“God, your mouth is filthier than a sailor’s.”
“And you sound like a grandma.”
“I’m not swearing just to seem cool.”
“I don’t swear to be cool. ‘Fuck’ is just punctuation for me.”
“Only when you’re away from Mrs. Isabel and your dad, right? I doubt you’re cussing like that at Sunday lunch.”
“Oh, definitely not. I keep it classy around the family. But when I do say something wild, it’s always for laughs. I don’t do drama. I stay on my heels and keep it cute.”
“That’s what I love about you. A princess and a badass wrapped up in one tiny package. Now tell me, do you really think Amos is just being rude—or is it attraction? Being sociable is not that easy, you know?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. With your looks, I doubt anyone even notices the personality.” She scoffs. “Girl, please. I’ve got four brothers. Trust me, most guys are focused on one thing first—and it’s not your sparkling wit. But if you want to avoid the awkwardness, get out of the house. He’ll be working most days, right? Just survive the weekends. Ethan will be back before you know it, and then you’ll have your own place.”
“Great idea. I’ll go to a bookstore today. Maybe do a little shopping too. Thanks for the advice.”
“Anytime, babe.”
“Martina . . . if you ever want to talk about the engagement or anything else, I’m here, okay?”
“I know, Lilly.”
I hang up and head for the shower. Ten minutes later, I’m dressed in a summer dress and low heels, ready to head out—until I remember Ula’s message.
Apparently, Amos left instructions that I should call him before going anywhere.
Screw that. I’ll text.
Not because I want to talk to him. Only because I know that if I just disappear, my brother will lose his mind—and I don’t need more drama.
Chapter 15
“What do you think?” I ask Blood, my most trusted man after Ethan.
“They're being more cautious. They’ve been changing locations more frequently.”
“We have to tighten the net, Blood. Time’s working against us. The longer we take to find them, the higher the chance they’ll flee the country.”
“They’re like snakes—slippery. What are you planning to do when you catch them?”
“You don’t need to know that.”
“I’m not a choirboy, Amos. I’m not letting you handle this alone.”
“You don’t need to carry the label of accomplice either. I want them both—Maria and Jonathan. I’ll never hand them over to the police.”
“I figured as much. But we need to plan ahead. We can’t leave any link between us and them, as we’ll also have to rescue the kids.”
Just the thought of children being held captive by sick bastards around the world makes me want to tear something apart.
“Maybe I’ve got the solution,” he says.
“What are you talking about?”
“You won’t just want to kill them, Amos.”
“No.”
