Revenge Interrupted

by Shakir Rashaan

Genres: Thrillers

Synopsis

A razor-sharp, propulsive thriller that cuts to the bone—where vengeance, loyalty, and deception collide and every act of justice comes with a price.

Renault Jamison has spent years paying for crimes he didn’t commit. Imprisoned for a cyberattack that destroyed his career and reputation, he endured the kind of confinement that breaks most men—until an unexpected chain of events sets him free.

Now armed with a mysterious fortune and a list of enemies, Renault returns determined to dismantle the powerful network that framed him. But when a chance encounter brings him face-to-face with Kadence Knight, a woman who sees past his guarded exterior, his focus begins to fracture.

As Renault closes in on the people who destroyed him, he and Kadence uncover a conspiracy that stretches far beyond personal revenge. What began as retribution becomes a race to stop a global cyberwar. To win, Renault must decide whether reclaiming his life is worth the cost of losing his soul—and the woman he never expected to love.

Release date: July 28, 2026

Publisher: Black Odyssey Media

Print pages: 288

Sample

CHAPTER ONE

“Renault Jamison, open the door! Hellenic Police!”

Those are the last words I would ever expect to hear in my life.

Not while I’m vacationing in Greece.

And sure as hell not when I’m supposed to marry the love of my life in a week.

Barely awake and dressed, I sprawl across my suite’s enormous king-sized bed, questioning if the persistent banging is a prank from Kage, my coworker and groomsman. Though I’d rather stay in bed with my fiancée, Brielle, I force myself up, throw on a robe, and go see what’s happening.

As I fumble with the doorknob, I’m suddenly met with a blinding flash of white light as the door flies open. A group of armed officers shouting orders in both Greek and English to get down and show my hands surprises me. An officer enters with an apparent warrant as other officers place their hands near their holstered weapons. After my vision clears, I count roughly six people in the room with us.

“Mr. Jamison?” the officer with the warrant in my face queries in broken English. I nod with a cautious gleam in my eyes. “We need you to come with us.”

“For what?” I probe. “What’s going on? What right do you have barging into my suite?”

The officer, stepping closer, replies, “We’ll talk at the station. Turn around, sir, and keep your fingers interlaced and your hands behind your head.”

“That’s not going to happen,” I said, broadening my stance. “I’m not answering any questions until I know the charge against me.”

A sigh escapes the officer’s lips as she and her partner exchange glances. “Sir, we are not going to do this here, not with your companion being in a state of undress. I repeat: turn around and keep your fingers interlaced, with your hands behind your head. I am about to restrain you.”

“She’s my fiancée, not my companion,” I sneer at them. “And I’m entitled to know why I’m being arrested.” The officer’s right, though. I prefer not to escalate the situation any further than I already have.

Two other officers move to grab my arms, but I twist away from them, taking a defensive posture. I scan the room as the officers advance closer, a few of them now fully grasping their weapons with their gazes trained on me.

Regardless of whether I meant to, the situation has just escalated.

“Stop resisting!” she shouts as the other officers draw their weapons and point them at me. “Hands behind your head—now!”

“Get away from me.” I avoid one officer’s attempt to restrain me again, but the other officers rush and tackle me to the ground. “What’s the damn charge? I demand to know why I’m being arrested.”

Brielle is wide awake now, covering herself as she sits up in bed. “Stop it! You’re hurting him!”

The commanding officer kneels next to my head, pointing the barrel of her gun at my temple. “Last warning, sir. Allow the officers to take you into custody.”

I twist my head to glance up at Brielle, noticing the tears welling in her eyes, and my anger melts away in seconds. I hear my father’s voice bellowing in my head. Stay alive. Fight the right way. “All right, all right, dammit,” I utter as my voice cracks. “I surrender. I’ll go.”

As an officer advises me to get in touch with my lawyer, I’m raised to my feet and perp-walked out into the common area. My groomsmen and their—ahem, companions—gather outside their rooms, a mix of confusion and concern etched across their faces. Their collective gazes drift toward Brielle, who stands in the doorway with worry lines creasing her forehead.

