Page 132 of The Devil's Pawn

“What did you say to her?”

I hold up my hands. “Nothing. She said she was a little tired, what with the wedding and all, and that was it. I chatted to Xan, and when I next turned around, she’d gone.”

“I’ll check the restrooms,” Imogen says.

“I’ll come with you.”

Victoria follows Imogen, but the two women return without Elizabeth. I weave through the crowds to a quieter part of the club and take out my cell.

“Voicemail.” Maybe I should have chipped her like Xan chipped Imogen, then I’d be able to pinpoint her location. Except it never occurred to me. Xan’s always been far more security conscious, no doubt because of his personal experiences. My view is we have enough security dogging our every move that it’s unnecessary. Plus, Elizabeth isn’t like Imogen. She’d never dare sneak off without having her security detail with her.

“Let me try,” Victoria snaps. “You’ve probably upset her, but are too wrapped up in your ego to realize.”

“I didnotupset her.”

She flicks her wrist, and I want to snap it. “Whatever.” Pressing her phone to her ear, she waits a few seconds, then shakes her head. “She’s not answering.”

“Maybeyou’rethe one who’s upset her.”

“Oh, fuck all the way off, Nicholas.”

If anyone other than my soon-to-be sister-in-law spoketo me like that, they’d be turning blue by now, with my hands wrapped around their neck. My fingers prickle with the urge to do the same to Victoria, but as much as Elizabeth is a quiet little mouse, I think offing her sister is where even she would draw the line.

“Maybe she felt queasy and went outside for some fresh air,” Imogen says.

“Good point.” Victoria is off before I have chance to blink. The three of us go after her, and we exit the club a second or two later.

“I can’t see her.” Victoria scans the street.

I do the same. “There she is.” She’s getting into a cab a short way down the street. I take off sprinting, with Victoria breathing down my neck. I don’t have a clue what the fuck is happening, but I need answers.

The cab door closes a second before I get there. I slam my hand on the window, startling Elizabeth.

I grab the handle. It’s locked. “Elizabeth open the door.”

The window rolls down. “I didn’t want to ruin your night. I’m not feeling well.”

“That’s okay.” I soften my tone. “Get out of the cab. I’ll take you home right now.”

“I can take her,” Victoria interjects.

“No,” I snap. “She’s my fiancée. I’ll take her.”

“Neither of you are taking me!” The yell is quite out of character, and both Victoria and I quieten. “Go back inside. Enjoy your night. I’ll be fine after some sleep.”

“Please, let me come with you,” Victoria implores. “You’re my sister. If you’re unwell, I want to take care of you.”

“Vicky, it’s okay. I’m fine on my own. I’ll see you tomorrow. Nicholas will make sure you get home okay, won’t you?”

I nod begrudgingly. “Yes.” When Elizabeth closes the window, I motion to one of the bodyguards who’d followed us outside. “Follow the cab. Make sure she gets home safely.”

He nods and heads to a blacked-out SUV parked a short distance away.

Frowning, I watch as the cab turns the corner at the end of the street. I’ve never once, in the entire time I’ve known Elizabeth, heard her raise her voice. Not only to me, but to anyone. Perhaps she’s having doubts about the wedding. If anyone knows whether that’s the reason she’s behaving so out of character, it’s Victoria.

“Has Elizabeth sai?—?”

The blast knocks me off my feet. Pain explodes in my head, a blinding burst of agony that steals the breath from my lungs. Stars dance in my vision as I lie there, gasping for air. A high-pitched ringing echoes through my ears. Time passes in blocky sections. Somehow, I scramble to my feet. The world pitches and whirls, and I grip onto a nearby lamppost for support.

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