“I can answer that,” Dalton says, tapping one of the many sheets of paper. “Ansel included transcripts of their messages. Looks like he asked them the same question.”
I lean forward. “What did they say?”
Dalton’s gaze skims over the text. “They said, ‘We were prepared to let this go, but then we realized what a unique position you’re in. No one can get close to The Firm…apart from you.’”
I run a hand through my hair. “So they went after Ansel because they saw how obsessed I am with him.”
“Don’t blame yourself,” Wylder says. “This is all on them.”
“Oh, I’m not.” I grin. “It is all their fault. I’m just low-key proud that my love for Ansel shines so brightly that even evil henchmen can spot it.”
A collective groan goes around the table. It just makes my grin wider. They better get used to me crowing about my feelings for Ansel, because I’m sure as shit not keeping them to myself.
“Okay, next question.” Samson turns his head to Wylder. “How’d they bug the house?”
“Remember the burst pipes? We think they were installed then, but the security company we hired to remove them is going to analyze them to see what date they started transmitting data.”
Well, that’s something, at least. Guess we’re going to have to be a lot more careful about who we let into our homes in the future.
“I’m guessing those two tonight weren’t the head honchos,” Harley says, pursing his lips. “Vex was far too cocky to actually have any power.”
“He was merely an enforcer, nothing more,” Wylder says as we all nod. “Thanks to Ansel, we have some names and addresses to look into.”
My chest swells. My butterfly is so fucking smart.
Then Wylder says something that has it deflating instantly. “And, once he’s better, he can help us find out more.”
“No he fucking can’t.”
Wylder frowns at me. “Why not?”
“Because he can’t,” I all but growl. “It’s too dangerous. He’s already put his life on the line to protect us once. He’s not doing it again.”
“Cade, be reasonable. Ansel can?—”
“No.” I glare at him, my dagger finding its way into my hand. “That’s final. Find another way, Wylder. Ansel is my line, and I won’t cross it. Not even for any of you.”
There’s a tense moment before Dalton gives a low whistle. “Fuckme. Never thought I’d see the day Cade was whipped, but apparently it’s here.”
“It’s been here for a while.” Matthias rolls his eyes. “Or do I need to remind you of his hissy fit when we ‘rescued’ him.”
My cheeks color. “I did not throw a hissy fit.”
Harley giggles. “You kinda did, dude.”
I go to argue with him, but the door swings open. Neo appears, a huge smile on his lips. “Ansel. He’s awake.”
31
ANSEL
I wake up in bits and pieces, the pain a dull sensation in the backs of my eyes, radiating through my hands and up my arms. The worst though, is my chest. It aches.
My eyelashes flutter open, and I see a stout man leaning over me. His white jacket and stethoscope tell me he’s the doctor in charge of me. He looks familiar.
The man in the cabin. When I kidnapped Cade.
That’s right. This time, I was the one kidnapped, but Cade took me home. He rescued me.
