Page 119 of Queen of Spades

The majority are silenced, but a few aren’t, and that makes me very nervous.

Hopefully, the Andrettis picked good neighbors, like Grady did in Las Vegas.

“Annika,” Ward growls, stomping after me. “I’m not fucking around here, lass. Slow down, or I’ll find a nice secluded area and put your arse over my knee.” His accent is so thick that it would normally make me smile. “We’ve already lost Tanner. The three of us need to stick close together.”

We didn’t lose Tanner in a death sense. He jogged off in the opposite direction a few minutes ago, like he didn’t understand the importance of staying close to the team.

I do.

Unfortunately, something is pulling me toward the back of the property. There’s a shed about twenty feet ahead on the right and up, and to the left appears to be the back of the house where the garage is.

“I’m sorry.” I clutch my aching stomach. This pain isn’t mine. I don’t even understand what’s happening, but I do know that someone needs our help in this direction. The fear pulsing in my chest leads me to believe it’s not one of Andretti’s men. “Hurry. I’m not trying to leave you behind, but it feels important.” I get to the shed and spin to the left to scan for any dangers.

Only, a strong hand rips off my mask, and as soon as that’s out of the way, it clamps over my mouth.

I fight, trying to aim the dagger in my right hand at my assailant, but he’s too strong. He bends my wrist to the point I have to drop it or risk my bones being snapped.

“Lucien.” Cassian’s voice comes from immediately behind me. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

I’m lifted off the ground and spun around by Lucien as Cas rips off his mask.

Lucien tilts his head down to study my face. “Sparrow. How intriguing. I thought I was making a trade for Fallon.” He references Kate’s real name.

God, I don’t know why it gets under my skin so much, but it really does. Another woman forced to give up her name, to run and hide if she wanted some semblance of a life. It’s not fucking right.

I fight like hell, tossing my head back into his jaw as my heels slam into his shins.

“Your father reached out, asking for mine and my brother’s help when you were kidnapped by Ranger Cavanaugh to honor your marker,” Lucien growls at Cas. “Yet, here you are, raiding my home with the enemy hours before that transaction was set to take place.”

“No. Not raiding.” Cas is closer than I realized. He raises his palms, taking a step forward. “Ward and I were dragged into this mess, but we want no part of it. We’re leaving. Come with us, or try your chances on your own. Either way, we intend to be gone before Ranger notices we’re missing.”

My eyes narrow, but I don’t have a single doubt that he’s playing Lucien.

“They’ve got all communications blocked,” Lucien says, shaking his head.

My entire body pulses with pain, and it’s still not mine.

Someone is in bad shape.

I’m also really fucking confused why Canton Forbes would have made contact with Lucien and Ezrah.

My heart pulses erratically as I wonder how Ezrah knew where to find us in Kentucky.

He also purposely didn’t kill Cassian when he had the chance.

Holy fuck.

Did Cas’s dad turn on us? Is that why Tanner disappeared?

“We have to move now if you want to live through this clusterfuck.” Ward stands a few feet behind Cas, with his thumbs looped through his suspenders, like he doesn’t have a care in the world. He’s also got his mask off. “Otherwise, best of luck to ya. We’re taking our chances and heading back to Vegas to escape that one’s lunatic brother.”

I’m not sure what the hell is going on, but I do know one thing—this isn’t my guys betraying me.

“Fine, but Sparrow comes with me. She’s my human shield.” Lucien steps past Cas with his eyes on Ward. “I have doubts they ever had Fallon to begin with.”

My entire body jolts as the sound of a silenced gun goes off. I fall to my knees, covered in blood and possibly brain matter. My chest heaves as I try to suck in air and twist to see Cas still holding his arm extended.

Ward hits his knees in front of me a half second later. “Jesus Christ, are you okay?”

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