Page 124 of Implode

“I’m so sorry,” she blurts out. “Really sorry…”

“Sorry? For what?” I growl. “What did you do?”

“He made me do it. He told me he would kill my boyfriend, and I believed he would. Then he told me if I didn’t do as I’m told, he would find me and make me suffer.”

“Slow down, Brenna. You’re rambling. What the fuck is going on?”

“I broke into Claire’s apartment. And I left her that threatening note.”

“Dammit, why?”

“I was told to pack her a bag. He is—”

“Who ishe?” I snap, rage bursting out of my chest. I feel like my entire heart is about to stop beating.

“Dan King.”

“Fuck.”

“He is going to kill us all to get revenge on you for destroying his life. And I think he wanted Claire to have clothes because he is going to take her with him. He is going to kidnap her!” She lets out a roar of regret, making me tremble with an animalistic need to go find my girl and protect her.

“Well, he’ll have to get through me first.”

I start to run toward the elevator, as Brenna continues to fill me in on developing information. I smack the button to retrieve the car and wait.

“She’s mine,” I growl, entering the elevator alone. I hit the button for the Plus None floor, as the door closes.

That fucker is going to die, and my hands are going to be the ones that squeeze out his last breath.

I say a prayer that I’m not too late to get to Claire. Tyler should be watching her, and I trust him to do his job at protecting her.

My phone buzzes with an incoming call, and it’s from Asher.

“Dude, there’s candles, pictures, and personal items collected over time of—”

“Claire.” I know it before he has to say anything. “My assistant, Brenna, told me it is Dan King pulling all this shit. He wants revenge. I need to get to my girl and get her out of here. I’m not even sure if Dan’s in the building, but I’m taking zero chances with her life. He’s going to try to hurt her to get to me. Dan wants her. He wants to take her away from me.”

“Okay, slow down, man. I can secure all exits. No one is going to take her out of here.”

“She won’t answer her phone. Tyler’s phone isn’t working either.”

I end the call and crack my knuckles as I try to keep my breathing under control. It is like my brain is running on a motor, and I won’t stop until I can get to Claire and make sure that she is safe. Nothing else matters except getting to her.

Suddenly the elevator jerks and then abruptly stops, propelling my body back against the wall. I hit the service call button and wait for one of my men to answer. Static noise fills the small space, letting me know there is someone on the other line listening.

“It’s Nic. I’m stuck in the elevator.”

“That’s the plan.”

“Dan, is this you? What’s going on?” I ask, trying to keep the anger out of my tone. He doesn’t know that I’m on to him.

“Just a little game of revenge.”

My mind races at how to get out of here and get to Claire, who I know in my gut is in danger. I quickly hit the fire alarm button, hoping that someone arrives in time to get me out of here. More importantly, I hope the building clears out for everyone’s safety or someone sees Claire in need of help and intervenes. From the menacing sound of Dan’s voice, I know that every second counts. I look up at the ceiling and see the escape door. However, it’s locked and can only be opened from the top—most likely from a rescue team.

“Do you honestly think you will get away with this?” I ask, trying to buy some time. The piercing sound of the alarm comes through the phone, and I wince, thinking my girl is somewhere in the building—scared. I quickly text Collins.

Nic: Dan wants Claire

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