Page 61 of Wicked and Bound

“Anything else?” Nash asked.

Kane grimaced. “While I walked around, acting like a lost and lonely loser, I overheard staff whispering. There’s a rumor that Black Velvet is here. No confirmation, but…”

Tension torqued Nash’s stomach. That was a complication they didn’t need. He prayed it was merely a rumor, but they’d deal with that possibility if it materialized.

“You two should know…” Nash dragged in a breath. “Haisley is pregnant. We got the confirmation this morning. In case the worst happens, take care of her and the baby for me.”

“You’re going to be fine,” Kane insisted. “The plan is solid, and we’ll watch your six.”

“Totally,” Ethan put in.

“Promise me. If something happens…”

To Nash’s relief, they both nodded.

The scrambler beeped a warning. Kane checked his watch. “Thirty seconds.”

Nash turned to Ethan. “Any other news from back home?”

“Nothing you haven’t heard from the bosses, but we need to be prepared for the downdraft of this op. I’ve visited Kaylee Wright a few times since getting her home. She’s…struggling. Broke up with her boyfriend. Can barely leave the house. She’s afraid of life. She flinches every time she sees me.” Ethan ran a hand down his face. “These women and the trauma they’ve endured... How the hell do we help them rebuild their lives?”

It was a terrible truth and a sadly valid question.

“We start by getting them out,” Nash growled. “Then we make these bastards pay.”

“Absolutely.” Kane nodded. “Let’s go. And don’t die.”

They all tucked their earpieces in place just before the device powered down.

The elevator arrived. Inside, four men Nash didn’t recognize—feds maintaining their covers as buyers—nodded in greeting.

Downstairs, the ballroom doors stood open, spilling forth golden light and the murmur of voices. Inside, the usual mix of wealthy degenerates milled about in designer suits, but the atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Nash and his fellow operatives hunted for their row.

He swept his gaze over the room, cataloging details with practiced precision. Three exits besides the main doors—all guarded. A service entrance near the stage. No windows. At least twenty armed security personnel positioned strategically around the perimeter, plus whatever backup lurked backstage. The crowd itself had swelled to nearly two hundred, all of them potential hostiles if things went sideways.

“Did you hear?” A middle-aged man in Armani clutched his champagne with a leering smile. “Black Velvet is actually here. I want to shake his hand.”

“Impossible.” His companion scoffed. “No one’s ever seen him.”

“But I think it’s true. Something big is happening tonight. I feel it.”

As they settled into their seats, Nash exchanged glances with Kane and Ethan. They definitely hadn’t factored that surprise into their plan. If Black Velvet really was here, why had he come tonight? Why now, of all times?

Coincidence? As he’d heard Haisley say,that’s too coincidental to be a coincidence.

“I don’t like it,” he grumbled.

“Same.” Ethan fidgeted beside him. “But let’s keep it on a wait-and-see.”

Kane smothered a curse. “Time for your A-game, boys.”

Suddenly, the lights dimmed. The black velvet curtains parted. Gray appeared on the stage, mic in hand, resplendent in white tie and tails. The crowd fell silent.

Being a remote bidder last time, they’d missed most of the auction’s elegance and pomp. But this fucking show had the production value of a polished Hollywood show.

“Distinguished guests,” their smarmy host greeted. “Tonight is indeed special. Not only do we have exceptional merchandise…” He gestured to the line of terrified women being herded across the stage to the cheers and catcalls of all the men in attendance. “Your enthusiasm is a testament to our success. But I can’t take credit. In fact, no one here can. We owe it all to one person—the visionary who created this paradise, Black Velvet. Never has our fearless leader chosen to join us in person for an event, so tonight is a very rare treat, indeed. How about some applause?”

Clapping rippled through the crowd until it became a rousing ovation. Nash had a bad feeling… His stomach plummeted to his toes. He patted his jacket to ensure he could easily reach the weapon concealed inside. Beside him, Kane and Ethan did the same.

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