“Thank you. Could you do me an enormous favor?” I swap phones with her. “Call my sister. Tell her there’s been a work emergency. She’ll understand you can’t say more. Let her know our attendance to the wedding is iffy. Ask if she needs anything. I’m sure she’d love to hear from you after receiving all those pictures.”
Seeing right through my bullshit, Aurora cocks her head and narrows her eyes. “You don’t want me here.”
I press my lips together and nod. “I’d rather you weren’t, but you get to FaceTime my family.”
She stares me down before she relents. “Fine. I’ll let the men talk. What’s the passcode?”
“Same as your husband’s.”
Her face brightens, but it doesn’t last long. “Te amo,” she says with all her heart, her golden eyes burning into mine before she reluctantly leaves.
I offer the phone to the twins. “Do either of you know how to use this?”
Dante takes over, his fingers tapping until a video pops up on the screen. The dashcam footage shows Lucas emerging from the car, the bright sunlight glinting off the doorframe. Then, with a sickeningly swift motion, he crumples, disappearing from view.
Two uniformed figures appear, their movements harsh. Blood roars in my ears, the air evacuates my lungs, and my stomach clenches. Time stands still, each second dragging on as the fragmented video continues and Lucas never gets to his feet. It’s not a good sign.
“Is there another angle?” I ask, monotone, my heartbeat pounding in my throat.
The view switches to the rear of the vehicle; my body goes numb and my mind races, preparing for what’s next. I’m powerless, seeing my best friend’s motionless form being laid in a trunk, his lolling head covered with a black bag.
“Motherfucker!” With a swipe of his hand, Dante sends the cheese platter flying, the ceramic shattering against the hardwood.
I don’t flinch, don’t so much as blink. My brain locks into crisis mode, separating emotion from reality. I’m laser-focused, calm, rational, but that doesn’t mean I won’t kill someone for this.
Everything’s prepared. Thanks to a hacker, we know Lucas was dragged down to the basement, which has no cameras.
There appear to be only four men—two right inside the back door and two in a surveillance room on the second level. The bottom floor is unknown.
We’ve studied the building’s layout and are familiar with the optimal routes of entry and exit. Guns are loaded, tactical gear and medical supplies checked and rechecked.
Only one problem. “Who’s staying? This might be another setup.”
“You.” Dante cinches the bulletproof vest tighter. “You’re injured and can’t shoot.”
I scoff. “I can handle a gun with either hand, and Lucas needs me. I’m a medic.”
He turns to his brother. “Des?—”
“Nope.” Desi shoves a government-issued Glock, which I hadn’t returned yet, into his vest holster. “No way am I staying.”
Dante mirrors his twin and secures his own weapon. “You’re not going without me.”
I toss them each a silencer. If I don’t resign, I’m sure to be fired after tonight. “I’ll call Ethan. He’ll have an idea, or Jax may know someone who’s not on the team.”
“No,” Aurora interrupts, coming into my bedroom. “Drop me off at Jax’s penthouse. It’s the safest place.” She stops before me and, without me asking, helps me out of my sling with trembling fingers and into my own vest. “Promise me you’ll be careful. Call for backup if needed. Once you’re in, you’re in; there’s nothing Bennett can do about it but save your asses.”
Chapter 23
Lucas
Commotion overhead rouses me. I crack open my stinging eyes, confused. Not a sliver of light penetrates the blackness. The night has turned cold, and my aching muscles tremble uncontrollably.
The noise upstairs abruptly ends, and an oppressive silence weighs upon me once more, heavy with despair. How long have I been here?
“You want to kiss me, Lucas?” Dante’s smoky tone, a phantom memory, his black eyes taunting my broken dreams.
I want to kiss him again and again.
