Once we secure the generator on the back of the truck, Asher claps me on the shoulder. “Ready?”
Nodding, I walk back over to Jack Daniel’s stall to check on Pop. “We’re heading back up.”
“I’m gonna stay with Jack,” he says, brushing a hand over his neck. “I don’t want to leave him alone.”
“Why don’t I head back up to the house for some coffee?” Dino suggests. “I think it might be a long night.”
Pop nods. “Appreciate that.”
“Come on, you can ride with us and bring the truck back,” I tell him.
“Thanks.” He hops in the backseat while I climb in the driver’s side.
On the drive back, my eyes move from the windshield to the rearview mirror, barely making out Dino’s dark silhouette. The closer we get to the house, I notice some movement on the porch. Slowing down, I flash my bright lights to see what the hell it is and what I discover has my heart crushing against my chest.
“Son of a bitch!” I slam on the brakes, ready to flee the truck only to feel the cold barrel of a gun at the back of my neck.
“Not one move,” Dino’s dark voice fills the truck.
Asher twists in his seat, his body stiffening. “What the fuck are you doing?” he asks Dino.
“No questions. Drive, Justin, or I’ll put a bullet in your head.”
Asher looks back at me, like the bastard has lost his damn mind. He has if he thinks he’s going to get away with this.
I inch the vehicle closer to the house. Seconds later, Dino lifts a cell phone to his ear. “We’re coming in. I have both of them. The old man is down at the stable. Once we take care of these two, I’ll deal with him.”
The cold slap of betrayal freezes my blood as we round the front of the house, a familiar SUV comes into view and my fucking heart sinks in a stone of dread.
“You bastard,” I grit, fury tightening my gut. “We trusted you. After everything my family has given to you. How could you betray us like this?”
“Money is one hell of a motivator,” he says. “More than I ever made in the years I’ve spent busting my ass here.”
I shake my head in disbelief, unsure how the hell any of us missed this side of him.
Once I have the truck in park, Dino climbs out and opens the passenger door the same time the garage door opens and two men come out carrying AKs.
“Get out,” Dino orders.
I stare back at him, jaw tight as I figure out how I’m going to get us the fuck out of this.
“Now,” he bellows.
Hands raised high, I comply with his order.
“You too,” Dino says, shifting his gaze to Asher.
Asher opens the door, but refrains from holding up his hands. The fury radiating from him matches the rage thrashing through my veins. The two assholes keep their guns trained on him as we climb the stairs leading into the house.
Asher sends me a pointed look, our minds scrambling with what to do next. We make our way inside, through the mudroom and kitchen, stopping in the living room.
It’s then my worst fear comes to light. Selena is down on her knees, tears staining her cheeks while Carlito’s hand is gripped tightly in her hair. Teddy lies on the floor facedown, bloody and beaten, arms and legs secured behind his back.
“Ah, nice of you to join us,” the bastard says in a way of greeting.
My fists clench in the air, the urge to end him burning in my blood. “I’m going to fucking kill you for this.”
A malicious smirk taints his lips. Releasing Selena, he steps forward, sending a blow to my face. My head cracks to the side, my ears ringing but it’s overshadowed by the cry Selena lets out.
