Page 82 of Beast

“Blake,” I murmur, threading my fingers through hers and giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “I know you were scared when I brought your there. But things are different now. You’re not my captive. You’re here with me of your own free will.”

Her eyes meet mine, filled with a mixture of emotions. “I know. It’s just confusing. All of it.”

I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. “I understand. But I promise you, you’ve got nothing to fear. The penthouse is your home now, as much as it is mine. And I’ll do everything in my power to ensure you feel safe and comfortable there.”

Blake nods. “Okay,” she murmurs. “I trust you.”

The words send a thrill through me, and I can’t resist pulling her from her seat and into my arms, cradling her against my chest.

The jet begins its descent, and I tighten my hold on Blake, drawing her even closer. She melts into my embrace, her head coming to rest on my chest above my heart. I can’t resist brushing a kiss across her golden hair, breathing in the sweet floral scent of her shampoo.

The plane lands and we get up, exiting the plane hand in hand. I squeeze her hand, a subtle reassurance. The midday sun beats down overhead, and Blake lifts a hand to shield her eyes.

“Welcome home, Mr. Marques,” Langston greets me. I give him a brisk nod before opening the door to the waiting town car when the first shot rings out, echoing across the tarmac.

I react on instinct, grabbing Blake and shoving her down behind me and the car, using my body to shield hers. More shots, closer now. I risk a glance around the car and see at least half a dozen armed men advancing on us. Estrada’s doing, no doubt.

Smoke grenades explode nearby, enveloping us in a haze. I pull Blake tighter against me, ready to fight our way out if needed. But then I feel her being wrenched from my grasp.

“No!” I roar, lunging for her, but hands seize me, holding me back. I struggle violently, desperate to get to her. Through the smoke I see them dragging Blake away. She’s fighting too, eyes wide with panic as she meets my gaze.

“Blake!” I bellow, throwing my elbow back and catching my captor in the nose. He curses and loosens his hold, allowing me to break free. But it’s too late. Blake is gone, disappeared into the smoke and chaos.

Rage wells inside me, white-hot and visceral. Estrada will pay for this. I’ll rain down hell on him for daring to lay a hand on her. And I will find Blake, no matter what it takes. I’ll get her back and destroy anyone who tries to keep her from me.

I feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins when Langston shouts at me to get in the car. My every instinct is screaming at me to stay, to fight, to get Blake back. But I know I’m outnumbered. Estrada planned this ambush perfectly. If I stay, I’ll be captured or killed. And then I’d be no use to Blake at all.

Cursing under my breath, I dive into the backseat of the town car and slam the door behind me Langston peels away from the runway with a squeal of tires. I crane my neck, trying to catch a glimpse of Blake through the rear windshield while we speed away, but the smoke has enveloped everything.

“Drive faster, damn it!” I bark at Langston, slamming my fist against the leather seat in frustration. We need to get back to the penthouse where I can regroup and figure out a plan to handle this situation.

Langston weaves expertly through traffic, pushing the powerful car to its limits. Within minutes we’re away from airstrip and merging onto the highway headed downtown. Only once Mexico City’s towering skyscrapers come into view do I allow myself to lean back against the headrest, chest heaving as I try to calm my racing heart.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as the town car speeds through the crowded streets of Mexico City. My heart is pounding, adrenaline still coursing through my veins from the ambush. I failed to protect Blake. Estrada’s men took her right out of my grasp.

With a growl of frustration, I grab my cell phone and call Damien. He answers on the first ring.

“Damien,” I bark without preamble. “I need every loyal man we have, everyone who can handle themselves in a fight. Get them to my penthouse NOW. Estrada has taken Blake. I need to get her back.”

“Understood. I’ll take care of it.”

The line goes dead and I shove the phone back in my pocket, leg bouncing with nervous energy while I watch the city racing past. I should never have brought Blake back here where my enemies could get to her. Estrada must have had people watching, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike, and I played right into it.

Clenching my jaw, I make a silent vow to myself. I’ll make Estrada suffer for daring to take her. He has no idea who he’s provoked. When I’m through with him, death would seem enticing.

The car pulls up to the towering glass facade of my building. I’m striding through the lobby before Langston has even put it in park, barely glancing at the doorman as he scrambles to open the door for me. The elevator can’t move fast enough, whisking me up to the penthouse floor. I pace the small space like a caged panther, desperate for the hunt.

When the doors slide open I’m moving again, crossing the marble foyer of my home in quick, purposeful strides.

I storm into the kitchen, rage and adrenaline still coursing through my veins. Damien and my men are already gathered around the table, pouring over blueprints. They look up, faces grim, as I enter.

“What do we know?” I bark.

Damien taps the blueprints. “These are all of Estrada’s properties around the city. Warehouses, apartment buildings, office spaces. If he’s keeping her somewhere, it will be at one of these locations.”

I nod, studying the documents. I already hacked Estrada’s servers weeks ago, so I’m familiar with most of his assets.

“She’ll be at one of the warehouses,” I say decisively. “Somewhere secure, where he can control access. He’ll want to keep her isolated.”

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