Page 4 of Balthazar's Fire

Balthazar, if you can hear me, he’s coming. Help me. For God’s sake, help me!

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Balthazar

Sunlight bleached the sky above them as the four Vaughns crowded on the busy urban street, but the labyrinth of skyscrapers rising from the earth blocked most of its rays. To the untrained observer, the men looked like any other group of city bankers, finely dressed and exhibiting the spoils of their wealth, but those closer to the huddle of suited men might have garnered the odd compromising word as they passed, and a sense that not all was well with those well-dressed gentlemen.

Running through the details with his three brothers one more time, the rescue plan slowly cemented in Balthazar’s head, and the more he heard it, the more he liked it.

Yes. He smiled as his confidence grew. This is going to work.

Sebastian would be the decoy. He had a natural air of calm about him and could dupe Monroe into believing there was discord amongst them regarding Monroe’s recent and insulting business offer. While Sebastian kept Monroe busy above ground, Balthazar and the others would find Cherie and free her. It was as genius as it was simple, and in Balthazar’s opinion, that meant it was going to work.

“It’ll never work.” Draco shook his head with a sigh. “Do you really think Monroe will fall for the old decoy trick?”

“Yes,” Balthazar replied flatly. “I’ve met the guy and he’s absurdly arrogant and not very bright. If he believes Sebastian wants to discuss his offer behind my back, then Monroe will piss himself to listen.”

A low growl escaped Balthazar’s throat as he considered the fate. He wanted more than only Monroe’s denigration to make him pay for what he’d done to him and Cherie.

“It’s worth a shot.” Cole shrugged. “At least it means Monroe will be distracted. After that it’s just us, and Balthazar’s woman—”

“And the armed militia that moron likely has stashed away in the bowels of the building.” Draco motioned behind them to the tallest high rise of them all—Monroe’s tower block.

“He won’t have militia.” Sebastian laughed wryly. “He’s a businessman, like us.”

“He’s nothing like us,” Balthazar corrected. “And Draco’s right to be wary. We have no idea what security the family has, but there’s bound to be some, and yes, they could have guns.”

An eerie quiet fell over them as each man considered Balthazar’s warning.

“It’s just as well I stopped to collect a few arms of our own then.” Draco lifted the sports bag he was carrying into the air, a dark glint gleaming in his blue eyes. Although he bore the same distinctive height and high cheek bones as his brothers, Draco was the only blond of the four. It had made him stand out in a group of already noticeable men.

Balthazar’s gaze fell to the leather bag. “What did you do, Draco?”

“I brought supplies.” Draco’s lips twitched. “And you’re welcome.”

“Seems sensible to have back-up of some sort,” Cole suggested, glancing between his brothers. “We’re stronger and faster than most, but even we can’t outrun bullets.”

“I don’t like it.” Balthazar ground his teeth as he eyed the bag. He understood Draco and Cole’s point, but weapons never boded well. Balthazar was used to outwitting and out moving his opponents without guns. He was faster, stronger and usually, smarter. Walking into the building armed meant they had an intention to use weapons and that didn’t sit well with him.

“What’s to like?” Draco’s brow rose. “We’re marching in there to rescue a woman you barely even fucking know, Bal. I’m not losing my life because of your most recent hard-on.”

“Now, hang on…” Balthazar’s heart thundered at Draco’s thinly-veiled criticism. “I wouldn’t do anything to put any of you in danger. As I recall, I never even asked any of you to help me.”

“No,” Sebastian interrupted. “I insisted, and I stand by the assertion. We’re stronger together and we know it.” He paused, pulling in a deep breath as if he expected any of the others to argue. No one did.

“Draco’s point wasn’t so eloquently put, but it’s fair, Balthazar.” Sebastian turned to his older sibling. “Forewarned is forearmed, or, in this case, forearmed is better than wandering in there with no defense whatsoever.”

“Okay.” Balthazar sighed, wishing they could just get on with it already. “We’ll take the guns, but I strongly urge restraint.”

Peering back at the ominous tower, anxiety contracted in his stomach. Cherie was trapped in there and she needed his help.

Balthazar!

As though Balthazar had conjured her voice in his desperation, he swore he heard her call his name in his head. His brows knitted as he focused on her voice. Was he inventing it in his frantic anguish, or was their telepathic connection growing stronger again?

Balthazar, if you can hear me, he’s coming. Help me. For God’s sake, help me!

Pulling in a sharp breath, Balthazar turned back to his brothers who were still discussing the merits and disadvantages of armed encounters. Draco in particular, seemed hellbent on conveying which gun was his favorite, but Balthazar wasn’t listening. He’d definitely heard Cherie that time and there was no doubt she was in trouble.

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