Page 63 of Indecent Villain

Her excuse is plausible, but is it what actually happened? I rub at my temples and wave them toward the door.

Cleo looks ready to follow, then curses when Xavier sits in a wingback chair with a large glass of bourbon in hand.

“I don’t drink, but tonight is fucked up,” Xavier says.

The phone clenched in my hand remains silent as I close my eyes.

“What do you know?” I eye Cleo.

Her eyes go wide in surprise. Xavier frowns at his sister.

“Cleo? Please tell me you don’t know anything about this,” he says.

Cleo huffs with indignation. “I might not like the girl, but I love my brother. I don’t know anything. I promise.” She frowns. “Mother did say something odd before we left, though.”

“Well, don’t hold out on us,” Xavier shouts.

I give Salem a silent message, and he removes the glass and bottle from Xavier’s reach.

“She said, ‘The events of eighteen years ago created a deep rift between Cannon and your father, causing Cannon to hate him. Your brother has never gotten over it. Do not underestimate his loyalty to Kinsley,’ which I found confusing.”

Xavier frowns and glares at his sister, who glares back.

“Enough of this. I need to find Kinsley, and you are both not helping. Salem,” I snap. “Get the men to report in.” I stride from the room with Salem on my heels, his phone to his ear.

I grab the keys to the SUV, and Salem raises a brow in question.

“We’re going to talk to Maia Edge,” I say. “Everyone has been under the impression that Cannon wanted vengeance. If what his mother said is true, along with what Cannon told me, then there is something we haven’t figured out yet.”

The plan for now is to find Cannon. Rossi gets momentarily shoved aside, which makes me pause. Am I doing the right thing by not following up on what Cannon told me? Or was he planting misleading information in preparation to take Kinsley?

Motherfucker!I’m going to go crazy!

Maia sendsCleo and Xavier out of the room, so I ask Salem to leave as well. I have no doubt that he is guarding the doors. I feel out of place in the drawing room with Maia. The room is filled with floral decor and antiques, with not a speck of dust in sight. There are plenty of cats, though. A big black beast of a cat settles itself partially on my lap and purrs away.

“That is Goliath. He likes you, as he hasn’t bitten you.”

“Give it time.”

She laughs and sits opposite. “My daughter tells me my son and Kinsley have disappeared and that you believe Cannon was involved. Is that correct?”

“Do you think otherwise?”

“My son will not harm a hair on the girl’s head. You have my word on that.”

“It’s difficult for me to believe. Do you know where they are?” It takes all my patience not to beg for the answers.

Maia watches me closely as I fight to hide the fear running through me. Kinsley is out there somewhere and needs me, but I don’t have a fucking clue where to look.

“You love her,” Maia says.

“Yes.” It’s the truth.

“Cannon did not kidnap the girl. He only wants to have her openly in his life.”

“Do you expect me to believe that after he had my brother killed?” Or did he? I don’t know what to believe anymore.

“Have you ever considered talking to my son? I think you would be very surprised.”

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