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“And which side is that?”
“The fucking Italian scum, of course. I told you that alliance was a bad idea. I told you that fucker would betray you!”
“You’ve been the only one setting fires, Jasper. Literally and figuratively.”
He shakes his head hard enough for his jowls to wobble. “That wasn’t me.”
“For God’s sake,” I mutter under my breath. He’s lost his mind. Up until now, there were traces of the Jasper I once knew. Now, he’s a hollow shell of himself.
“Enough of this shit, Arsen,” Dominik grunts. “End this now. Kill the bastard. This has gone on long enough.”
My stomach turns at the thought. But Dominik is right. He’s been right about Jasper all along.
“Jasper, I need you to put your guns down.”
“Why, ‘causehewants me to?” His jaw squares. “Dominik is betraying you, too. He’s working to bring you down from the inside.”
“Look around you, Jas. You’re outnumbered. Don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be. Lower your arms.”
As if he’s only just doing the math, his eyes scan around the circle. Slowly, a sickening smile spreads across his face. “You think I’m alone?” he practically cackles. “You think I would show up here without backup?”
Gedeon, Dominik, and I share a look. None of us know what the hell Jasper is talking about.
“He’s bluffing,” Dominik finally snorts.
At that exact moment, a gunshot sounds from the thicket of trees just behind Jasper. One of my men hits the ground, clutching his side.
Dominik and Gedeon throw themselves in front of me, scanning the tree line for an enemy we can’t see.
“That’s right!” Jasper cries triumphantly. “I told you I wasn’t alone. There are more men behind me. And they just might outnumber you.”
Vasily is already half-turned towards the house, waiting for my signal. I nod. “Make sure security is covering the entire perimeter of the property. I don’t want anyone getting in from the back.”
He disappears, taking a handful of men with him while I push Ged and Dom aside to focus my attention on Jasper.
“I’ve underestimated you, Jas.” He smiles for a second before I add, “You’re clearly way more fucking insane than I ever gave you credit for.”
The smile drops off his face. “I had to get your attention somehow. I’m trying to warn you. You’re trusting the wrong people, Arsen. You have to believe me.” His voice cracks. “I’m family.”
There was a time that was true, but it’s over now.
“Who are you here with?” My gaze flits towards the treeline, but I can’t see anything other than darkness.
“Friends,” he murmurs. “Friends who are willing to put their support behind you if you would just listen?—”
“I’m done listening, Jasper.” Behind my back, I signal to my men.
They move forward, ready to take him.
Jasper scrambles backward. For a second, he’s a cornered animal, helpless and terrified. Then his lips pull back behind his teeth as he raises his weapons.
“Take cover!” I warn.
But it’s too late. Bullets fly aimlessly over our heads. I duck and roll out of the way.
The shots stop as fast as they started, but when I stand, Dominik is crouching over a body. “You killed him! You fucking killed him!”
Killed who?I can’t see who fell.
