“Because he doesn’t operate on their wavelengths. Let’s just say his connections aren’t exactly above board and going by the type of people you’ll have to deal with to get Zena back, his contacts are what you need right now.”
“Who are you?” I asked, my tone blunt. He merely arched a brow. If he was expecting respect, I was done with that shit. I glanced at Trent, noting his wide smile.
“Ray, this is Zayne Morrone.”
My jaw dropped. “Jesus, fuck. What is it with everyone coming back from the fucking dead? What next, the fucking zombie apocalypse?” I looked at my cousin. “You said he was dead.” Trent had recently landed in a dilemma with him dating Zayne’s wife. How they’d worked it out between them was nothing short of a miracle and I was glad he’d ended up with the woman he loved. He never gave me the basics on Zayne’s death, though and now I understood why.
My cousin chuckled. “He is to everyone else.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Not important,” Zayne’s deep voice dismissed my question.
I flicked my gaze back to him. His face devoid of expression he stared at me, those eyes daring me to challenge him. Jesus, the man was a serious fucker.
“Fine,” I muttered. “How can you help?”
“I’ve made a few calls. Zena is being kept on a private island. You want in, I can get you there,” he offered nothing else.
I stared at him dumbfounded. “I’ve been going crazy trying to find someone to help me. And you just made a few phone calls? That’s it?” Irritation fanned the flames of my disbelief. “Why the fuck should I trust you?”
“Because I do,” Trent responded then he sighed. “I understand your reluctance to trust anyone, given what you’ve been through, not just with this whole shit, Ray,” his voice took a softer tone on the last sentence and I knew he referred to the drama with my recently ex-girlfriend who was now my father’s wife. Talk about shit going south in my life. “But you know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, right,” my cousin consoled. At my nod, he rose and crossed the room to the bar.
Closing my eyes, I leaned my head against the backrest then shoved both my hands through my hair and looked at Zayne. “Are they dangerous people? Would they hurt Zena if I got close?”
“All depends,” he said and at my questioning look brow, added, “if you do exactly as I tell you. Don’t mention any of this to anyone and no fuck ups.”
I saw red. “What the fuck does that mean?” I growled.
“Ray,” Trent shoved a glass in my hand. “Drink,” he ordered when I scowled. “He’s not your enemy. The real enemy is out there. We’re trying to help but if you insist on being a prick then I’ll ask Zayne to walk away.” When I took a sip of the drink, he crouched in front of me. “You’re burnt out, man, I can see it on your face. You look like your entire happiness has been drained from your life and I don’t blame you. You’ve had a shitty few months. So, decide now if you want his help and all this running around can be over within a few days.”
Staring at my cousin, I exhaled on a long breath. “Fuck, Trent, I’m sorry.” I rubbed my brow and looked up at Zayne. “I’m sorry and yes, I’d like your help. Please,” even I could hear the desperation in my tone.
Zayne nodded as Trent went back to the bar. “Not everything is always as it seems, Rayden.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’d be surprised at the sheer willpower we possess. I’ve been where you are and I know what you’re going through. At the end, it’s all about choices. Whether good or bad, sooner or later our hearts know what’s best for us.”
I got the feeling he knew more than he was letting on and shrugged off the unease gnawing at my bones. Trent wouldn’t put me in harm’s way. If he trusted Zayne, so could I. “When do we do this?”
“You tell me.” Zayne accepted the glass Trent held out.
Today.I wanted to say. “As soon as possible. I don’t want to wait anymore.” I finished my drink and stood. “Can I ask who took her?”
Zayne sipped his drink then studied me for a moment. “Its best if you don’t know who you’re dealing with. Less is more, Rayden.”
My laugh was caustic. “I’ll take that under advisement.” I’d accepted less for so long when it came to love, I wasn’t sure more was even possible.
