Page 81 of Unhinged

“Our oppressors were monsters, and we’ve cut them down. We’re monster slayers, and I will slay any monster that tries to hurt you.”

Her lips press together, and she doesn’t say anything; she moves closer to me and rests her head on my chest. At that moment, I know that there is nothing I wouldn’t do for this woman.

There’s comfort in our silence, a sort of unspoken communication that echoes warmly within the vast emptiness.

We’ve become architects of our morality, justifying the blood on our hands as necessary for our freedom. It’s our world, which we’ve fashioned from the ashes of our pasts. We live in this paradox, this captivating nightmare, and somehow, it feels like home.

34

TAREN

I stare at the skyscraper Gaston Marques calls home, then turn to Alice. “You need to stay somewhere safe.” I nod to the cafe fifty yards from us. “In there.”

Alice stares at me defiantly. “No chance. I’m going in with you. Blake is my friend.”

I sigh, knowing better than to argue with her in this state. “Fine, but stay close.” We push through the revolving doors, our hearts pounding in sync with the echo of our footsteps against the marble floor.

The security guard steps forward the moment he sees me. “You don’t live here. State your business.”

I steel my gaze, knowing this is going to be nearly impossible. The Elysium is the most secure building in Mexico City. It’s nearly impenetrable. I can only rely on his Gaston being stupid enough to give me access. “I’m here for a meeting with Gaston Marques.”

The guard’s eyes narrow. “There’s no meeting on the calendar.”

“Call him and ask him,” I suggest.

“If you’re fucking with me, I’ll kill you. Gaston hates being interrupted,” the guard warns.

My heart pounds erratically as he calls his apartment.

“What is it?” Gaston snaps.

“A man is here saying he has a meeting with you. Is that true?”

“What’s his name?”

“Taren,” I say.

There are a few moments of silence before Gaston speaks, “Send him up.”

“He’s with a girl,” the guard adds, looking Alice up and down in a way that makes me want to choke the life out of him. I would if we weren’t on a mission to save her friend.

Gaston chuckles. “Send them both up.”

A look of surprise crosses the guard’s face, but he steps aside and allows us to cross to the private elevators. We step into the polished cabin, and I press the button for the penthouse. As the elevator ascends, I turn to Alice, her face pale in the artificial light. “Remember, stick to the plan. In and out, that’s it.”

She nods, her grip tightening on my arm.

The doors slide open to reveal Gaston lounging in a lavish living room, a smug smile on his face.

Blake is dressed in a stunning gown that must have cost a fortune. Her eyes widen when she sees Alice. “Alice! What are you doing here?”

Gaston glares at her. “Quiet, beautiful.”

Her jaw clenches, and she falls silent.

“They’re here to save you, aren’t you?” Gaston asks, looking between me and Alice.

I walk into the room, approaching him with Alice by my side. “Is there anything I can give you to consider parting with your purchase?” I ask, knowing that Gaston is a powerful man. Taking her against his will is like painting a target on your back.

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