Even Ryder, our tech backup on comms, laughs at that one.
“Whatever.” Erik scowls at Liam. “How can you just send him up there alone with Ant? Hopper needs backup too. Those people are awful. They could be armed.”
The elevator dings as Liam’s snort filters through the line. “If you’re trying to come to me for empathy, you’re not going to get it. If I were a betting man, I’d take Hop against nearly anyone. That’s not just because I’m head over heels for the guy.”
Hopper’s grin broadens, and I can guess what those two will be up to tonight. Lucky assholes.
I don’t stay jealous for long, though, because Hop speaks up.
“I love Ant with my whole heart,” he says, escorting me into the elevator. “He’s like the little murder brother I never had. I’m going up there with him because I need to. One of these assholes hurt someone I love, so they have to die,” he says, waving as the doors close.
Hopper adjusts his tie as the elevator ascends to the top floor, and I try to regulate my breathing. The doors open—far too quickly—to a small foyer. Hop once again wraps his arm around my waist.
“Showtime,” he whispers, vibrating with excitement.
Time to face my fears.
We pass the foyer and are about to enter the living area when my feet skid to a halt on the expensive marble. Hopper stops with me. “Hey—are you okay?”
“Is something wrong with Ant already?” Erik hisses through the line.
“I’m fine, guys,” I huff out. “I just recognize several faces.”
Every man here, save for me, is wearing black-tie attire. As though being well-dressed makes the intent of this little party somehow less horrifying.
Erik curses in Norwegian. “Hop, if he can’t handle it, you’ve got to call it,” he whispers furiously.
“Hey,” I whisper back, just as furious, “I’m right here. Shut the fuck up and get out of my ear.”
More of Erik’s disgruntled noises make their way across the line as we step into the sunken living area. I take a deep breath and…yeah. I can do this. I can—
“Shit,” I whisper to Hop. “Long Island is here.”
He wasn’t on the list for this go-round, but I’ll take it.
Liam’s voice is in my ear. “A couple of our invitees brought guests.”
“Wait. How many people are up there?” Erik asks.
“Eight. Stop talking,” I say through gritted teeth and a doll-like smile.
“There were supposed to be six.”
“Shut. Up. This is going down right now.”
I fix my face as Park Avenue approaches us with an ingratiating smile.
“Cas! We’ve been waiting on pins and needles to see what you would bring us.” Looking me over, he nods his approval. “And you certainly haven’t disappointed.”
Cas? I look questioningly up at Hopper, who shakes his head. He then puts on a smile so fake I hardly recognize him.
“Oh, he’s the most cooperative little boy I’ve ever met,” Hop says, sounding like a game show host and leaning in as if he has the world’s juiciest bit of gossip. “So eager to please.”
Park Avenue cups my cheek, and his touch makes my heart go haywire as cold shivers spill down my spine. I was thirteen when he last saw me, but I have a split second of panic that he’ll recognize me.
“What a pretty boy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a pretty boy before. Well done, Cas!” Turning back to me, he winks. “We are going to have so much fun with you.”
With everything in my body spiking to high heaven, I forget my line. Hopper sends me a quick glance and immediately takes the little gift bag from me.