My mind races as I struggle to comprehend the situation. I can’t understand why they are arresting me because my Greek is so bad. The surrounding voices are a blur, and I’m still in a fog from the alcohol coursing through my system.

What little I can make out sends shivers down my spine.

If I didn’t have a headache before, it’s cranked up to a raging migraine now.

Only days ago, I was on a high like nothing I’d experienced in my life.

And now, I’m in handcuffs, staring at a nightmare I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

It’s amazing how quickly things can go from sugar to shit in the blink of an eye.

CHAPTER TWO

Two days ago . . .

Nights in Mykonos are the stuff of legends, and I’m determined to ensure I add my account to its ledgers.

A sensual energy vibrates through the island, and we plan to cause as much trouble as possible while staying out of trouble. I can’t make any promises, though. Not with this crew.

Our pick for tonight’s entertainment is Paradise Beach Club. It’s a very popular nightclub on the island.

Enzo wants my last days as a single man to be incredibly explosive, to put it mildly.

Even though I’m not entirely comfortable with him paying for everyone to be here, he insisted that this was his gift to me as his best friend and best man. As much as I want to, I can’t say no to my Day One.

The least I can do is stop being so self-conscious and enjoy the week.

As we slide into the building, the first thing that catches my eye is the stunning cobalt-blue water of the Aegean Sea, mere steps away from us, so close we can almost touch it. A salty breeze carries hints of vanilla, jasmine, peaches, sandalwood, and the distinct notes of Nicaragua selva Negra coffee, along with the familiar blend of leather, earth, oak, and nutmeg.

I chuckle to myself, wondering what the odds are that my two favorite cigars—the Tabak Especial Dulce and the Davidoff Millennium Blend—have followed me out into international waters. Then I shake my head as I turn toward my wedding party, wondering who I have to blame for this wild coincidence.

Enzo and Kage smirk and tap fists like their diabolical plans are falling into place.

At the center of the dance floor, DJ Edu, one of the most famous deejays on the planet, skillfully blends Greek songs with Afrobeat music. I catch his attention through the nubile bodies losing themselves to the hypnotic spells he’s casting, giving an appreciative nod to his work tonight as we migrate to the VIP area.

The bottle service attendants are already on us before we greet the security detail in the VIP section. I’m enthralled by the beautiful beach view and the dancers’ captivating modern Greek performance. Their fire-tongs and poi-ball skills are especially mesmerizing. A woman wearing a sleek, form-fitting, little black dress diverts my attention as she handles my drink order, starting with a Smoked Old Fashioned to get my blood flowing. 

“So, what do you think, bro? Nothing but the best for my Day One,” Enzo yells out as he raises a shot glass in the air. “And the night hasn’t even gotten started!” 

Giving my groomsmen a quick glance, I exchanged fist bumps with Kage and Enzo before briefly closing my eyes, feeling grateful for the moment. I’m blessed beyond measure. A soon-to-be junior partnership at one of the top IT firms in the United States, complete with a hefty salary and a corner office, as well as my engagement to Brielle Sommers, a Harvard legacy graduate I met in my junior year. 

And most important of all—I’ll be able to end a chapter of my life I should’ve never started.

That’s not to say it wasn’t worth the risks I’ve taken, but the last thing I need is to push my luck and slip up. Hell, I have a pretty amount saved up, but it’s not enough to take care of Brielle and live comfortably. My six-figure student loan debt isn’t doing me any favors, either.

It’s time for a tough talk with Enzo. No more excuses. It’s time to turn the page and go legit.

“Now, I know you’re plotting on one of these gorgeous creatures to enjoy before we head back to civilization, right?” Kage leans over and surveys the women invited to our section. “I know we’re not in Vegas or whatever, but what happens here in Mykonos, stays in Mykonos, you feel me?” 

