I watch as Connor enters the coffee shop. The one variant in his weekly routine is that he switches where he gets his coffee from once a week, as if determined to find that “perfect” place. Something both Hollis and Lio tried to explain is very important and serious business, but I am not an addict like they are, so I’ll just take their word for it.
When Connor leaves the coffee shop, he cuts through the alley, because apparently, the guy likes walking when he can. While I can appreciate a good exercise routine…walking? How utterly uninspiring.
It’s good for us, though. It allows Nario to stop him, using his big hazel eyes and sweet demeanor to lure out Connor’s caregiving side. And that gives me enough time to sneak up on him.
Connor tries to turn, but I grab him, holding him close and subduing him, even as he tries to fight back. He’s as tall as I am, but is built more like Hollis, so it’s all muscle memory for me as I hold him still so Nario can slip the needle into his neck.
The sedatives Doc’s been using are different from the ones he slips Hollis and I for our kidnapping games, and it’s quite disappointing when things are over so quickly.
“Your Bel Fiore has taught you well,” I compliment, as I readjust Connor in my arms, now that he’s a deadweight.
Nario beams at me, but doesn’t get to respond as Nicolo comes down the alley with the car.
After putting a few zip ties around Connor’s wrists and ankles, we stuff him in the trunk.
“I’m kind of disappointed,” Nario says with a pout as we get into the car. “That was so straightforward, it was almost boring.”
I snort, understanding now what drew Jude to the twins—they’re as insane as the rest of us.
The drive back to the house is short, and Connor is waking up when I drag him from the trunk. His wide green eyes don’t lookscared, more annoyed, which is interesting. Though he doesn’t say a word as Joel comes out to help me carry him into the house.
“I hate when you go places without me,” the bodyguard bitches.
“I know,” I reply cheerfully.
We take Connor to the conference room, where Javi, Doc, Jude, and Carter are waiting. As soon as Connor sees Javi, he blanches.
“Of course, it’s fucking you,” he snarks. “Can’t you do anything the normal way, Javi?”
Javi grins around the sucker in his mouth. Popping the candy out, he says, “Nope. Nice to see you. I have a job for you.”
“No,” Connor replies flatly. “In fact, fuck no. I know the kind of shit you get into. No, thanks.” He looks at me. “This was fun and all, but I’m ready to go home now.”
I smile. “You’re amusing.”
Forcing Connor into the chair across from Carter, I back up a few steps, but stay within reach, just in case.
“I’m sorry we’re meeting like this,” Carter tells him. “But your schedule is booked out, and well, we were informed you wouldn’t see us, even if you had the time.”
“Hmm, I wonder why,” Connor mutters.
“You like it, and you know it,” Javi retorts. “Stop playing hard to get.”
Carter sighs. “Please, ignore him. Let’s start fresh. I’m Carter Amato, and I am one third of the Council.” There’s a pause as we all gauge to see if Connor knows what that means.
The way he laughs suggests he does. “Oh, this is great. What the hell have you gotten yourself into now, Javi? I’m not saving your ass, if that’s what you’re hoping for?”
“We need your expertise,” Doc says, before anyone else can speak up. “Javi and I have been treating multiple patients whoare either actively, or could become actively, suicidal. We have a few other therapists onboarding already, but to avoid burnout, oversaturation, and because of the different types of specialties we need, we’re branching out.”
“And I’m just the next lucky victim?” Connor asks.
“Precisely,” Javi says gleefully. “Though you’re the first we’re kidnapping, so consider yourself lucky.”
Connor sighs. “Even if I was inclined to help, I have my own client list. I can’t just abandon them because you asked me to.”
“Of course not,” Carter agrees. He slides a file folder across the table. “Tennant?”
Leaning over Connor, I flip the folder open, and glance down to see Roman’s name on the paperwork, before quickly looking away.
