane. “Does Rune often use his daughter as a bargaining chip?”
Zane gives a nonchalant shrug that makes my fingers itch to slap him. “What Rune does with his property is of no concern to me.”
Property. God, I hate this man.
“Why would he want to take the offer?” Breaker asks. “Isn’t she the one with a loose cunt?”
Red heat travels from my neck to my cheeks. “Excuse me?” I say, glaring at Zane. “You said what about me?”
“Cora,” Clyde warns, placing a hand on my shoulder. To Viper he says, “Either you accept or you don’t.”
Viper drags his eyes over me in a way that makes my cheeks burn hotter than they already were. “I accept.”
“Good,” Zane says. “When can we finalize the deal?”
“After full payment is received,” Viper says.
“She’s payment enough for now,” Zane says. “Rush it. Rune wants all the weapons in place before the members arrive. He has a special event planned.”
Viper leans back in his seat, propping an elbow on the back of the chair, leveling him with a cool gaze. “You will receive the rest of the weapons once I confirm the wire transfer.”
“The funds will be transferred after we receive all the weapons.” Zane motions to me. “Rune knows you will take care of Cora until then. Just as we are sure that the cutlery will be sent out tomorrow as agreed.” He points to a large hunting knife. “Include several of these.”
He leans forward, reaching for the hunting knife with jewels encrusted in the handle, but Viper moves faster, snatching it up, and grips Zane’s wrist. The knife slams down into the wooden table, digging in deep right next to Zane’s hand.
A smirk plays across his face as he watches Zane’s expression fall.
A ruthless chuckle escapes Breaker. He leans toward Zane, eyes glimmering with something I’ve never seen before. Some dark, sinister thing that sends a strange tingle up my spine.
Seems I keep forgetting who and what they are.
“No touching the merchandise until the sale is final,” Breaker says. “Vince doesn’t like dirty hands defiling his possessions.”
Zane clears his throat, recovering, but Viper doesn’t release his wrist, that dangerous thing under his skin turning his expression sharp.
I think this is the first time I’ve ever pitied Zane.
Viper’s blue-green eyes stay locked on Zane’s face as he says to me, “Your father’s partner is disrespectful.” He cocks his head to the side, his grip tightening on the knife handle. “Since he’s so curious, should I demonstrate how sharp it is for him?”
Breaker lets out a ruthless chuckle.
I smile smugly, my belly fluttering at the level of rage pouring from Viper. “I’m not sure, Zane. Should we?”
Zane leans back in his seat, attempting to lift his injured hand. “Apologies.”
Seeing Zane apologize sends sparks of cruel joy through me.
Viper releases Zane and stands upright. He grabs the letter from the table, and slips it back in the envelope, then tucks it in the pocket of his suit jacket.
“I accept her. If anyone disrespects what’s mine again, the deal is off.
” He rolls the weapons up but leaves the hunting knife embedded in the table.
He gestures to it. “In good faith.” He backs away, adjusting his cuffs and buttoning his suit jacket, calm and collected.
Viper flings a hand in my direction. “I’ll take her now. ”
My heart does a flip.
Clyde steps between me and Viper. “Where she goes, I go.”
“That’s going to make for an interesting night, old man.” Viper glances at Breaker. “Good thing I have an enormous bed. Seems it’s going to be crowded.”
Breaker stands and buttons his suit jacket, barely looking my way as he offers his hand. “Let’s go.”