“Bro, I’m off the market in six days. Whatever I decide to do this week is my business,” I assure him while downing another shot and waiting for my cocktail. “That doesn’t have to include any distractions from the fairer sex.” 

“Okay, look, you’re a red-blooded Black man just like the rest of us. This is a boys’ trip for a reason,” Enzo persists as another woman crosses our shared view. He licks his lips and taps my shoulder, nodding in her direction. “And I don’t care what you say. I want you to enjoy every desire imaginable before you and Brielle ride off into boring wedded ‘bliss.’”

I snap my head and glare at him, realizing one of my boys set me up. Enzo offers a nonchalant shrug, like he couldn’t give a damn about my irritation. “Whatever you cooked up, I’m gonna need you to shift that to one of the others. Maybe Kage would be down, but I’m not with it,” I say with every ounce of conviction in my voice.  

He gives me a condescending smirk. “You can thank me later, bro. Resistance is futile. When have I ever steered you wrong?” 

He motions the young woman over to join us, and I don’t know how to explain it, but the closer she gets, the more I notice how radiant she looks in the moonlight. Her black crocheted bodycon halter minidress beautifully enhances her golden-bronzed skin. 

I’m completely captivated by her. 

Enzo, slurring slightly, says, “Renault Jamison, this is your gift for this trip . . . Ms. Kadence . . . Damn, I forgot her last name. Kadence, this is the man of the hour, my best friend, Renault. We’re partying in his honor tonight. He’s celebrating his last week of freedom.” 

Kadence glances at me as a curious expression splashes across her face. Yeah, it’s gonna be a long night. “I’m sorry, I don’t quite follow. Are you heading to prison or something?” 

“Hell, he’s getting married next week. He might as well be heading to prison,” Kage chimes in as he downs another shot. “He’s signed up for a life sentence. Like, forever.”

Enzo cuts him off to add, “Forever, forever ever, forever ever,” channeling his inner André 3000 as he and Kage laugh at their play on lyrics. “Yeah, he’s delusional, but that’s RJ for you.” 

“Well, I’ve always believed that if you’ve given your heart to the right person, forever is not nearly long enough,” Kadence quips as she takes a wineglass from the attendant passing by. “Whoever she is, she’s a lucky woman.” 

I can’t avert my gaze from this stunning creature and her hypnotic green eyes. I hate that Enzo knows me as well as he does, but I’m not stepping out on my fiancée like that. Still, the timing of all of this couldn’t be worse. 

I notice the awestruck expressions on my wedding party’s faces as they wait to see my next move. With the liquor flowing as freely as it is, and as well as I know my boys, I need to get Kadence away from the VIP and somewhere with a little more air and space.

Besides, at the risk of sounding toxic, she is my “gift,” right?

I hold her hand and ask softly, “May I?” over the music, awaiting her nonverbal consent. The moment she nods, I stand with her and lead her out to the tables on the sand.

After locating a table near the club’s outer edge, I wait for her to sit down before taking my seat opposite hers. The full moon shines across her left shoulder, making her even more enchanting. She’s breathtaking.

A playful grin curves her lips as she enjoys another sip of her white wine. Her eyes sparkle with excitement. “There’s something about you. You’re different from your friends. I’m glad to know I wasn’t wrong.”

I feel the intense pull between us, and I struggle to keep my urges in check. I smirk to hide my discomfort as I sip my cocktail. “Well, my boys can be bad influences, but they’re all like brothers to me.”

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a little harmless influence. As your friend so eloquently stated, ‘You’re celebrating your last week of freedom.’ And for the record, I like your full name better. There’s something regal about it, and you,” Kadence purrs as she leans in closer, tracing circles around the rim of her glass. “What happens on the island, stays on the island. It can be a fond memory to cherish for the rest of our days.” 

Something about this whole thing seems off. The tan line on her left ring finger makes me raise my eyebrow. “If I may ask a bit of a weird question, did Enzo put you up to this? I mean, is this an itch you’re trying to scratch?”

Sure, I’m taking the chance of insulting her, but the way Kage and Enzo were acting earlier, I can’t risk it.

