Page 12 of Mine

I lean back in my chair, twisting the gold ring around my index finger.

Another birthday.

I sigh, tip back my head, and stare at the ceiling.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if something great happened tonight?

Seven

Astor

“I’m coming down with you,” Cillian insists as we stride to the elevator, sidestepping the never-ending flow of drunken bachelorettes.

“They won’t let you in.”

“It’s worth a shot. I can make myself invisible and be ready if you need me. Whoever you’re meeting with knows there’s no way in hell Astor Stone would go anywhere without security. He’s got to be expecting it.”

I don’t argue because Cillian is correct. In fact, I want our host to know I’m not alone. That I will not follow his, or anyone’s, orders. He, or she, wants something from me, and they won’t kill my wife until they get it, whether I’m solo or have an army behind me. I’ve handled enough criminals to know this.

We’re greeted by a monstrous man named Jalen, who, although I don’t recognize him, knows exactly who I am. After checking identification, he gives me a card with a code and directions to the Dungeon.

Cillian passes this checkpoint.

The mirrored elevator drops us below ground level and opens to another man as imposing as the one upstairs.

“Astor Stone,” he says, and just like Jalen, this one also knows who I am before I introduce myself. “You’re early, but you’re in luck. Your party is already here.”

This time, I am not asked to show ID. Instead, I am asked to spread my arms and legs for a weapons check.

Cillian shoots me a wary glance. I give him a slight nod—it’s okay.

I expected this.

Guard Number Two joins the party and pats me down, removing the pistol from my waistband. The gun is placed in a small safe, produced from behind a lectern.

“Your weapon will be stored in this safe until you leave. Please enter a passcode followed by the pound key. Only you will know this code, so please don’t share it with anyone. Your weapon will remain under my guard until you return.”

“Isn’t that a reassuring thought.” I key in a code.

“Thank you,” he says. “Right this way.”

Guard Number Two intercepts Cillian. “Sir, you’re not on the list. Only Mr. Stone is permitted past this point. You can wait here.”

I shoot Cillian a look over my shoulder when he begins to protest.

His fists clench at his sides. Watching me, he begins pacing like a wild animal.

I turn my back.

“Did you have a good flight over?” Guard One asks me.

“It would have been better if I knew who I’m meeting tonight, or at least what I’m doing here.”

“My apologies, sir. My boss demanded complete discretion, as I’m sure you understand, Mr. Stone.”

“Though I know little about your boss, I understand that he weaponizes abusing women to lure his enemies. I suggest you either find someone else to work for or keep a close eye on your own.”

The guard looks at me, a moment passing between us.

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