Page 92 of The Merciless King

“Oh good. We can hear all the gossip about how you and Braxton met.” Sienna grins.

“Make me sound good, sweetheart.” I smirk, kissing Gianna on the forehead. Her big eyes lift to mine as I stand, and it almost takes my breath away.

Fuck me.

This woman just wants to be loved. And turns out I’m the sucker who seems to be falling.

For a moment I’m furious as fuck with Amy. Why the hell couldn’t she have contacted me and told me she needed help? Or my parents. Or my brothers.

Anyone.

Instead of getting involved with the wrong kind of people and getting herself kidnapped. Then guilt almost cripples me as I consider she might be dead or worse.

My smile fades and Gianna notices.

I’m hurting her and hate myself for it.

“Back soon.” I grunt and follow the Dark Kings outside.

When the door clicks behind us, I let out a long breath.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” I say, and Decker slaps me on the back.

“Take a seat and chill for a moment. Trust me. I know how hard this is,” he says.

I flop into one of the wicker armchairs and lean my head back. They all give me a few minutes.

“So,” Mack finally says. “What’s going on?”

“Shit.” I lift my head and run my hand through my dark hair.

Great question.

Here’s what I have—which I don’t say out loud—I think I’m falling in love with Frank Baldassare’s daughter. I’m about to see my first live human trafficking shipment. My cousin might be one of them, and I’m not sure how either of us will react if we see each other.

I don’t know what the fuck I am doing.

I might be a US Marine, but I’m starting to wonder if I am truly equipped to do this.

Also, I might be losing my mind.

No, I can’t say any of that. I need these Marines to know I’m confident in what I’m doing and will take care of business.

“I’m being taken to view the cargo tomorrow night,” I say, leaning forward on my knees. “Amy could be in there. Or not. Soon find out.”

“What time?” Connor pulls out his phone and I figure he’s updating Agent Scott.

“After dark. That’s all I got. No location. Nothing.”

“Shit,” Decker says.

“He needs backup,” Nathan says, as if I’m not sitting there.

Connor taps his phone and nods.

Then he glances up at me. “How do you want to play this?”

My head drops and I study the tiles under me, knowing what he is asking. I could report back afterward, or we could extract the women when I’m there.

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