A/N: Is now a bit late to warn you guys this book has some swearing? Lol, I forget some of y'all are a bit younger and precious and innocent. Sorry not sorry. 

PS: Remember to VOTE, COMMENT, and FOLLOW me!

"Welcome, Amber Marigold," Xavier says. Poison leaks from every syllable with those green eyes - showing off a much more sinister message.

"Fuck off," I reply.

"I simple 'hello' would suffice," Xavier says in deadpan. 

I hear someone tuning in on my hidden microphone as my discreet earpiece  goes a little snowy for a second. I hear the guys in the background. And then Calvin's voice saying: 'Stay focused.'

We all decided it was best to stay communicated with the earpiece and microphone that's hidden by my boob. I had Calvin hide that last one.

"Where's Lynch?" I ask - trying my very best to not rip open another slit and kick Xavier's teeth in right now. If Lynch so much as has a scratch, I will make this suit-wearing devil wish he was never born.

Xavier sighs and straightens himself up - making me feel tiny with his tall, proud frame. I'm guessing he might even pass Owen and Blake. "The boy is alive. I'm having someone bring him out as we speak," Xavier says.

"You better hope he is," I growl.

The cold night air nips at my exposed skin - making a little shiver go through me since I'm wearing a dress that has a lot of open skin.

"You cold?" Xavier smiles.

"Not nearly as much as you," I shoot back.

"I live for these comebacks you have, Amber Marigold," Xavier chuckles.

"Whatever," I grumble.

And then I see him. I nearly run towards Lynch as some nurse pushes him out in a wheelchair. There are tubes connecting him to some drip and an oxygen tank pushed out with him. He's so pale and blue, I have to wonder if he's really alive. And with the lack of hair, my heart breaks all over. 

"He's alive?" I ask because up close Lynch looks even more deadly pale.

"Why, actually, yes. I think I deserve a little something just for that," Xavier grins.

I give him a death stare before walking over to Lynch in his wheelchair and crouching down.

"He hasn't woken up?" I ask.

I'm worried he might be strapped a little too tight to the wheelchair, and when I take Lynch's hand in mine, it's so cold. Only the intake of the oxygen mask lets me know that's he's breathing.

"No," Xavier answers.

"Did you guys feed him?" I ask and try feeling if Lynch's forehead is burning up.

"No," Xavier answers again and I give him a look that promises a painfully slow death.

Sean gets out of his car and the look he hands Xavier manages to even scare me. He didn't even know Lynch and yet this East-side driver knows how fucked up Xavier is for hurting Lynch in the first place. Lynch shouldn't even be in the gang life right now.

Sean scoops Lynch up - with all the wires and I help him carry the oxygen tank as he loads Lynch in the back of the car. Sean looks back at me and nods - he'll get Lynch to Liam that's waiting in the ambulance outside.

I nod as well - telling him he can go.

"You sure?" Sean asks. The idea to just drive off is shown through his eyes, but I can't risk Xavier ordering his men to shoot at the car. Xavier wants me dead - proven when he aimed that gun at me at the Northern ball, so he won't think twice to kill all three of us if we try to cheat him out of this trade.

"I'm sure," I answer and watch as Sean hessitantly climbs back into his car.

Before Sean can drive off, I hear Calvin say: 'Ask about Matt,' in the earpiece.

I turn to Xavier and ask: "What about Matt? Don't we get him back as well?" 

I can practically sense Calvin's tension on the other side as Xavier hands me this cruel, smug smirk. "Will I get something extra?" the devil asks.

I don't even know what Xavier expects of tonight. All he asked for is that I spend tonight here in return for Lynch. He could be planning to torture me, kill me or hell, read me a fucking book. None of that was specified, so 'giving something more' is raising alarms.

But then, I start to think about how nobody knows Calvin is gay and that he and Matt really love each other. I think about how Calvin promised to tell everyone he's gay when he gets Matt back and we're all safe tomorrow.

"Anything," I answer, "I'll give you anything for Matt."

I can hear Calvin's grateful breath on the other side of the earpiece.

Xavier lets out a cruel laugh and I really just want to punch him. "That, Amber Marigold, is a deal I will most certainly take!"

My own hopes get up, "So, you'll free him then?" I ask.

"When you say anything, do you mean anything? Have dinner, sleep with me, get tortured, kill someone?" Xavier asks.

I swallow the knot in my throat. "Anything," I repeat.

"How about joining the North-side gang and commit yourself to killing who I want you to kill?" Xavier asks.

My soul. Xavier wants to know if I'm willing to sell my soul for Matt's life. And even though my soul might be all that's left. This frail, useless thing is the only part keeping me here, I know someone who is truly good, deserves a happy ending.

"If that's what it takes to get Matt back, yes," I answer.

I can feel myself tearing a bit up at the prospect of completely losing myself. But I don't cry and I don't dare to hesitate giving Calvin and Matt their happy ending.

