Page 12 of Property of Zombie

6

ZOMBIE

“You’ve got a lot of nerve.”

I arch a brow at Michael, contemplating his words. He’s not wrong. What I did, and in a lion’s den no less, took balls. Fortunately, mine are made of steel, and Michael’s are nonexistent.

“Jealous?” I counter.

He bristles, and it’s all I can do not to laugh at him. “I need to get back to the gala.”

Grabbing his arm as he tries to walk past me, I take note of the lions moving closer. “Not so fast,” I snap. “We’ve got shit to discuss.”

Michael darts fear-filled eyes from me to the lions and back again. “Here?”

I’d be lying if I said I’m not a bit apprehensive being so close to creatures that could kill me, but I’ll be damned if I let this pissant know that.

“Good a place as any,” I say with a shrug.

He stares at me incredulously before yanking out of my hold. “If you wanna talk, then you can follow me.”

I let him walk away, slightly grateful for the out he’s providing. I don’t regret my decision to climb the fence and take care of Lucy, but I also don’t have a death wish.

Especially now that I’ve met the sexy Lucy.

Once we’re both on the live-to-see-another-day side of the enclosure, Michael faces me with his arms crossed over his chest. His attempt at intimidation is cute but woefully ineffective.

“What do you want?” he demands.

“Morris Baker.”

He opens and closes his mouth several times before any words come out. “What about him?”

“Little birdie told me you’re working on a deal with him.”

Guilt flashes in his eyes. “So?”

“So,” I begin, dragging out the word and stepping closer to him. “You made a deal with the club that you wouldn’t sell any of the properties surrounding the fucking clubhouse without our permission.”

“The property he’s interested in is a mile down the road from the clubhouse,” he protests.

“And?”

“And you can’t seriously expect me not to sell it. It’s been sitting empty for years, and Morris is⁠—”

“An unknown,” I snap.

“He’s rich,” he counters like the man’s wealth will make a difference. “He’s willing to pay double what the bank is asking and the back taxes due. Do you have any idea the amount I’ll make on commission by selling to him?”

“Do you have any idea how slow and painful your death will be if you sell to him?” The color drains from his face, and I smirk. “What the hell did you think would happen if you went against us?”

“I don’t know.”

“Nobody fucks with the Kings,” I snarl. “And if they do, they certainly don’t get away with it.”

“Zombie.”

At the sound of my name, I look over my shoulder and see Dr. Binks standing a few feet behind me. “Hey, Doc.”