Now she’s got egg on her face, and she wants the responsible parties to pay. Which, of course, I agree that the Paine brothers need to pay—especially Broderick. It’s just… I gave my word to Harlow that I wouldn’t stab them in the back. Even considering such an option puts my sister and uncle in danger. It doesn’t matter that Cohen hasn’t traumatized Winry and Jasper seems to be dealing with Ezekiel well enough; neither of them can stand against Abel if he decides to punish me for stepping out line.

The reminder makes my stomach tight. I paste a smile on my face. “Don’t worry about it. I have everything under control.”

I hope like hell that I’m not lying.

Chapter 13

Shiloh

“The Amazons are going to be a problem.”

I rub my temples with my fingertips and try to smother my frustration. It’s not Maddox or Cohen’s fault that I want to wring Broderick’s neck, and they won’t thank me for being an asshole because of it. It’s also not their fault that even mentioning the Amazons as a whole is enough to raise my blood pressure.

Still, Maddox’s comment doesn’t make sense. “I would hardly say Monroe’s been on her best behavior, but the fact remains that she hasn’t killed anyone, and, while the Amazons have removed every listening device I’ve planted in her office, she’s going about her workdays like normal.” She might be driving me to distraction, but that’s a personal thing.

Cohen leans forward and crosses his arms over the back of the chair he’s straddling. “Aisling Rhodius is a fucking shark, and she’s furious that we stole her precious little heir. They’re going to be a problem.”

Maddox nods. “Aisling’s been calling Winry regularly, and while they don’t appear to be talking about anything important, Winry is becoming more and more stressed out by those conversations.” His gaze goes flinty, but I can’t tell if it’s because of Winry’s distress or Aisling’s machinations. Maybe it’s both.

“You think it’s code.”

He shrugs. “I don’t know if it’s as refined as that, but there are obviously layers that we’re missing. It could be the same with Aisling and Monroe.”

I think back over all the times Aisling has come into Monroe’s office and gone over things or attended meeting after meeting. Could something have slipped into those interactions without my noticing? It’s more than likely, especially since I try to avoid Aisling as much as I can.

I frown. “It’s possible. Probable even. Monroe has one hell of a poker face.” At least when she’s not coming all over my hands and face. She didn’t bother to hide her delight or desire even once when we were in bed last night.

“Shiloh?”