Xavier lets out a chuckle. "That's just marvelous! Perfect, actually. But... your friend needs to get back to a doctor and the night is still young. Let's discus this new deal over a dinner. The kitchen worked very hard," Xavier says.

I feel myself getting frustrated, because I would really like Matt back before we set light to Isabella.

"Fine then," I say and walk over to Xavier. 

I hear Sean driving off and when Xavier extends his arm, I hook mine in with so much disgust, I want to vomit. I hate this man so much, but I need to keep him happy if I want to get Matt back. 

With the lace of my red dress fitted perfectly across my body and the texture of the material swishing past my legs, I feel powerful. The gold-like heels don't lower my confidence either. I keep my back straight and my eyes focused, because even though I'm willing to sell my soul to get Matt back, I know somewhere the West and East are trying to get in, so we can make the North pay.

Xavier leads me through the massive, grand double doors of Isabella and then through the foyer. I feel like where our arms are connected, I'm burning by the time we get to the extravagant dining room. More food than possibly necessary for two people, is stacked on the long, 12-seater dining table. The food cooked to such perfection that even Hogwarts' house elves would be impressed.

Well, I think to myself, I'm sure not going to waste any of the food while I'm here. No need to be a rude guest just yet.

Xavier surprisingly pulls out a chair for me on the right side of the table and I glare at him before sitting. Pretending to be a gentlemen, doesn't mean you're not the devil that deserves a slow death.

Xavier sits at the table and has the same poisonous grin as always with his straight, perfect teeth. Just one, I beg to whatever gods are listing. Just let me punch out one of his teeth.

"Have I said, Amber Marigold, how splendid you look in that red dress?" Xavier asks and then adds, "Great minds think alike!" as he shows off his red tie.

"But idiots never differ," I add.

"Did you just call yourself an idiot?"

"I'm having dinner with you. I must be a pretty big idiot if events have lead me to this."

"Can't argue with that," Xavier admits before pouring us both wine. 

I wait for him to take a sip - making sure it's not poisoned. When he looks fine, I take my own sip as well. It's pretty good.

"You do know, that I'm underage?" I remind Xavier.

"Yes, but you'll be eighteen in about a week, so there really isn't any harm," Xavier counters. Of course everyone would know when y birthday is when even I tend to forget. I take another sip while glaring at Xavier. Damn, I wish looks could kill.

"What are you planning for tonight? Why did you request me? Aren't you just going to kill m and be done with it?" I ask.

'Don't test him,' I hear Calvin say in the earpiece.

Xavier takes another big sip of his wine. He stands and takes a nearby knife on the table - which makes me cold all over, because I might die earlier than I've been expecting.

"Well," Xavier starts, "you are descendant of the Sterling gang. Killing you would be very wise," Xavier explains before he start to carve the chicken-looking thing. "But as you've mentioned, we both seem to be idiots..." he says and dumps some of the carved chicken on my plate. "And I can find much better ways to wield you, Amber Marigold, until your end is required..."

"My end is required? What does that mean?"

"You'll know when it's here," Xavier says with a smirk while filling my plate even more. At no point do I stop him, because I'll probably in any way go get myself some seconds and thirds and diabetes while I'm at it.

"What if you reach your end before all that?" I ask with an elegantly quirked eyebrow.

"You'll have to outsmart me, dear Amber Marigold," Xavier laughs.

I almost snort, because he has no idea how outsmarted he'll be in no time. How Mysterious Fucker texted me on my way and told me everything I need to go. All the information that can help me kill Xavier and get my guys out of here alive after we take down the North.

I can't forget how Mysterious Fucker told me not to do anything stupid. I told him it's a promise I can't make and then he actually begged me to just stay safe. I can fight, I can attack, but I can't get myself killed. He doesn't want me dead until he himself is dead and he can't witness it.

Mysterious Fucker has miraculously become my friend and he'll help me destroy the North - make them pay for killing my parents and hurting Matt and kidnapping Lynch.

The earpiece buzzes again when Calvin says: 'We're in. We've jumped the wall - taking down three guys. Now is the time to distract.'  I can hear Calvin still listing intently to get any information on Matt.

Oh God, I'm going to hate this so much.

"Dinner looks really good," I say when Xavier takes his seat again.

"I hire only the best. My kitchen staff know what they'll get if the food isn't made to perfection," Xavier says and it makes me hate him even more.

Glorious food, give me the strength I require to not stab his eye with my heel...

"You strive for perfection? I'm sorry to say this, Xavier, but hardly anything can be perfect these days," I drawl - making sure to lean down low when I take a bite of my food.

Eww, eww, eww, eww.

"On the contrary, Amber Marigold, I can't imagine anything in my life that doesn't have the requirement to be perfect," Xavier says, "My car, my food, my house, my inner-gang. Everything has to be perfect."

"And your women? Or do you want a machine for that too?" I ask - lowering my lashes to, I don't know, be seductive? God, I hate this.

