NERO: Chapter 32

When Payton finally looks up at me, the stricken expression feels like a punch to the ribcage.

And I get it. Two nights ago, I took her innocence, and today, I’m acting like I’ve never even seen her before.

I want to grip her chin and tell her that I’m doing this for her. To keep her safe. That no one can know that I-

I grit my teeth.

I what? Care for her?

I don’t even know her.

Turning my back on Payton, and the hurt in her eyes, I hold in my sigh as I take a seat across from Mayor Devon.

Thankfully, he doesn’t question why I came into this specific café, he just starts in on some new hotel he’s invested in. He’s acting like he found it through some clever investigating, but I know for a fact he heard about it from King, because so did I. But it’s clear that Mayor Devon doesn’t realize The Alliance owns the parent company. I’m tempted to thank him for his investment in my money laundering front, but as satisfying as that would be, I know better than to utter a word because the mayor is the biggest fucking gossip I’ve ever met.

And he’s careless.

He thinks we have some sort of partnership. But that’s because he’s a fucking idiot. He’s in my pocket, indebted to me.

As he prattles on, I nod my head. It’s all good information to know, but honestly, I’ve learned more about his dealings from the hookers he uses than I have from the man himself. Which is both a perk and a downside of using the same escort service.

Not that I’ll have the need for a whore again anytime soon.

My attention slides over to Payton, who’s still busy behind the counter making my drink.

You’re the only man who’s ever been inside of her.

Lust courses down my spine.

And I’m the only man that ever will.