The black SUV slid between cars with deliberate ease as it passed through New York’s streets like a shadow. The mood within was strained the weight of what was ahead weighing on every breath. With his fingers tapping his thigh, Ethan sat in the passenger seat, taking in the information his guys had collected.
It was Alec Moreau’s turn.
The docks were only the start. Not only was Moreau retaliating, but he was laying the groundwork for something more significant, which Ethan had not yet deduced.
Holding the revolver he had given her, Lily sat next to him. She was no longer terrified, at least not in the same sense. Now fear meant something else. It had nothing to do with hiding or running. It was a matter of survival.
When Ethan did speak, his voice was steady. This time, Moreau isn’t only issuing a warning. He desires conflict.
Lily gave him a quick look. "Let’s give him one then."
There was no amusement in Ethan’s sneer. Lily, you don’t bargain with men like Moreau. You are smarter than them. You give them the impression that they are in charge until they discover they are not.
Although Lily could see the reasoning behind it, she felt strongly that this was more than just a power struggle. Moreau was meticulous and exact, not careless. He had an edge if he was attracting Ethan.
He believed he did, anyhow.
The SUV arrived in a deserted warehouse lot next to the river. Ethan’s guys were already positioned and observing from different angles. Under the light of a single flickering streetlamp, Moreau’s men stood waiting next to a slick black Mercedes.
Slowly and deliberately, Ethan opened the door and walked out. Lily stayed close behind.
A tall, well-dressed man came out from the other side of the lot. Alec Moreau.
Although he was younger than Lily had anticipated, his piercing green eyes had a cold, calculating quality. He strolled with the assurance of a man used to command.
With his arms slightly wide, Moreau drewled, "Ethan Calloway." "I was starting to believe that you had lost your advantage."
Ethan remained silent. "You requested a meeting. I’m present.
Moreau looked at Lily for a moment, then back at Ethan. Attending a negotiation with your woman? Brave.
Ethan didn’t even flinch when Lily tensed up. "She remains." There was no space for debate in his tone.
Moreau grinned. "All right." He indicated the Mercedes. "Should we speak?"
Ethan stepped forward, his face inscrutable. "Speak."
Moreau stopped grinning. I’m going to get right to the point. This conflict is bad for business, as we both know. I offer a bargain.
Ethan’s eyebrows went up. "A bargain?"
Moreau gave a nod. "You leave. You depart New York with your guys and your enterprise. I provide you life in return.
Although Lily’s pulse quickened, her expression remained neutral. The answer was already there to her in Ethan’s eyes.
Ethan gave a low, menacing laugh. "You believe you have the authority to make demands?"
Moreau’s face remained unchanged. "I believe I have a chance to prevail. I have the figures, Calloway, but you’re OK. The materials. The leverage. His head cocked slightly. "If this keeps up, we both know what will happen. People you love suffer harm. Lily, for instance.
Before Lily could respond, Ethan made a move. He stood still for a moment. The next, he was holding a pistol to Moreau’s forehead.
The atmosphere changed instantly. Ethan’s men were quicker, their rifles already drawn, while Moreau’s men stiffened, their hands reaching for their weapons.
Except for the wind roaring through the openings in the buildings, the lot was quiet.
Ethan’s tone was cold. "I’ll shoot you in the skull if you say her name again."
Moreau remained unflinching. He appeared, if anything, amused. "I assume that means there is no deal?"
Ethan applied more pressure on his flesh with the barrel. "It indicates that you have just committed the greatest error of your life."
After a tense beat, Moreau lifted his hands gently. "Simple, Calloway. Drama is not necessary.
After a lengthy minute of staring, Ethan lowered the rifle.
With a sigh, Moreau straightened his clothes. "You ought to have accepted the offer. You’ve given me no other option now.
Ethan’s mouth clenched. "I’ll burn your entire business to the ground if you pursue me once more."
Moreau grinned. "We’ll see."
He then turned and made his way back to his vehicle. His troops trailed after, vanishing into the darkness.
Unaware that she had been holding her breath, Lily released it. "That went smoothly."
Ethan remained silent. He was already planning forward 10 steps.
The war had just been proclaimed by Moreau.
And Ethan wasn’t going to lose.
A Reckoning Is Coming
Ethan walked the room back to the penthouse, going over every possibility in his head. He kept repeating Moreau’s remarks to himself.
You ought to have accepted the offer.
The fact that Moreau dared to suggest it showed that he had something planned, even if he never gave it any thought.
Lily watched him from the edge of the bed. "Isn’t he planning something?"
Ethan let out a breath. "Yes."
Lily paused. "So we attack first."
A little grin tugged at Ethan’s lips as he gazed at her. "You’re improving at this."
She shrugged. "The best teach me."
With a hand running through her hair, Ethan approached. "You understand what this means, don’t you?"
Lily looked up at him. "It implies that there is no going back."
Ethan gave a nod.
"We must strike him before he strikes us." His tone was calculating and icy. "We want this war to end on our terms."
Lily took a gulp. "How do we accomplish that?"
Ethan’s eyes grew gloomy. We cut him off at the knees and eliminated his contacts and supply channels. Make sure he’s left with nothing to fight with.
Lily’s heartbeat accelerated. It was risky, even careless. But there was no other option.
There would be war.
Additionally, they would either—
Or lose everything.