We Don't Burn.... We Prosper

“I’m not scared, I’m fucking pissed. I nearly lost a fucking kidney last time your lot sent me out as fucking cannon fodder. Now you’re talking about martyrdom? Why don’t you get your ass out there and actually do something instead of sitting on it like the rest of the board?!”

Hudson huffed, pushing to his feet to excuse himself without another word. Taking a fresh refill of his whisky as he disappeared from the room.

Verity remained stoney faced until she was sure they were alone, shoulders drooping forward as she rubbed at her face.

“Since you’re so sure I’ll end up in a body bag who’s my replacement mm?” Ezekiel asked, leaning back in his own seat, jaw hardening as he moved to stare at Verity.

"What role are we currently playing, now it is just you and I?" Verity answered frostily. "Tell me that and then I will know how to answer you."

“You’re sat there borderline bursting with fucking glee at the thought of me or Hudson being shot so you get to start an all out war. So you tell me what roles we are currently occupying. Because I thought at least one of the benefits of fucking you would be that I get a warning when I’m about to be used as canon fodder, Verity!”

"I found out about this during my meeting with the other ERs this morning. You screeching at me in this moment is a case of shooting the messenger." She bristled. "I hate this. I hate this, judging as much as I hate hearing about how that little bitch who doesn't even like you will fuss over a superficial cut for the cameras. What is her name? Gabrielle?"

“Gabriella.” Ezekiel snorted as he got up out of his seat to pace. “And grow up. I’ve been with her for longer than you and I have been sleeping together. You know the score, just like the others do. What the fuck does it matter to you if she wants my face cut free?”

"Wants your face cut free so she can look good, not because she gives a shit about you." Verity scoffed. "There is a difference. You're an accessory to her."

“Mm, and she’s the love of my life and your words have just wounded me greatly. Don’t act as if you’re any different and you giving a shit about me extends to when I’m actually wearing clothes.”

"Your sister threw my dead father in my face tonight and you didn't even give me a second glance so I would say we are even." Verity laughed humourlessly, raking fingers through her hair. "If I only gave a shit about your body, then I wouldn't know the difference between you and your brother."

“And you basically told her that our deaths are beneficial to you, so don’t act all shocked she’s looking for a way to cut you back.” Ezekiel poured himself another drink. “What did you want me to do?”

"Not be so vile when it was the two of us. I never would have implied such things if it was just us. I don't want you hurt, but I know you can handle whatever shit this bastard throws at you either your eyes closed."

“You act as if our usual time together is light tea parties and high compliments.”

"You act as if our time together is devoid of emotion." She countered quietly.

“If you are starting to think it is more than what it is then we need to stop.” Ezekiel finished off the drink and put it down on the table. “I should go get ready to get shot at, mm?”

"You're a bastard. Words that shoot to kill when you know I am just a messenger, being unable to distinguish when we are acting for your family and when we are...people."

“Twice you’ve used that word today now, are you running low on insults?”

"I am tired, if you must know. " Verity mumbled. "Weary. I am having to keep too many plates spinning all at once."

(( Night night))

“Then going after the ER job was a silly thing to do then wasn’t it? You’re a smart woman, you know what the job would entail, how gruelling it would be.”

"I have fought hard for this, it isn't the job making me weary." She spoke through gritted teeth, voice becoming a hiss. "You trying to be a social climber will land you side by side with The Board, Ezekiel. Are you sure you understand what that entails?"

“I have known exactly what my life entailed the moment Malachi chose that bitch over this family. Don’t begin to preach to me about fucking duty.”

"When did I use the word duty?" She shook her head. "You are one of a set, I just wonder why it is you being saddled with saving your family name as opposed to your twin. I question whether you see it as a honour, or a curse."

“Keep wondering. It’s none of your fucking business.” Ezekiel rolled his eyes before walking past her to leave the room. Stopping as he reached the doorway before turning his head over his shoulder. “Providing I’m not getting a bullet extracted from my gut, I’ll see you at the hotel after midnight, usual room?”

A smile grew on her face, hand lifting up to flick her hair off of her shoulder so she could look over her shoulder at him without putting a strand out of place. "Show up with a few cuts and I may even kiss them better."

“I expect you to follow through with that.” Ezekiel left the room then, heading upstairs to change.