Page 120 of Queen of Spades

I nod because words seem like a lot of work. My system is overloaded with adrenaline.

“We have Lucien. He’s down,” Ward says, clicking a button on his earpiece.

“No one gave me one of those,” I say as my entire body shakes.

Something truly vile slides down the back of my neck. It’s gooey and icky, and I ache to climb out of my skin to get away from the sensation.

“I’m sorry.” Cas steps to my side. “I had the shot, and I took it.”

“I don’t blame you,” I tell him truthfully. “Did your father sell us out? Is that how Ezrah found us in Kentucky?”

“He better not have,” Ward growls. “Or I’ll kill him myself.”

“I truly hope not,” Cas says solemnly.

Two massive German Shepherds run in our direction, followed by two masked men. I’m almost positive the men are Maverick and Gunner. Gunner arrived at the hotel earlier today with their dogs.

“They finally fucking hit on a scent,” Maverick growls. He’s still wearing a mask, but I recognize his voice as they jog by us.

“There’s someone that way,” I say with certainty. “It’s where I was headed. Like my instincts could pick up on someone else’s pain. Or I don’t know.”

Ward nods, working the buttons on his shirt. Without bothering to pull off his suspenders or holsters, he slips it off while leaving on his undershirt.

“Here.” Cas grabs the bottom of my dress and helps yank it off over my hair. There are a few disgusting seconds where I can feel him trying to pull the chunks out of my hair, but eventually, it comes off.

Ward helps me into his button-down as my arms shake before starting at the top and working his way down, fastening me into the shirt. Cas does the same from the bottom.

“Can we check now? Aren’t they supposed to be finding Laken?” I ask, spinning toward the back of the property.

“Let’s go.” Ward wraps his arm around my lower back, and the three of us move as a group. Things seem to be settling down, and I no longer hear the explosions of gunshots or even the silenced version.

Grady and Kane don’t have masks on as they jog toward us.

“Last we knew, Lucien was locked in his safe room,” Kane growls, stopping right in front of me. “Are you okay, princess?”

“Cas saved me,” I whisper, staring up into his green eyes.

“How the fuck did he get out?” Grady asks.

“He came from that shed.” Ward points. “I wouldn’t be shocked if there was a back exit or possibly a tunnel that can be found in that building.”

Kane bends down, pecking a kiss on my lips. “I love you. I have for a long fucking time. It’s done. The Andrettis are no longer a threat to anyone.”

“Thank God,” Ward mutters.

“I love you too,” I tell Kane, studying his handsome face. “Is Ranger okay?”

“He’s around here somewhere. He’s fine.” Grady winks. “I’m digging that look, Anni Girl. Feel free to borrow Granddad’s shirts any time.”

“We need to check the shed,” Kane growls, stepping back.

The sound of a trunk being forcibly pried open fills the air, and my eyes fly to the noise.

Maverick, or possibly Gunner, bends over and scoops a woman out of the trunk.

My heart stalls as she screams.

“Oh, shit,” I whisper, taking off to comfort her. It would be scary to be plucked out of a trunk by two masked men. I’m not sure my current state will help her feel more at ease, but I’m another woman. I feel like that automatically makes me seem like less of a threat.

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