Page 161 of Manacled Hearts

“Most times loyalty is better than love… So the agreed location mentioned to him was not this warehouse?” Evelyn asks, pointing to the now black screen.

“No. Different one. We’re going there right now.”

I grab my phone and shoot a text to Carter.

Still alone?

The response comes within five seconds.

On his way.

Bartiste is nearing. The adrenaline that has been slowly leaving my body as we’ve been driving, is returning. We were only a few minutes away, but I was anxious that more of Bartiste’s men could have followed us. I really wish I could have taken Evelyn to Mamaw June, but it’s too late. Too dangerous.

“When we get there, I’m hiding you in a room and you have to stay there. I’m being serious, Evelyn. You cannot. Fucking. Move. Got it?”

I’m focused on the narrowing road as we pass through the old, wrought-iron gates of the abandoned sugar factory, and pull in by an old shed next to another one of our cars. She hasn’t answered me.

“You got it, Evie?”

“Yes, yes. Stay hidden. Do not move. Got it.” Her tone carries a bit too much stubbornness. I hope it’s not a lie. “Why are we parking basically at the front, in plain view?”

I get out of the car and go to grab her. One kiss I steal before I usher her toward the looming, creaky building that hasn’t seen much life in the last thirty years.

“Because Carter planted another seed that this is our hiding spot, a temporary center of operations. And also that we’re under the impression we’ve successfully killed Bartiste,” I answer with a chuckle.

“He thinks he’s ambushing us.”

“Exactly.”

We pass through a secondary door since we’ve soldered shut the main one, and after a couple of corridors, we’re in the main space of the factory. A projector screen lights up the space and its old machinery, as our men find their positions in the shadows.

“What is that?” Evelyn exclaims, pointing at the video playing on the screen.

I steer her in the other direction, toward the stairs, before she can see the gruesome scene projected there.

“Best not to look at that, Evie.”

“This is a fucking bad idea!” Madds rushes to us, Jay, one of our men in tow.

“Trust me, brother. I know. There was no other choice. Jay, take her up to the archive room. It’s far enough away, but still in decent reach. Take two more men with you. Protect her at all costs.”

“Of course, sir.”

Another one of our guys comes over with bulletproof vests for both of us, and I quickly strap Evelyn into hers, then throw mine on.

“No! Finnigan—”

But Maddox pulls her in a crushing hug, his lips a tight line as he looks at me. Yeah buddy, I’m fucking worried out of my mind too. She turns to me once she’s released out of his grip.

“I want to stay with you, please Finnigan, I can’t… what if something happens?”

I guide her pretty face to mine and press a deep kiss to her lips. When I move away, tears brim her eyes, squeezing my chest. I hope nothing happens to me so I can see her gorgeous face again.

“Jay will keep you safe while I deal with the bastard who wronged you.”

“No, I mean what if something happens to you? To Madds?”

God, I love her. She’s more worried about our safety. Leave it to Evelyn to think of everyone but herself.

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