Page 60 of Wicked and Bound

She wrapped desperate fingers around his arms. “Be safe.”

Pulling from their embrace felt like tearing off a limb. He crossed to the closet and retrieved his tuxedo, delivered earlier by some nameless staff member. As he dressed, he caught Haisley watching him in the mirror, her eyes haunted.

“I left you something to wear in the bottom drawer,” he said, adjusting his bow tie. Their gazes locked. “In case anyone comes to the door while I’m gone. Though I’d prefer you didn’t need to open that drawer tonight.”

Understanding flickered in her eyes. She knew what he’d hidden beneath the silk negligees: a burner phone and the Glock19, both of which Ethan had smuggled in. The clothes were merely camouflage for the cameras.

“I understand.” Her voice warbled. “Hopefully, I won’t need anything new to wear tonight.”

“That’s the plan.” He faced her, memorizing her features. If something went wrong, if this was the last time he saw her… No. He refused to let his thoughts go there. This wasn’t goodbye.

Naked, she rose and crossed to him, straightening his tie with trembling fingers. “Come back to us.”

Her words were a punch to the chest. He cupped her face and kissed her with all the love and determination filling his heart. When he finally pulled back, her eyes were wet.

“I will.” He brushed his thumb across her cheek. “By sunrise, we’ll be gone.”

After one last lingering look and one final brush of his lips across hers, Nash forced himself to leave the suite—and Haisley. Each step felt heavier than the last.

At the door, he paused. “You know what I’m thinking,” he said softly.I love you.

She gave him a tremulous smile. “I’m thinking the same thing.”I love you, too. “See you in a few hours.”

With a nod, he shut and locked the door behind him. He compartmentalized his worry into the far reaches of his brain and put it in a box marked later. Right now, he could best save her by focusing on the op and taking down anyone who sought to keep her caged.

He strode down the hallway toward Kane and Ethan, who waited by the elevator, both in formal wear that did little to disguise the warriors beneath.

“Good to see you, man.” Nash clapped Ethan’s shoulder.

He flashed his cocky signature grin. “Good to be back. Tonight should be exciting.”

“Should be. Get bored with the pussy at home?” Nash asked for the cameras.

Ethan’s expression sobered. “Too many tears. I decided to fix that shit.”

So Kaylee Wright was still struggling, and Ethan seemed determined to put a stop to this island of horrors. In fact, he seemed really committed. Did the eternal manwhore have feelings for the virgin he’d saved? It would be goddamn hysterical if it wasn’t so sad.

Whatever the reason, mad respect to Ethan for coming back and putting his life on the line. He wasn’t being paid for this op. Neither was Kane. In fact the whole EM Security team was helping out and risking their lives so he could save Haisley. Nash was grateful as hell.

He fist-bumped Ethan. “Absolutely, brother.”

Face grim, Kane activated one of the Santiago brothers’ signal scramblers disguised as a phone. The light turned green. “Two minutes of privacy. You ready?”

Nash nodded. “Teams in position?”

“Everyone is a go,” Ethan assured. “The feds have the island surrounded and staged themselves on boats beyond radar range. They also have a dozen undercover agents scattered through the crowd, who will rescue women backstage and start making arrests.”

“Speaking of rescue…” Nash frowned. “What about evidence? Files? Records? We need to track down past victims, too.”

“Tech team is standing by,” Ethan replied. “The moment we breach their server room, they’ll start downloading everything. Names, dates, buyer information—anything that could help us find those victims.”

“And current victims? The ones still here?”

“Karliah is coordinating that effort. She estimates that there are at least thirty women on the property right now. Once thingskick off, she’ll guide a hostage team to the cells and private suites. They’ve got blueprints showing every room where women are likely being held. Another team will handle the arrests on the compound outside of Midnight Sanctuary.”

“Good. And our distraction?”

“Charges are set. East side of the island, at the supply dock. On my signal.” Kane gripped the detonator in his pocket. “Should give us the time we need to move.”

---