Page 35 of Stone

The bastard child brought up in a trafficking compound and finally given a purpose within the family.

Only, that purpose was to serve them all along.

Our father swipes his hands on the napkin. “I got a pretty penny for her too. Lord knows I needed the money after the fuckups you’ve made recently.” He’s implying it’s my fault she’s been sold to the highest bidder.

His words are like venom, poisoning my bloodstream as agony tears through me. My sweet, innocent girl being touched or hurt by someone else is too much to bear, yet I perform as Azrael demands and remain seated.

“Her marriage was organized before the fight fuckups,” Azrael asserts, and it’s his lame attempt at bringing me reassurance.

“Still, there needs to be retribution for his actions.” His eyes lock onto mine. “Wouldn’t you agree, son?” His use of an unfamiliar nickname for me has my blood freezing, and I narrow my eyes.

He’s never called me son before, always refusing to acknowledge our actual connection.

Then he throws his head back on a loud, sick chuckle that sends a harrowing chill down my spine. “Dumb fucker has no clue. You’re dismissed.” He waves toward the door, and I push back in my chair.

Czar’s eyes implore mine. For what, I don’t know, nor do I care, because as I make my way toward the door, it feels like insects have burrowed beneath my skin. I can’t wait to get out of here, to strip myself bare and crumble into a heap on the shower floor.

My hand is on the door handle. “Oh, and Stone?”

My blood stills as I turn to face him.

“Yes, sir?” The words feel like sawdust in my dry mouth.

“Head on over to the gym, it needs—” He dabs the corner of his mouth on the napkin, and a cruel smile plays on his lips. “Renovation.”

Why? The place has recently undergone investment. He knows this. A sense of eagerness washes over me, and when Azrael and Czar straighten, the eagerness becomes dread.

“Yes, sir,” I whisper casually, feeling anything but.

Then I leave and close the door behind me, my hands shaking as I do so.

Hysteria radiates from me as I enter the foyer. “Take me to Eli’s gym,” I instruct the first security detail I see, and his eyes flash with panic.

“Now!” I bark as I stride toward the door with a renewed purpose and, worse, a fear of what awaits me.

Chapter Twenty-One

Stone

The SUV barely comes to a halt before my feet spring into action and I race toward the gym door and throw it open. The destruction is everywhere, and my heart skips a beat. Chaos ensued, for sure.

My eyes scan the scene. The gym equipment has been upturned, graffiti mars the walls, and the potent scent of smoke fills my nostrils.

Everything is destroyed.

Everything.

Panic slices through me at an alarming pace.

“Elijah?” I bark out, but deep inside, I know it’s futile.

I know.

The broken glass crunches beneath my boots as I head toward the office door with a lump gathered in my throat. “Elijah?”

Pain in my temple radiates down my face and my pulse speeds up as I move through the gym. My heart gallops, and my body trembles. “Elijah?” I say again, but the door is lodgedshut. Something is wedged behind it, stopping it from opening farther. So, using what force I have left in my weary body, I shoulder-barge it open. A scene of utter horror hits me square in the chest, and I stumble, unable to come to terms with what I’m seeing. Vomit rushes up my throat, burning it with its flaming venom, and I gag toward the floor, once again hating this cruel world I’m a prisoner to.

My vision swirls, and I fall to my knees to take the only man I’ve ever liked into my arms. I struggle to breathe as my lungs feel like they’re caving in.

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