How did he set all these wheels into motion so quickly?
CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT
RYKER
NOW
Imove around a lot for my job, hopping from town to town, state to state, and I’ve always been neutral about most of the places I’ve visited.
Except Florida.
I fucking hate it here.
The humidity. The heat. The goddamn gators.
Those overgrown dinosaurs are one of the few things on earth that scare the shit out of me, and I don’t give a fuck if that makes me a pussy.
As soon as we step off the jet, I want to walk my ass back up the stairs and get the fuck out of here, but not until we have Chloe.
We landed at a private airfield three hours from Miami, knowing Lombardi will have anything closer in his back pocket, but we’ll be sitting tight in this area for the night until reinforcements arrive.
Camilla called in every favor she could and then some, but her biggest hurdle was convincing her men she was okay to travel so soon after getting out of the hospital.
I have to admit, watching the men of the Legion lose their minds when she started crying was amusing as hell, and in the end, she got exactly what she wanted.
Out of habit more than necessity, I try the boss again, but I’m once again sent straight to voicemail. I’m pretty sure the fucker has my number blocked, but I keep trying anyway.
I’ve been working for him most of my adult life, but this is the first time he’s iced me out like this. It’s also the first time I’ve ever defied a direct order, so maybe I deserve it.
The sun set hours ago, which makes it even more confusing to me why it’s still so goddamn hot. Doesn’t Mother Nature know it’s almost winter?
I trail after the group toward the two SUV’s parked a few yards away and follow Camilla into the front vehicle, much to the dismay of her guys.
“We’re not adding anymore men to the collection, Little Menace,” Crew rumbles as he helps her into the car and fastens the seat belt around her.
“He’s obviously obsessed with Chloe.” She rolls her eyes. “Plus, I already have my hands full with the men I have.”
I snicker and take my seat in the back. The way they bicker normally amuses me to no end, but I can’t shake the knowledge that the Lombardis have had Chloe for almost a week, and we have no guarantees that she’s even alive.
What if we’re too late?
Resting my head against the window, I allow my eyes to fall closed.
I’m fucking exhausted.
No matter how hard I try to sleep, all I can think about is Chloe.
If she’s hurt.
If she’s alive.
If she’s given up.
I promised I was coming for her, but it’s taken too long. I wouldn’t blame her if she’s counted me out, if she thinks I’ve failed her the same way so many others have before.
My phone vibrates in my hand, and I almost ignore the blocked number. Despite having my entire identity and everything attached to it locked the fuck down, the odd scammer does slip through from time to time.
But then I remember it’s two in the morning, and the likelihood of someone calling to sell me a new solar system is beyond low at this time of the day.
