She screeched, and I hoped someone heard. I turned my head and saw a familiar face. He was one of Ramsey’s men.

“Maeve. Run.” I released her and did my best to tackle the guy. He aimed his gun at Maeve, but I kicked him in the nuts hard enough to distract him, but not enough to get away myself.

A sharp pain hit the side of my head, and then there was nothing.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

“Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand, blood and revenge are hammering in my head.”

~ William Shakespeare

Saros

Once news camethat RJ had been found and was being brought back, I ordered my guys to make sure everyone was inside. If, God forbid, they were followed, I didn’t need anyone—especially the kids—to see anything traumatizing.

Martha was arranging for dinner to be held in the ballroom and then a fun movie night in the theater room. It would keep most of the people occupied until we could stabilize the situation.

I was on my way to the lower level togreetRJ when I heard my name shouted. It wasn’t a normal call; it was frantic. I spun on my heel and saw Dafni racing toward me, a dripping and crying Maeve with her.

“What’s wrong?”

Gino was behind her, carrying Tucker, who was as calm as could be.

“It’s Em.”

My veins turned to ice, dread crawled up my spine, and fear like I’d never felt took root in the pit of my stomach.

“Stranger!” Maeve wailed.

“Dafni, what happened?”

“Kai helped me inside. Em told me he’d follow with Maeve, but as soon as I got in the house, all I saw was Maeve running to me, screaming. It took a minute for her to get calm, and she said a stranger tried to take her. Then I didn’t see Em.”

“Bad man,” Maeve cried. “Took Em, took him.”

I glared at Gino. “I had four fucking men out there—six, if you count the ones on the side of the house.”

“I know, I was in here. Kai said Scott, Tim, and Mickie were supposed to be in their positions, but when he rushed outside after Maeve ran over, he couldn’t see them.”

“Get men in those woods. Find them, find Em.” I hadn’t thought this was a vulnerable area on my property, but I must have underestimated Ramsey and his ability to trek through the woods. Shit, he’d probably been lying in wait for an opportunity.

Aunt Penelope rushed to us and took Tucker, letting Gino deal with my orders. Dafni put Maeve on the floor, and I kneeled in front of her.

“Hi, sweetheart. I know you’re scared.”

She nodded. “I did what I was told. Will Em be okay? He likes froggies.”

I kissed her forehead and did my best to soften my expression. “I’ll find him. What do you mean, you did what you were told?”

“Stranger grabbed Em. We fell in the river. It was cold. Em told me to run. I ran, Uncle Sarry, I did.”

My brave Em. “Yes, you did.” I peered up at Dafni. “Get her dry and warm.”

“I’m so sorry, Saros. I invited him outside with us.”

I stood and hugged my sister. “Not your fault. If Em hadn’t been there, I fear he’d have taken one of the kids. I’ll find him.”

Aunt Penelope shot me a withering glance. I had Ramsey’s son, and now he had the man I loved. And yes, I loved Em.