Page 80 of Crown of Lies

Killian glances at Nico, then nods at me. “Let’s go.”

We get back on our bikes and speed across town, heading toward the place where I hope like hell Quinn is being held. I swear to fuck, that warehousemustbe where they’ve got her stashed—but if I’ve guessed wrong, I’ll never be able to forgive myself.

The ride probably takes less than twenty minutes, but it feels fucking endless. I give a hand signal as we approach the old factory, and we kill our engines and coast to a stop a block away.

The three of us move silently, sticking to the shadows as we scout the perimeter. The place looks deserted at first glance, but then I spot it—a flicker of movement behind a grime-streaked window.

“There,” I whisper, pointing.

Killian squints, then nods. “I see it.”

I scan the building, trying to spot more signs of life inside. A shadow passes behind another window, and I catch a glimpse of what looks like a guard patrolling.

“She’s in there,” I whisper, my certainty growing with each passing second.

Nico nods, already pulling out his phone, alerting our people to converge on this location. But as he slides his phone back into his pocket, we exchange a look that says everything.

We can’t wait.

“Backup is at least fifteen minutes out.” Nico’s voice is tight with tension.

Killian’s eyes are fixed on the building, his expression grim. “Going in now is suicide.”

“Yeah,” I agree, but I’m already checking my weapon, making sure it’s loaded and ready.

Nico does the same, his movements quick and efficient. “Maybe. But a surgical strike here might be more effective than a full-blown fucking shootout. If it isn’t, we’ll have backup here before shit really hits the fan.”

Killian nods, a wry smile twisting his lips. “Well, it’s as good a day as any to die.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I look over at Killian, then at Nico—really look at them—and I see the same determination, the same willingness to lay it all on the line for Quinn.

We’re all ready to die for her if that’s what it takes.

I don’t have time to fully process what that means, to examine the depth of feeling that’s brought us to this point. All I know is that every second we waste is another second that she’s still in danger.

“Let’s do this,” I say, somehow keeping my voice steady in spite of the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

We move as one, creeping towards the factory entrance. There’s no time for elaborate plans or second thoughts. We’re going in, consequences be damned.

As we approach the door, I catch Nico’s eye. He gives me a short nod, and I know we’re on the same page. Whatever happens in there, we’re in this together.

For Quinn.

24

NICO

I give the signal,and we move toward the loading dock. The lack of guards outside is unsettling, but I push the thought aside. Harlan’s arrogance could be working in our favor, or this could be a trap. Either way, we’re committed now.

My mind races with thoughts of Quinn even as my body operates on pure instinct. I scan the area, noting potential entry points and escape routes. The loading dock door is our best bet—less secure than the main entrance, easier to breach quietly.

I motion to Atlas and Killian, directing them to take positions on either side of the door. My fingers work quickly, picking the lock with practiced ease. The click of the mechanism releasing sends a jolt through my system—we’re in.

We slip inside and huddle behind a stack of crates, giving our eyes a chance to adjust to the dimly lit warehouse.

The place is fucking cavernous, and it should be easy to pick up every footstep, every voice. Still, I have to strain my ears for any sign of movement, any hint of where they might be holding Quinn. The silence is oppressive, broken only by our shallow, controlled breathing and the faint hum of distant machinery.

As we creep through the warehouse, my mind races, flooded with memories of Quinn. The first time I laid eyes on her flashesbefore me—her fierce determination, that glint of defiance in her eyes. All the heated exchanges and bitter rivalry play out like a movie in my head, each frame confirming the undeniable spark between us.

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