Page 75 of Ours to Keep

We park a small distance away and exit our vehicles. Even with my face covered, I can still feel the chill in the air, followed by the scent of fresh salt water. Gabriel stays back as we move out on foot to avoid detection. The yachtis docked at the furthest end, its sleek lines barely visible in the dim light. Like the rest of the guys, I’m hyperaware of our surroundings as I scan the area. My heart is pounding heavily behind my ribs. I glance at River, the two of us locking gazes; he gives a subtle nod.

Jax signals for us to move in. We approach the yacht as quietly as humanly possible, each step measured and careful as we reach the gangplank. There’s a glimpse of movement inside, and we all freeze.

It’s Richard.

Jax and River move in first, their weapons drawn, followed by Mason and me as Louis takes up the rear. Our eyes scan the area for any other potential threats or a glimpse of Mia. What’s concerning is that while Mason was staking out the yacht, he saw no signs of her whatsoever.

The first thing I notice is the all too familiar fragrance of his favourite cigar brand. The image of Lily’s scars filters my mind, and I immediately want to put a bullet between his eyes.

“About fucking time you got back,” Richard says, turning to face us. We’re covered head to toe in dark clothing, our faces hidden behind our balaclavas.

His eyes go wide.“Who are—” Jax doesn’tgive him a chance to finishhis sentence as he cocks the gun and presses the barrelto Richard’s temple, causing him to take a staggered step back.

“We’re the only ones asking questions.”

Mason moves back to where we boarded, knowing Richard iswaiting for someone, which means we don’t have much time, but we also need to keep our wits about us.

“Who else is on board? Where’s the crew? And don’t lie to me.”

Richard swallows hard. “Most of them have the night off. There’s only three still here, and they’re either in their cabins or the crew’s mess.”

Jax glances at Mason, who signals Louis to check it out.

“You better hope for your sake you’re not lying.” He digs the barrel of the gun into his skin for emphasis.

He holds up his trembling hands. “I’m not. I swear they’ve been given specific instructions to stay below deck.”

“And why is that?”

He’s jittery as fuck, his eyes darting towards where Mason is standing. “Because I have some business to take care of.”

Louis’s French voice comes through on our earpieces, confirming all three crew members are below deck in the crew mess. They’re secured, whatever that means. Mason tells him to check all the other cabins to be sure Richard isn’t lying.

“Where is she?” Jax demands, his voice a low growl.

Richard stammers, backing away. “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about?—”

River steps forward, his knife glinting. “Don’t lie to us, Richard,” he says, his voice growing louder.

“I’m going to ask you one more time. Where. Is. She?”

I swear he’s growing more and more jittery by the second.

“A-at home. I don’t know why you’re still interested. She’s damaged goods. I said I can get you your money. I just need some time.”

By the time his words have registered, and I realise Richard thinks we’re asking about Lily, River’s patience has snapped and he lunges for Richard, dragging his back against his chest, his knife at his throat.

“You don’t get to talk about her like that, do you hear me?” The edge of the blade presses into his skin and draws blood.

River’s eyes glance at the ashtray and the cigar, the grey ash still burning. He drags Richard closer to the table, the knife continuing to dig into his flesh.

Using his other hand, he reaches for the cigar and brings it up to Richard’s face, and I swear I can imagine River’s lip forming a ruthless smile underneath his balaclava.

Chapter Thirty-Six

RIVER

I know he must be able to feel the heat of the tip from the way sweat drips from his temple, and if the way his body is shaking is anything to go by, then he’s scared. Good, he should be fucking terrified.

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