Without batting an eyelash, she silences me with a finger to my lips. “Let’s not complicate matters. Yes, you’re an itch I want to scratch. It’s a gift to myself to celebrate the finalization of my divorce. And yes, Enzo came on to me first, but he saw I had eyes for you, so he asked if I wanted you. I said yes, and now, here we are. What you need to ask yourself is whether you really care about the how and why. Do you really care how we got to this point?”  

Do I really care? I do, and I don’t.

As she sits across from me, her gaze steady and confident, I can’t help but wonder what secrets lie hidden beneath her calm exterior. My curiosity burns, urging me to unravel the layers of this enigmatic woman. There’s more to her than being a willing participant in a zipless fuck.

I make an executive decision, one I know I’m gonna catch hell for making from my boys, but it’s the right move to make.

“As much as I would love to take part in your celebration, and my body is screaming that it would, I’m gonna take you back inside the club.” I grasp her hand softly and escort her to the entrance, preparing myself for the onslaught that’s coming. “I understand if you’re disappointed, but I’m in love with my fiancée. Even if she never found out, I’d know what I’ve done if this goes any further, and I can’t live with that.”

Kadence gives up a small smile, squeezing my hand as we approach the beach entrance. “Like I said, she’s a lucky woman. Do right by her. And no, I’m not disappointed, but I do believe the universe makes no mistakes. Perhaps the universe meant for us to be something other than two ships crashing in the night.”

She may be right.

But if I’m honest with myself, I was stupid for taking things this far.

I’ll have to live with that and atone for it the best way I can.

The universe can be cruel, that’s for damn sure.

CHAPTER THREE

Home, sweet temporary home.

The Leto Villa within the Kalesma Hotel has become our escape from the outside world. Everything about this villa screams serenity and sophistication, but peace is definitely what I need right now.

I’m restless. Completely charged up.

I know the reason, but I don’t want to acknowledge it.

As I step through the wrought-iron gates and inside the private sanctuary of the villa, I’m bombarded with the scents coming from the gourmet kitchen. I shake my head, realizing that either Kage or Enzo ordered from the chef’s menu, which means we have extra company. Leave it to my boys to coerce a few of the women we met at the club to join them for a nightcap.

The Nespresso machine is warm to the touch as I pick up a crepe and some mango and strawberries for my short sojourn to my suite, grabbing a cup on the way. From there, I make a mad dash to the bathroom to turn on the shower after I leave my light snacks on the bed.

Yeah, a cold shower is exactly what the doctor ordered. I can only pray that the cool water will calm the heat within me.

With a flick of my wrist, I twist the chrome handle, the all-consuming nature of a rain shower giving me the solitude I’ve been searching for since I dropped Kadence back inside the club. As the water cascades over my skin, I close my eyes, allowing the tension and overthinking of the day to melt away as best as possible. The gentle caress of the droplets soothes my muscles, which are surprisingly sore, and takes my imagination to a more pleasant, expectant time—marrying my love.

I reach for the body wash, releasing its invigorating scent into the steam-filled air. I lather the body scrub, massaging the rich foam over my skin, reveling in the renewed and cleansing energy. As I rinse away the soap, I take a series of deep breaths, filling my lungs with the enchanting scent of citrus, magnolia, and chamomile. 

As I exit the shower, I grab a towel, wrapping it around my waist to bask in the remaining warmth. I release a satisfied sigh, grateful that everything weighing me down finds its way down the drain. I carry my oils and lotions with great care to the side of the king-sized bed to begin my self-care ritual. 

My phone vibrates, and when I pick it up, I can’t stop smiling. I didn’t think she’d be up this time of night. “Hi, gorgeous. How’s my beautiful bride-to-be?” 

“Hello, my darling. How are things out there? Are you behaving yourself?” I look at Brielle’s smiling face as it glows against the moonlit sky in our townhome in DC. “I was wondering if I could steal a moment of your time.”

