Gage’s head snapped up, jaw tight, teeth clenched.
Screens flickered, and the feed changed to the aquatics center.
No one spoke, barely breathed as they watched the video.
Gage looked as if he was in the zone. His form was perfect, every stroke clean and powerful, his back muscles rippling.
It wasn’t long before Adrian slipped in through the side door and crept around the pool deck while Gage swam his laps.
He was watching him like a starving lion stalking a gazelle.
Adrian reached inside his pants, adjusting himself, and Scar’s temper flared, but he held himself in check.
He frowned as Adrian started repositioning the lounge chairs and tables as if creating a maze. He took Gage’s things to the other side of the room, then blocked all the doors.
When Adrian stripped off his clothes, the entire room radiated with anger and disbelief.
Scar leaned forward without realizing it, his fists clenched tight as Adrian got in the water in Gage’s lane.
He could’t stop scowling as he watched Gage fight Adrian under water, then sprint for the edge. After Gage fell over a chair that hadn’t been there before, Scar thought he was going to lose his mind, the rage was burning so hot inside him.
They all watched it through to the end.
The struggle. The skull impact. The splash. Gage diving back in. Him administering CPR. Roz barreling in. The medics.
An overwatch specialist cut the footage at Jo’s command.
Scar turned slowly and glared at Meridian.
He wanted retribution. He wanted Adrian tortured to excruciating pain.
“Where is he?” he demanded. “If he isn’t dead, he sure as fuck better be in the next five minutes.”
“That’s not what we do?” Jo glared.
Scar threw his hands out, gesturing at his brothers.
“What the fuck do you mean? We’re in a room full of goddamn assassins!”
Gage leapt up. “No. Absolutely not. I’ve already handled it.”
“Fuck that!” Scar barked. “It’s not even remotely handled, until that motherfucker’s no longer breathing.”
“I said no,” Gage bit back, his voice snapping like a whip. “I don’t need my big bad fiancé to fight for me, and I damn sure can defend my own honor. As you saw on the tape, I handled it.”
“Gage.” He reached for him.
Gage’s brows drew down, his lips pressed thin. “I’m your damn partner, Scar…your equal partner…not your child.”
Gage got up and stormed out, having to use his cane in the unfamiliar room, leaving the rest of them stunned to silence.
Scar stood there, split down the middle.
He wanted to find Adrian and end him for what he’d just seen, but he also wanted his fiancé in his arms.
Gage was right. He didn’t need him to protect or defend him, and Adrian had never stood a chance because Gage was a force all by himself.
“You’d better go after him before you’re left standing alone at the altar in three days,” Roz muttered.
