Page 42 of Bloodlust

"I don't break rules, Miss Bianco," he states, an edge to his voice.

"Yeah—" I give him a shrug, "—but I do. And I'mverygood at it."

"I—"

"Talk soon, Doctor Malcolm," I coo, walking away. "Don't miss me too much."

My phone vibrates again, and I clench my fist.

Suddenly spilling my guts in Central Park seems like a better time than dealing with this bullshit.

Huh.

MaybeI'llmiss him first.

Chapter 11

Union

This is ridiculous.

I have a shit ton of money. Unlimited resources. And the best hacker at my beck and call.

And yet...

Istillcan't seem to find where men get thefuckingaudacity!

"Apologize?" I gawk at Leo as he flicks his wrist, swirling hundred-dollar scotch around the crystal glass. I glance over at Zoey, who's leaning on the kitchen island, a wince across her face. "You're seriously suggesting that I apologize to Alba? Have you completely lost your mind?Heshould be apologizing tome!"

"You shot one of his men, Mils," Leo notes, taking a sip of Glenfiddich. "The least you can do is apologize. The man's ego is probably bruised."

"Yeah,shotnotkilled." I shake my head in disbelief. "And it's not my fault that Alba has the skin of a fucking peach. I am not apologizing to him. No fucking way."

"Just take one for the team, Mils," Leo sighs. "It's two words. I think you can manage a simple 'I'm sorry'."

"Unbelievable." I flap my arms against my hips as I blink, completely baffled. "My father, in his fifty-plus years running The Angels, has never, and I mean fucking never, uttered an apology, to anyone! And yetIneed to say it? Seriously?"

"Your father also didn't shoot his goddamn business partners, Camilla!" Leo barks back, raising his voice. "I'm not the only one who thinks this is the only course of action. The Council agrees, and I'msureyourdadwould agree too." He pauses, frowning. "Have you talked to him yet? Hmm?"

I glare up at Leo. "No, not yet."

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Leo cocks his head, brows perked. "Scared that he'll say the exact same thing we are?"

"I amnotscared of my father," I grunt, gripping the cell phone in my hand. "I've just been busy, okay?"

"Well, you're not busy now, are you?" Leo looks at his sister. "Is she busy, Zoe? Does the queen have time for a phone call?"

"Uh," Zoey's gaze darts toward me, her cheeks flushing with uncertainty. "Umm... I think Cami can make her own, uh, decisions, and umm..."

"Right." Leo rolls his eyes at Zoey before looking back at me. He smiles at me like the fucking weasel he is. "Call him, Mils. Don't be a baby."

I grit my teeth. "Why do you even care, Leo? Huh? Has your daddy's money run low and now you need thisdeal to go through? Hmm? Need to fund a few more exotic vacations? Hmm?"

"For the last fucking time, Mils," he states, stalking toward me. "I came back to helpyou, okay? Do you think Ilikeplaying messenger for The Council? No, I don't. I'm doing it because I want to see you succeed, okay? So call your fucking dad back!"

"Fine!" I yell, shoving Leo's chest. He staggers back a foot, grinning at me. "Stop fucking smiling or I'll carve it permanently on your fucking face!"

"Watch out, Gotham," Leo laughs, tossing Zoey an exaggerated side-eye, "There's a new villain in town and she's out for blood."