“Anything for you, but why are you up so late, babe?” I inquire. 

“It’s only ten here, silly,” she giggles as she gives me the head-to-toe view of the lingerie hiding beneath the robe she’s wearing. “Do you miss me?” 

“More than you know,” I answer quickly. Outside of work-related travel, this is the longest we’ve ever been apart from each other during our three-year relationship. “Being away from you has been mild torture, and seeing you wearing that outfit . . . Why must you torment me?” 

“Well, I’ve always made it worth the wait, sweetheart.” Brielle teases even more, exposing more of her chest, grinning at my visceral reaction to her antics. “I promise to wear this the moment you’re back on US soil.” 

“I’d rather have you here.” 

“But it’s your boys’ trip and your bachelor party week,” she insists, blowing kisses as she lies on the lounger on the balcony. “You can have me forever after that.” 

“Promise?” 

“Promise.” 

“I still want you here.” 

“Enzo won’t be happy if I am. It’ll ruin his plans for you.” Brielle smirks. “You know he still needs to corrupt you one last time before he loses his favorite wingman.” 

“He’ll get over it,” I state flatly. “I want you—now.” 

“You’re making me blush, baby,” she coos as she continues to tease me. “I can’t wait to say ‘I do’ and become your wife, but I need you to enjoy yourself and then come home and make an honest woman out of me.” 

“You sound like my father,” I chuckle, knowing it’s coming from her parents too. “Fine, I’ll be patient for now. We’ll be home in a couple of days, anyway.” 

“That’s my baby. I’ll keep this body warm and humming, waiting for your return.” Brielle sits up to head back into the bedroom. “Night, my love. I love you more than words can say.” 

“I love you more.” I disconnect the video call as I crash onto the mattress, completely exhausted. 

I check the time, realizing I only have a few hours before I fulfill the other reason for this junket out to Greece. 

With any luck, it’ll be the last time.

Then, I’m officially done. Period.

CHAPTER FOUR

The moment we step aboard the floating palace idling in the middle of the Mediterranean, a superyacht that’s probably so far out of my price range that it’ll take the rest of my grandchildren’s lifetimes to amass the type of fortune necessary to afford the down payment.

How Enzo earned an audience with someone who lives in a tax bracket I can only dream of, I’ll never know. It doesn’t dampen the anxiety coursing through my body, but I suppress it as best as possible. What this particular client requires is simple enough, but I must assess both the necessary and unnecessary risks associated with fulfilling his request.

Noticing the bodyguards on the main deck where we’re supposed to negotiate the job only makes me want to climb back aboard the speedboat that brought us here and head back to the island with all due haste. Something doesn’t feel right. my Trusting my instincts has kept me out of trouble ever since I jumped into the world of cyber financial crimes.

I don’t know about Enzo, but I have every intention of walking away from this situation the way I entered—a free man.

We take a seat inside the expansive living area, enveloped in an ambiance of exquisite luxury and refined elegance. The interior design seamlessly blends modern sophistication with timeless charm, creating a space that is both inviting and breathtaking. 

If Mr. Vardinoyannis, the billionaire oil magnate, had designs to intimidate to gain an advantage, he’s succeeded, and then some. 

“How did you set this up, again?” I ask Enzo as one bodyguard escorts us to the large conference table. “And what exactly does he want us to handle for him?” 

“Look, it’s a simple transaction. I’ll let him explain the details when he arrives,” Enzo says in a hushed tone. “We pull this off, and you shave a full decade off your retirement plan, okay? Focus on the bag.” 

The room grows muted as the man known in feared circles as “The Shark” ambles his way to the main deck. He strides in as if he owns the world, and although he’s not very tall—maybe five-foot-seven on a good day—his presence is undeniable. 

The way his bodyguards almost bow to him as he walks by, and the noticeable bulge around his shoulder that’s usually reserved for a gun holster, I make a mental note not to say anything that might cause me to get thrown overboard and find the bottom of the sea. 

