The Tyrant (Banker #3)(52)

“I suppose I deserve that…”

“Damn right,” I said. “So, what’s it gonna be?” I wouldn’t want to choke to death on poison, but I wouldn’t want to be killed in such a savage way either. But at least the latter let him keep some of his dignity—and made me look like a tyrant.

Micah was quiet again, probably sick as he contemplated his own death. Handing himself over would give him a more brutal death, but at least he would have more respect than letting all of his men die in the hatch with him. “You win, Cato.”

I smiled. “I always win, Micah.”





My body had almost completely recovered, though I still had some pain. But even if I were at my worst, nothing would stop me from finishing this for good. Even if I couldn’t walk, I would still have made this happen.

I wore one of my favorite suits even though it was about to be covered in blood. I would have the designer make another for me, and I wanted to look like the tyrant I was as I executed my enemy. We would do it in the middle of the night and leave his body hanging from a pole outside my bank—and the world would know I was victorious.

Siena looked at me in the mirror. “I want to come, Cato.”

I tightened my tie around my neck. “Trust me, you don’t.”

“This is different—”

“It’s worse. You couldn’t stand watching me shoot those criminals in the head. This will be much more gruesome.” I turned around to face her.

She wore a pained expression. “What did he do to my father…?”

I would take it to the grave because it was too disturbing. Now that I loved her, it was even painful for me. I wished I’d been able to save her father so she wouldn’t be orphaned. I didn’t need anyone, but it was nice having my mother around. If I ever needed someone to talk to, she was always there. Siena had no one—except me. “That’s why I don’t think you should be there.”

“I want revenge—”

“And I will get it for you. Trust me, this is not something you want to see.” I cupped both of her cheeks and forced her to look at me. “Baby, please trust me on this. I know you want to see him suffer for what he did to your father and me, but this will not bring you peace. It’ll only make you think about how much your father suffered…and that’s not what I want.”

Siena looked into my eyes, the sadness creeping into her expression.

“Stay here with Martina. I’ll be home in less than two hours.”

“Alright.” She looked like she wanted to argue with me but decided against it. “Be careful.”

“I don’t need to be careful. Micah already surrendered, and my men picked him up.”

“Where are you doing this?”

“Right outside my building.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Like, on the sidewalk where the public can see?”

“Yes. And no one will do a damn thing to stop it—because I can’t be stopped.” I pulled her into my chest and gave her a gentle hug, an embrace that wouldn’t aggravate my sore ribs. “I’ll see you soon.” I pulled away and headed to the door.

“Could you call me when you’re on your way back?”

I turned back to her, seeing the genuine concern written all over her face. One night, I was supposed to come home, but I never did. My car didn’t make it. I’d been abducted against my will and tortured. “I promise.”

“I love you.” Her green eyes looked into mine, beaming and bright. Like two stars, they shone brighter than the heavens. Her eyes full of unconditional love and devotion, the loyalty was written all over her face.

Every time she said those words to me now, I said them back. “I love you too, baby.”





“How are we doing this?” Bates asked from beside me in the car. “Who gets to do the stabbing?”

“Me. All me.” I wasn’t sharing the execution with anyone else. I was rumored to be a tyrant in this country. I had a reputation to live up to. “It’s for Siena’s father. Maybe he was a bad man, but he didn’t deserve to die that way.”

“Shit, no one deserves to die that way.” He looked out the window, wearing a black suit with a matching tie. “At least this will be over for good. We’ll get their cigar business and wipe their accounts. Easiest money I’ve ever made.”

I didn’t care about the money. I just cared about the revenge.

The car pulled up to the curb, and we stepped out.

I had the blade in my pocket, the one I was going to stab my enemy with.

“You’re sure you want to wear that?” Bates asked. “I think it’s about to get ruined.”

“Or it’s about to look better.”

We moved up the stairs to the front of the building. The metal pole had been set up by my men, and the noose dangled from the apparatus. I pulled the blade out of my pocket and held it at my side.

Bates noticed it. “I’m glad we made up…”

“Yeah, me too. I would hate to waste this knife on you.” It was three in the morning, and the streets were quiet. Only a few people passed on the sidewalk, and once they realized something serious was about to happen, they dispersed.

Probably didn’t want to be the next victim.