Page 162 of Hell and High Water

“And strangle Marco’s supply chain. Cut him off.”

“But we would need that money you mentioned.” I sigh, feeling defeated.

Ora perks up. “I have money. Grandad and the Block have a huge nest egg.”

Evan gives me a look before smiling. “And remember those account numbers in your dad’s journal?”

“No way…”

“Yes. Not all of them were traces for other Sinful. A few still have funds. A lot of funds.”

“Now we're talking!” Tell slaps the table.

“This is starting to sound a lot like a plan.” I feel hope building, growing.

“Yeah, it is! But plan or no plan, I am buzzed and I am tired.” Ora stretches, yawning.

The rest of us catch the bug, fighting and losing.

“Bedtime,” I grumble, hugging Ora and leaving her to head to one of the guestrooms. I’m all hosted out for the night. Heading toward the stairs, I don’t bother waiting for anyone to join me as Gavin and the boys clatter around cleaning up.

I’m asleep before my head hits the pillow.

Some time later, I try to roll over and find that I can’t.

My brain’s fuzzy. Drowsy.

It takes me a few seconds to process the fact that my hands are tied, my ankles, too. And the silk tie over my mouth has me instantly taking a gasping breath of nervousness and arousal.

Opening my eyes, I’m startled to find that I’m not in my room, but I recognize the walls in the dim lighting.

“Good. You’re awake.”

Tell’s voice is low, whispery.

“Now, you are going to do exactly what I say or you are going to be very, very sorry.”

30

TELL

She watches me out of the corner of her eye as I ease down onto the bed, tightening the cloth around her head, forcing it between her teeth. In mock protest, she tries to pull away, and I jerk back into position, narrowing my eyes to show my displeasure.

“Bite down if you have to. But you will stay quiet. I don’t want you waking the others.”

Hellena’s eyes flare at me, then her glare settles, heat and longing tracing the lines of my half-naked body. I resist the urge to touch her sweetly, to caress her skin.

That’s not what tonight is about.

She follows me with her eyes as I stand and walk across the room to the kit I brought with me.

“With everything that’s been going on, I’ve been worried, Hella. I can’t stop thinking about your getting shot. About getting separated at the Block compound.”

A soft little moan makes me turn to look right at her, the concern written all over her face.

Shaking my head, I continue, laying out my tools. “I know, you want to console me, but don’t worry. I’m fine. However, it’s been eating at me that something could happen to you again. I know Gavin and Evan will do everything they can to protect you. Just like I will.”

“But we think it’s prudent to make sure you are prepared for the chance that you might get taken.” Evan’s smooth tone breaks in from the corner, and I can’t help smiling.

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