“That bitch has some front,” Warren grunts.
Ignoring the questions bouncing around, I take the stairs back up to Effie’s room and shove open the door.
“How many men have you got watching him?”
“I don’t think that would matter to someone like you. Thought it didn’t concern you how many you had to fight to get what you want?”
“It doesn’t but it’s nice to know such information. Cover my bases.”
“It’s just the one man. He only turns up to feed him then he leaves.”
“I hope you’re not too attached to him. He’s going to die today.”
“There isn’t a man alive that I’d cry over.”
Like I give a fuck.
“Since you’ve kept your word, maybe once you bring your brother home, we can talk about what happens to me next.”
It’s my turn to flash an arrogant smile. “You? There’s no reason for you to hope for anything. You’ll be dead once Ford has returned and then we’ll bury your body out in the middle of nowhere.”
“B-but… you said if I gave you…”
“And it’s on you that you believed me. That was fuckin’ stupid. Like I’d ever let you live.”
“Why not just kill me now?”
“Because as much as I’d like to ram my gun up your ass and unload the clip, there’s someone more deserving of the honor.”
Recognition ignites her. “You saved me so Ford could kill me.”
“I like how you catch on so quickly.”
Before she can say another word, I’m gone.
Once down in the bar, the brothers are ready to leave. Ready to hear my order and go.
“Should we call Leo. The Willow’s Peak chapter could get to Ford much faster than we can,” Angel suggests.
It had crossed my mind to call Leo, but this is my chapter and Ford is my responsibility.
“No. We were there when we thought we lost Ford, it’ll be us he sees when he’s freed.” I need to dress and find my keys. “Be ready to go in ten minutes. She has one guy stopping by to feed him but prepare for an army. We’re not taking any chances.”
I leave them in the bar and head up to the top floor. Tor and River are still sleeping, and I dress quietly and reach for my keys when Tor stirs.
I lean over the bed and press my lips to hers. “Morning.”
She smiles up at me, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Morning,” she murmurs.
“Effie gave up where Ford is. We’re leaving now to go get him.”
Her eyes widen, and she sits up, clinging to my hand.
“What are you waiting for? Go to him, bring him home.”
Her smile reminds me how she’s the opposite of me and that we balance each other so well.
The ride to Willow’s Peak is filled with an excitable urgency that I’ve not felt before. All these months we’ve been mourning Ford’s loss, and he’s been alive all this time. In Leo’s cabin, no less. A place where I spent a lot of time during my childhood. I know the cabin and the land around it like I know every inch of Tor’s body.
