I try not to whimper, try to be strong for Cade. I don’t want him to worry more than he already is.
I can’t help it though. It slips free. Cade’s gaze falls on me, and a multitude of emotions flash over his face. Fear. Anguish. Regret.
They race through before settling on one.
Rage.
It seems to center him. He widens his stance, spreading his arms tauntingly, flames flickering through his eyes. “Come on,Vex. Why are you bothering with Ansel when you could play with me instead? I’m far more fun.”
There’s no flirtation in his words, just a deadly invitation.
His use of my kidnapper’s name tells me one of two things. Either The Firm received my packet, or they already knew about the UmbraSyndicate. I don’t give a fuck which it is, they both will end in the same result.
The Firm is making them pay.
Vex doesn’t rise to the bait. “Why would I do that when I have the upper hand? I have the one thing you want and love most in the world. If you want it back, you’ll have to hand over the information I want.”
Cade nods thoughtfully. “You’re right. I’ll give you whatever information you want.”
“No,” I shout, straining against my bonds. “Cade, don’t.”
Cade doesn’t look away from Vex, but his fingers are twitching, almost like he is fighting with himself not to reach for me.
Even Vex seems surprised that Cade is caving so easily. “You’d really betray your family for this man?”
Cade’s nostrils flare. “That’s four mistakes you’ve made now. They really are mounting up.”
Vex raises an eyebrow. “Four?”
Cade’s eyes flash. “One: kidnapping Ansel.”
He takes a step toward us.
“Two: thinking there’sanythingI wouldn’t do for Ansel.”
Another step. His hand drifts to his waistband.
“Three: assuming I’m betraying my family.”
Vex laughs. “I think you’ll find telling us everything about The Firm is betraying them.”
For the first time, Cade smiles. “Ah, that’s the fourth and final mistake. See, I can tell you whatever I like. Want to know why?”
Vex’s eyes narrow, the only sign that he’s uncertain as to where Cade is going with this. “Go on.”
Cade bares his teeth. “Because you’re not going to live long enough to use whatever you learn.”
With a swift movement, he pulls out a pistol from his waistband. But he doesn’t point it at Orin.
He turns it on Vex. “Call off your dog, and I’ll let you die relatively pain free.”
The gun drives harder against my temple, making me cry out. Cade’s lips thin. “I’ll count to three, Vex. One. Two.”
He doesn’t get to three.
A gunshot rings out. It’s so close, so loud, that I squeeze my eyes shut.
When I open them, I wish I hadn’t.
