The Deity of Death (Virgins and Villains #3)

Chapter 11

11

MALIK

A Few Days Later

I n two days, Melina is set to marry Nasir, and I’m no closer to getting her out of it now than I was the day I claimed her. It doesn’t help that my attention has been divided between my tasks. Every moment I don’t have to be in front of Omar, I’m at her hotel and basking in her company.

Today, I don’t have that luxury. The boss has an important mission for me, and I damn well hope it isn’t going to send me away while I piece together this damned puzzle.

“You wanted to see me, sir?” My heart’s like stone, but there’s a pit in my gut. I’ve become cavalier in my desires for Melina, and it’s not impossible he’s somehow found out.

The lack of Nasir’s presence and his guards enhances my fears. It’s rare to have a completely isolated meeting, and usually, when it’s him and me alone, someone has to die.

“Great, you’re here. Have a seat, boy. We have much to talk about.” He points to one of the chairs opposite him.

“Where’s Nasir?” I sit.

“Spending time with his bride. He’s a funny boy, that one. I hand him the world in glittering gold, and he still drags his feet to make this deal go smoothly.” Omar sighs. Instant burning rage courses through my veins. Anger doesn’t come close to describing the feeling, but I bite my tongue to keep from saying something regrettable. “He missed both meets with the Remingtons in favor of doing who knows what.”

I smirk at the mention.

Don’t worry, old man. I filled the void and filled her womb on both occasions.

“It’s a marriage out of necessity, not love. Why bother feeding a lie?” I rarely take Nasir’s side on any matter, but seeing how this one involves my woman, I’m inclined to agree that he should stay as far away from Melina as possible.

“Because feeding the lie is the whole point of it. It’s why I’ve brought you here, Malik.” Omar slams his palms down on the table. “While Nasir was greasing Melina’s wheels, we were supposed to discuss what comes next. But with him slacking in his duty and you off killing Americans and disappearing when I need you, I’ve reached my wits’ end.”

Omar huffs deep lungfuls of air through his mouth, the sudden onset of rage knocking the wind straight out of his lungs. I cross a leg over my knee and press both hands into it.

This isn’t going to be good.

“What do you need me to do?” I ask like the loyal dog I am.

A thick plume of gray smoke hangs over the casino floor.

My meeting with Omar dragged late into the night, and every word he said made my guts do a kickflip. It’s why I’m at the hotel instead of at home, thinking of a way to get Melina out of this mess. My word is my bond, and I promised to keep the Remingtons safe while they’re here.

Henry and Nasir are laughing together in front of a blackjack table when I arrive. The sight of their false happiness makes my blood run cold.

Melina’s off to the side, dolled up and pretty in a stunning silver sequined dress. Annoyed and unimpressed, she’s lying cross-armed over the bar, sipping at whatever drink is in front of her.

I make my way to the table.

“There he is, the big man himself.” Nasir’s drunk. I can hear it on every slurred word. “I was just telling my new father here about you.”

Henry bursts out into a fit of laughter at the word father.

“Go home. Now.” I stare at Nasir straight in his beady eyes. His jolly demeanor cracks instantly.

“Did something happen?” He stutters on a few of the syllables, but his body is paralyzed.

Few people have seen my cruelty and lived to tell the tale of it. Nasir has, in the prime of my military career, and by my tone alone, he knows to take caution.

“Leave, Nasir. I won’t say it again.”

Nasir grabs his jacket and wallet and starts running for the door.

“What was that about?” Henry asks. His eyes focus on Nasir.

“Are you okay, Melina?” I ignore him for the moment.

“Fine. Why are you acting so strange?" She raises a brow. Even with the confusion of my outburst, Melina’s mood brightens with my presence. The uncomfortable pout she had when I got here is replaced by a warm smile. It’s almost enough to soothe my burning spirit.

Almost.

“Because Omar wants to kill you, Henry,” I say it bluntly because there’s no way to sugarcoat it.

“The fuck did you just say?” Henry roars.

“He plans to do it on Sunday after the wedding, once your daughter and your company are signed away. He wants to make you an example. Show the world that Omar Ali is a force to be reckoned with.” I have to hand it to Omar; his plan is brilliant. Play coy until the marriage is over before walking away with everything.

And if it weren’t for Melina, I’d have been the one to deliver the bullet.

Henry turns to wax in his chair. His limbs dangle at his sides, and I can practically hear his heart thumping.

“You can’t let that happen,” Melina says, a line of tears swelling in her eyelids.

“I won’t. It’s why I’m here. I know what I must do, but I need both of you to continue as normal.”

“As normal?” Hysterical laughter follows his sentence. “That piece of shit wants to kill me.”

“He won’t. You need to do what I say now, Henry. Everything is going to work out for the better, but I need a distraction.” I don’t want to throw Melina into the lion’s den, but right now, I must.

It’s the only way for her and I to share a brighter future.