As he takes his seat, his expression is unreadable, no doubt betraying none of the thoughts going through his mind. He has strong features, with a chiseled jawline and piercing dark eyes that seem to assess everyone, especially me and Enzo. There’s a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he regards my best friend, while a curious gaze lands on me once he turns his attention. 

Colin, his assistant, stands to his right and nods before he speaks. “Mr. Jamison, Mr. Hamilton, I present Mr. Salvatore Vardinoyannis. He’s pleased you could make it to his watercraft on time, as he values punctuality.” 

Enzo takes the lead in the conversation, and I have no problem letting him. “Thank you for your hospitality, sir. We hope to assist you with your current situation. I know, from what your assistant explained, things are a bit tenuous, and you require a quick resolution.” 

Mr. Vardinoyannis’s phone rings, interrupting the conversation. He picks up the phone and briefly frowns at whatever’s on the screen before he answers it. While I can’t understand the Russian being spoken on his end, I can sense the irritation and aggravated tone in his voice. Whoever is on the other line, he’s not happy with them right now.

I shoot a glance at Enzo, and he just shrugs. It’s obvious he has no idea what’s going on, either, which doesn’t make me feel any better. If anything, it has me reconsidering taking this job, regardless of the amount this man is offering.

Mr. Vardinoyannis interlaces his fingers as he pauses for a moment to answer after he hangs up the phone. His family’s signet ring adorning his right ring finger glints in the sunlight. “Yes, my chief competitor has become, shall we say, problematic? I need to compromise their infrastructure so I can engineer a hostile takeover of their company. I understand that Mr. Jamison is quite adept at infiltrating such infrastructures and making them vulnerable. This is what I require of you. I will increase your fee by five million dollars for the inconvenience and short notice.” 

I raise my left eyebrow over such a generous bump. “Inconvenience, sir? I don’t quite understand what you mean by that statement.” 

He smiles as he taps the table with his index finger. “I understand you are here on holiday, celebrating your pending nuptials. I realize the last thing you were planning to do was work when you should be relaxing. Consider it a wedding gift for doing this for me.” 

Enzo looks satisfied with himself, but I’m not as enthusiastic about what The Shark is asking me to do. It feels too easy, and I don’t do things that are too easy. Easy gets you caught. “Sir, you’re essentially committing to paying a seven-figure sum to have this done within forty-eight hours, and it gives me pause that you’re not surprised. It’s almost like you were prepared for my skepticism.”

“I understand your hesitation, but I assure you that there are no trapdoors set in front of you,” Mr. Vardinoyannis says as the muscles flex under his navy blue Brioni suit and his jaw tightens. “If hardware is a concern, I have already expensed the equipment needed to accomplish your objective.” 

Someone anticipating my questions and having an answer in advance feels suspicious, like a scene from one of my favorite movies, Swordfish. I stare at Enzo, but his noncommittal facial expression irritates the hell out of me. If I want answers, I’m on my own. 

“How soon do you need a decision? As you’ve already pointed out, I’m on vacation, and since you’ve interrupted that, a short period of time to make an informed decision would be prudent, don’t you think?” I’m doing my level best not to piss off this man, but he’s not about to corner me into a blind decision, either. “I still have reservations, but this isn’t out of my scope of expertise. If I’m in, I’ll get it done within your window.”

Mr. Vardinoyannis doesn’t utter a single word for several moments, and I’m almost convinced I’ve pushed my luck a little too far. I keep my gaze fixed on him, ignoring the subtle shift in the air, though I can feel his guards closing in, surrounding me and Enzo. A silent promise of forceful removal. All he has to do is say the word. In my mind’s eye, I recall how far it is from where we are to the waterline, and I’m not in the mood to fly home in either a neck brace or my legs in casts. 

He leans forward over the table, a grin spreading across his lips with an appreciative nod. “You have yourself a deal, Mr. Jamison. I will allow you until midnight to make your decision. I do hope it is in the affirmative. My trusted sources inform me you’re one of the best in the States.” 

“I appreciate the grace, sir, . . .