“It was inadvertently a test to prove your loyalty to me and your devotion to my son.” My father clapped his hands with one loud smack. “I have the perfect idea, let’s plan a wedding!”
“Dad, stop!” I yelled, horrified. “We just got back, stop talking crazy.”
“What?” He looked hurt. “I’m excited to have you back, and my heart is bursting seeing the two of you. There’s nothing I’d love more than to see you happy and protected with Gabe.”
I shook my head, waving my arms in front of my face. “We can talk about this later. Do you need anything else from us? We’re tired from the journey and need to sleep.”
“I’m sure you are. We can plan this later.” My father turned to Gabe, clapping him one more time on the back. “I’m happy to have you back on my team.”
With a gentle squeeze, Gabe clasped my hand in his, his touch both reassuring and tender. “Wanna head back to your room?”
I nodded, and as we started toward the exit, my father’s voice cut through the air. “Gabe?”
We paused.
“You’re dismissed,” he started. “But I’d like to have some time to talk to my son.”
Gabe and I caught eyes, silently asking if being alone with him was a good idea. I nodded, knowing I’d be fine. I’m stronger than I was before I was kidnapped. Plus, I have a gun in my waistband, armed and ready for use if anything gets out of hand.
“I’ll be waiting in your apartment.”
I nodded, a silent agreement passing between us, knowing he’d look after Jude. The door clicked shut, and I turned to my father, the sound echoing in the quiet room. Disgust filled my body as the man in front of me smiled. I now know everything about this man is a lie. He’s been feeding me lies my entire life, but I knew holding my cards close was my best bet.
“Vincent, my son, I’m so thankful you’ve returned unharmed.” His voice was genuine, unlike the formal tone he used with other leaders. It sounded like he was genuinely happy. “This snag has delayed the Extraction. We’re behind schedule.”
Ah, there’s the reason why he’s happy.
“We must perform the Extraction as soon as possible.”
A large yawn escaped my lips, stretching my jaw and releasing a tired sigh. “I’m exhausted, I don’t think I can handleit right now. Do you think we can postpone for a few days until I get my strength back?” I saw my father’s eyes squint. “I know it’s my duty to the Elysium.”
He was quiet for a moment, contemplating my request. “You’ve been through a lot. Take some time to rest. I’m going to schedule some time for us to connect. I want to hearallabout what you went through and where the humans took you. I’ll make sure they pay, you can bet on that.”
I’m sure you can, Dad. I’m sure.
I need to choose my words carefully. My first instinct was to tell him it wasn’t necessary, but I don’t want him to know I was working with the humans. I needed to continue to let him believe I find them despicable. “I’d like some time for the two of us, Dad. Like in the old days.”
“How I wish we could go back.” My father came over and gave me one more hug. “I’m just happy you’re home.”
“I’m happy too.” Returning his embrace, I breathed in his scent of tobacco and blood. I no longer knew who this man was. He was a stranger.
“Do you need me to have security bring you back to your room?”
I shook my head, both of us knowing there’s only one floor I can access. “I know where it is.” Before leaving his office, I offered him a reassuring smile. Pressing the elevator button, I stepped inside and rode down to my floor. Stepping out, I turned to my penthouse door and went inside. I couldn’t wait to debrief with Gabe and Jude.
Walking in, everything was quiet. The sound of a heavy breath, thick and labored, reached my ears from the living room, urging me to investigate. Jude’s blond hair came into view, sitting on my couch with his head rolled backward. I hesitantly walked closer. “Where’s Gabe?” I stopped in my tracks, and myquestions were answered. Jude sat on my couch with his pants pooled at his ankles, and Gabe’s face was in his lap.
Startled by my sudden question, both jumped and their faces flushed. I didn’t know what to do, so my instinct was to run away. Sprinting to my bedroom, I closed the door and locked it.
“Vinny, it’s not what it looks like!”
“Come out!”
They were banging on the door, and I slid down it with my knees clutched to my chest. Their words were muted in my mind. What did I just see? When did this begin? Where does this leave me? They stole my heart and time. If they were to choose each other, what would become of the mission? These two men, whom I once saw as heroes, now seemed like thieves who stole my heart and deceived me. Which were they—heroes or thieves? Lines blurred until I couldn’t seem to tell them apart anymore.
I knew staying holed up in my room wasn’t a reality. I needed to face them. I needed to find out how this happened and what it meant for us going forward. I always felt completely secure with these two men, but now, a deep unease settled in my heart.
Hesitantly, I opened the door. Both of them were standing there, looking concerned.
