“Do you know him?”
“We’ve met.” Nash handed the photo back to Peter without elaborating. It was clear that Nash’s past encounter with the man hadn’t gone well. “He’s a sick bastard.”
They agreed on that at least.
Abi shut his eyes and tried not to let his emotions for the woman cloud his decision. The urge to kill was strong. He couldn’t seem to stop the low growl that came out. His anger made him antsy, so he started pacing. Abi wanted to punch something, but Peter would kill him for destroying anything in his office. Abi wasn’t so far gone that he’d do anything to piss Peter off. “He’s already dead. He just doesn’t know it yet.”
“We need a plan.” Abi wasn’t paying attention. He was too far in his head, so when he turned to pace the length of the room, he nearly ran into Nash.
Their gazes clashed. Other things about them would clash too, given enough time. Abi needed somewhere to put his anger. Nash made a big target. And maybe he was a representation of all the fake mates who ditched Abi as soon as the mating pull wore off. Maybe he wasn’t done exacting his revenge. He wanted someone to hurt with him.
He raised his fist, but something stopped him. An invisible force held him back, suspending his arm mid-strike.
Nash put his hand over Abi’s fist, holding it. His fingers were warm and gentle. He brought Abi’s hand to his chest and held it there. “I want him dead too. More than you know.”
“Like the paycheck isn’t your motive.” Abi saw in color, then it dulled. His eyes went back to color again before turning monochrome—ever changing. He breathed deep, long pulls that calmed him as much as Nash’s gentleness did.
Nash shook his head. “I wouldn’t have come here just for money.”
“Then why did you?” Abi pulled his hand away, sticking it in his pocket.
Nash wouldn’t take his gaze off Abi. He held Abi hostage. The moment felt too much like sharing, and that meant caring, which Abi couldn’t let himself do.
“Mallor killed my family.” Nash’s expression hardened. “He’ll kill you too if you react without thinking things through.”
Abi might not like it, but he knew Nash was right. “I can control myself.”
“Good. Now let’s talk about the plan.” Nash turned toward Peter, including him in the conversation. “It will probably include playing nice until we rescue the woman and everyone like her.” He met Abi’s gaze again. If you can’t do that, then—”
“I can.” Abi pleaded with Peter. “I can. Don’t send Gunner.”
Peter nodded. For once, he didn’t have that smug, knowing smile. Instead, he seemed genuinely concerned.I didn’t know about his connection to Mallor.
Do you want to pull him? Put someone else on it?
Mallor has been very good at eluding me, Abi. That is very difficult for anyone to do.Peter tapped his head with his finger, showing the connection he had with everyone.If we’re going to capture him, we’ll need the best of the best.Peter nodded to Nash. “That is Nash, Abi.”
Nash scowled, glancing between Peter and Abi. “Are you fucking my mate?” Nash met Abi’s gaze. “Are you bonded to him?”
Abi glared. “No. But it would be none of your business if we were.”
“I have a connection with everyone.” Peter must have said something to Nash internally because Nash calmed down. “Shall we get to that planning you mentioned?”
Nash sat in the chair he’d vacated earlier.
Abi sighed and sat too.
Nash met Abi’s gaze. “How are your acting abilities?”
“Fair to middling.”
Nash picked up the photograph. “All you have to do is follow my orders, Abi.”
Abi smirked. “That’s all, huh?”
“And call me Daddy. Do you think you can do that?”
Abi raised his eyebrows. “Just acting?”
