Page 59 of The Predator

"Not this time. This time, I want revenge. I want you to pay for the damage you’ve caused. For taking away one of my best associates, for ruining my plans. But mostly I want you to pay for standing there smiling like nothing even happened while your piece of shit husband broke my fingers.”

"I have money. Arturo money. Isn't that better than revenge?"

There's a long pause, and I'm waiting for the next curse, the next threat, but instead I'm surprised when I hear neither.

"How much money?"

"I'm not sure, maybe a hundred thousand dollars.”

He scoffs. "That's a downpayment, nothing more. I know Arturo has more money than that."

I pause, my heartbeat thundering into my throat when I think I hear a scuffle outside the door.Shit. Is he awake?I listen a little harder, but all I catch is my heartbeat pounding in my ears. No. He would open the door and walk in if he were awake.

"Elyse...don't fucking toy with me. I promise you won’t like what happens."

"I'm not," I whisper, moving deeper into the bathroom to get away from the door. "I'm just trying to be careful. I only have access to what's in the house."

"I don’t care. It's not fucking enough."

There's nothing else to barter with. I mean yes, there is some jewelry, and fancy clothes, but that's it. I've never had any money myself, and I can't exactly walk up to Sebastian and ask for some, not without a million questions attached.

"What will it take for you to leave him alone? To let him do his business and live his life in peace?”

There's another pause and I listen as he puffs on a cigarette a few times.

"Just bring me the money and yourself. It’s the only trade I’m willing to make.”

"In exchange for..." I prompt. He's not likely to keep his word but I need him to say it out loud, to be certain.

I pull the phone away from my ear, and quickly navigate to the record app, then I hit the button and let the app do its work.

"You bring me one hundred thousand dollars and yourself, and I’ll make sure no one fucks with your husband.”

It's not exactly incriminating, but I save it regardless. At the very least, when I'm gone, Sebastian might be able to piece together what happened.

"Fine."

"Now," he bites into the phone. "Come home now."

I shake my head and then speak. "No, I can't. We both know he won’t let me just leave here. That will cause a bigger problem.”

"Sounds like paradise," he sneers. "You sure know how to pick them, Ely."

The sound of my name in that voice makes me shudder, makes me feel dirty and disgusting. I breathe through my nose to stop myself from puking. That’s all I need to do right now.

"We have a deal, but it won't be right now."

"How fucking long do you expect me to wait? I mean, you’re the one who wants this. I could give two shits. I’ll kill both of you and move on with my life.”

"I'm going back to school in the next day or two. If I can get away from him I'll get the money and meet you somewhere. The only stipulation is that I need some type of guarantee you won’t hurt him once the deal is done.”

He makes a soft humming noise. "Let's put it this way. As long as you do what you are told, I won't feel the need to take my frustration out on your husband. You be a good girl, and I'll leave him alone."

It's a shit deal all around, but if it lets me fix even a portion of the mess I've made then it's worth it, at least for Sebastian.

A hot tear slides down my cheek, and I angrily swipe it away. "Fine. Like I said, give me a day or two, and I'll be there."

"Well, I have to admit I'm pleased. You know I've missed having you around terribly."