Xavier finishes his wine before eyeing my own. "I think we need something a little stronger," he says and stands to fetch the bottle of whisky. 

I down my own glass of wine before Xavier pours me some whisky and then for himself.

"You didn't answer my question," I remind the devil when he sits.

"Woman, I guess, can't always be perfect... But you, Amber Marigold, seem to be getting very close to my requirements," Xavier says.

I lean a little in. "What are the requirements of your 'perfect' woman?"

"Well, for starters, they should be able to pull of a dress like that," Xavier says and I take in a breath to not punch him as his eyes lower to my cleavage and then back up. He licks his lips.

"Secondly, I need a idiot who can think. Someone smart and who can think and talk for herself - just as much as she can let go of her thoughts," Xavier says.

"Let go?" I ask.

"I'm not fucking a machine, Amber Marigold. Sometimes its good not to think," Xavier says and takes a sip of his whisky.

My heart stops for a second because I'm getting really nervous about where this conversation is going. But... but I need to be the distraction.

"That, I can agree on," I say - even though I absolutely cannot, because I'm a virgin and plan to stay that way until marriage. Thank you very much. 

When we're done with our diner, Xavier has already refilled our glasses three times - making me pleasantly warm, but not drunk or even tipsy, really. Trying to 'flirt' with Xavier almost makes me want to down a bottle Brandy to get through this.

Some maids take away the left over dinner (to my dismay) and then it's just Xavier and me with our glasses. And of course Calvin in my ear.

'We're at the back door. We're going in, make sure Xavier doesn't suspect anything,' Calvin says.

I swear to God these people want me to throw the devil a strip-show or something.

"I'm gong to be honest, Xavier," I lie, "I really do miss the maroon suit."

Xavier lets out a low chuckle. "Maroon, does suit me," he says.

"Yes, it does. Say, what do you think suits me?" I ask and then stand. I turn around for a bit before looking back at Xavier. "This red looks good, but that gold dress from the Northern ball was really perfect wasn't it?" I ask.

Xavier checks me out for a bit. He has this feral look, like he'd eat me alive, before he spots something on my dress and laughs out loud.

"What? What is it?" I ask confused.

"Why, Amber Marigold, do you have green paint on your dress?" Xavier asks.

I do a full 60's movie kinda gasp. "No, I don't!" I say in disbelief and pear down at my dress. Sure enough, there, at the bottom is a bit of green paint.

"I swear I have no idea how that got there. I didn't even paint!" I defend.

"It's a mystery that'll stay unsolved," Xavier chuckles.

'We're inside. Just took out a couple of guards,' Calvin says just as I hear something clatter in the kitchens.

Xavier frowns and aims to stand up so he can go look, but I interrupt him before he can stand. "But you haven't answered my question," I say and sit smack right on top of Xavier's lap with my slit exposing my leg like crazy.

He's surprised with the action and forgets all about the clatter in the kitchen. Good.

"I'd say you'd look best wearing nothing, but that wicked smile," Xavier drawls.

My heart rate picks up like crazy. "Have you decided on a price for Matt?" I ask and lean in a little more - wrapping my arms around Xavier's neck.

"You're very cozy for someone who claims to hate me," Xavier smirks.

"Well, you know what they say: love and hate are two sides of the same coin."

"Who says that?"

"Me."

Xavier laughs - his poison green eyes lighting up. "And what, Amber Marigold, is the coin?"

Our eyes lock and it looks like I'm transfixed by his gaze, but really I'm trying to figure out what to say. I end up with: "Obsession".

"You're obsessed with me, Amber Marigold?" Xavier asks.

Feeling like I really can't lie well enough for that I ask again: "What is your price for Matt?"

"You," Xavier answers with mischief dancing in his eyes.

My heart rate picks up like even more and I swear I'm probably sweating too. With Xavier so close to me, I feel intoxicated. Like even his cologne is subduing me while his poisonous eyes is taking effect. And then there's the dark auburn hair that could set fire to the world as I literally feel my skin burn where we touch.

Everything about Xavier Jilten is evil.

"Then it's a deal," I say - really hoping to get Matt back.

I can hear Calvin's intake of breath on the other side of my earpiece. He want's to object, but he wants Matt more.

Xavier lets out another one of his sinister chuckles and when he looks back at me, pure evil is carved onto every detail of his expression. 

"Now, I'm really wishing I kept that boy alive," Xavier says.

My whole body freezes and I hear Calvin's painful yell both in my earpiece and from the other side of the house - screwing up our whole plan in the process.

And possibly dooming us all.

Hey goldies!

I know, I know, I'm horrible for this late update! I swear the next one is coming soon, so that we can still stay on time!

Oh my gawd... Matt is dead guys... Now the whole plan is ruined and everything can go wrong! At least, y'know, Lynch is safe and alive. I know I would've had to change my identity if I killed Lynch, because y'all would literally hunt me down, so I figured Matt is a good way to go.

Love y'all! And thanks for over 1k followers!

~ Holly Shmit