NERO: Chapter 83

I can see it in her eyes. She thinks this is it. That this is the day we die.

But it’s not.

I step into the office, keeping my palms exposed, and kick the door shut behind me.

“You don’t want her.” I do nothing to hide the fury rolling through my veins. There’s no point in playing it calm. “You want me.”

Mikhail uses his grip in Payton’s hair to pull her further in front of him. “That’s the thing though. I think I might want you both.” He leans in closer to Payton, putting his nose against the back of her head, inhaling.

I take a step forward and he shoves the gun harder against her temple.

“Throw the second gun.”

I can feel my pulse as it thuds through my body, but I do what he says.

Keeping my eyes on Payton, I carefully check to make sure the safety is off before I toss the gun to the floor, a few feet in front of her.

She’s tear-streaked. Hurt. Covered in scrapes. Her lip split. There’s dried blood on her hairline. Her hands are bound, and her stance is full of pain.

But she’s alive.

And she’s never looked more beautiful.

I take a slow breath.

Mikhail was already going to die. But now that he’s put his filthy hands on her. Now that he’s tried to smell her roses. He’s all the way done.

“Your father was standing right where you are when I slit his throat,” I tell him, fully disarmed. “We were standing there, face-to-face, and he was too fucking stupid to suspect a thing. But you.” I dip my chin. “You know you’re about to die. And that’s enough for me.” I take one step forward. “Except I won’t just end your life. I’m going to end your existence.” I take another step. “Your men are dead. Your money will be mine. No one will ever say your name again. Not ever. Because the memory of you will disappear with your last breath. So today, right now, you’re going to suffer both deaths at once. And I’m going to deliver them.”

I take one more step and the gun barrel pulls away from Payton, aiming at me.

“You better kill me with your first shot,” I tell him.

Then I lunge.

And he shoots.