For Better, For Worse: The Serpent's Contract Wife

Chapter 134: Playing The Game

My hands needily slipped to the back of his neck, playing with the outgrown strand that melted into my fingers like heat.

I gripped him hard, savage hunger taking over as my fingers tangled in his hair and tugged with enough force to yank it out.

And then, I heard a grunt. Oh god, a grunt from him felt like my whole desire was about to erupt.

It was the sexiest sound I ever heard, and I wanted more.

The connection between our lips grew at a fast pace, both of us rivaling with our hunger as if to show who was more starved.

But by the sudden three knocks as though coded, Zade pulled his lips away.

I was still dazed as he handed the flash drive to me, picked up my switchblade, and tucked it in the lining of my corset before leaving.

Only when I heard the door did I jolt back to reality, as though time had suddenly resumed after being frozen. Just like that, I was right back where I’d started.

Stuck with an unconscious man and on the way to give Shane the flash drive.

Please tell me I didn’t hallucinate Zade being here? God, I hope not!

However, the lingering sensation on my lips like it had been clawed over, and a very uncomfortable dampness between my legs proved that wrong.

I heard the door again, but this time, Shane and his men walked in. A look of surprise flashed on his face when he saw Andy before he looked over to me, standing out like a sore thumb.

How dare Zade leave me like this?

Forget that, now’s not the time to think about my horny ass.

"What’s the matter?" I asked, keeping my voice strong. "The target got his drink, but not in the way you think. Surprised?"

Shane looked speechless, looking back and forth between Andy and me.

"What the fuck happened here?" he demanded.

"I was just about to come to you, but you grew impatient," I said, impressed that I remained calm even though my skin felt like leaping off my body.

"I asked what happened!"

"What happened is that you let him pay to fuck Scarlet. Was this the plan? Was I supposed to fuck him or something?"

"How else do you think this would’ve worked? Do you think he would’ve let his guard down either way?"

The drink was never spiked was it? This piece of shit!

I tossed the flash drive at him, and he caught it.

"There’s your important asset. And I didn’t even need to fuck a random dude. Now, have I gained your trust?"

He inspected it carefully, as though making sure it was legit.

Why would he?

Unless he had an idea what it looked like. This whole thing has bugged me ever since... mostly about how well-informed Shane was.

He had details about Andy’s coming. What are the chances of him knowing that the flash drive was gonna be in the briefcase?

Was this all part of Zade’s plan? Or did Shane have someone who gave him that information?

The latter doesn’t sound so good.

"As a matter of fact, you have gained my trust. I’m impressed, Mrs. Salvero. I didn’t think you would."

"Go figure." I crossed my arms.

"Though your methods..." He passed a look to Andy. "It’s messy, and now I’ll have to clean up your mess."

"Beats fucking the guy, right?" I said sassily. "Just so we’re clear on the basics of trust, because we’re trusting each other now... right?"

Shane raised an eyebrow as I neared him fearlessly, with my hands rooted to my sides.

"We’re partners now, and we both wanna bring down Zade, so I suggest you start treating me like one. Next time you do this, you’re gonna be sorry."

Shane barked with laughter. "Well, well, well. Where is this spunky flame coming from? I do believe you were doubtful at first."

"That was before I knew who I was dealing with."

"I’d watch your tone with me," he warned. "Don’t forget that—"

"What?" I cut him off, and his smile dropped. "That you’re gonna decapitate me, and dump me in some abandoned building? You can’t do that because if you could, you would have done that from the very first moment. Your fiancée wouldn’t have worked so hard to sway me to your side. You need me."

I could tell he wanted to grab hold of me, but he smiled instead. "You’re right, I do need you. It’s a good thing we have worked on our loyalty."

"It is..." I agreed. "Are we done? I’d like to return before they find out I’m missing. We wouldn’t want that."

"Of course, we’re done," he replied. Taking my hand, he pressed a kiss to my knuckles without breaking eye contact. "I’ll be looking forward to seeing you again."

Disgust churned through me, but on the surface, I appeared apprehensive as I ripped my hand away from his hold.

I left the room, and without ceasing my steps, I put some distance, even though I had no idea where I was going.

When I made a turn toward the next hall, my legs got heavy, and I almost stumbled if I hadn’t braced my hands on the wall for support.

Oh dear god. I practically ranted off like I had a death wish. Holy shit!

At least it worked... I think. Shane doesn’t suspect anything. He probably just assumed I was running on adrenaline and frustration

I can’t believe I pulled that off. I felt motivated somehow, most likely because I knew he wouldn’t kill me.

"The Serpent was right."

I shot my head up to Candy, smirking.

Serpent? Oh no.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about."

She giggled. "You were so bold over there, and now you can’t even tell a lie with a straight face?"

I straightened my spine and pinned her with a dark look.

"Easy there, cowgirl. I’m with the Serpent."

I blinked. "Why should I believe you?"

"This is my club. Who did you think set this all up?" She placed a finger against her lips before turning on her heel and walking away. "Give the Serpent my regards."