Page 165 of Seeking Vengeance

The blindside hits me like a bus, the tension in my ribs exploding.

“She texted me,” she continues. “It was a few simple words, but she’s never sent me anything like that before. Not in reference to her husband. Not when she was dating in high school. Unless she’s talking about her daughter, those words haven’t existed in her vocabulary until a few days ago. So why did I just overhear my brother say you were playing her?”

“I didn’t play her.” My chest takes the onslaught of her accusations, the L-word knocking me down more pegs than I can stand to fall.

“So you didn’t hide your identity? You didn’t pretend to be someone she could trust instead of someone she would despise?”

The car falls silent, my ears ringing with my mistakes.

“I’m waiting,” she snips. “Explain what the hell you were thinking in targeting my sister.”

“I wasn’t,” I admit. “I was spying on Emmanuel the night we met. She was, too. And I wanted to know why. There was no malice or ill intent. I only wanted answers.”

“And?”

“And once I got them, I needed more.”

The line falls quiet, the silence making me focus on the dash display to see if she’s hung up.

“Do you love her?” Her voice softens.

“I’ve told her as much since the day we met.”

It’s a cop-out. My endearments have never been spoken in anything but playful banter. Butdo I love her?

I’d kill for her.

Die for her.

Keira sighs. “I don’t believe you.”

“Then believe this—the last time I saw her she’d stolen my sister’s car. One that’s sophisticated enough to have GPS tracking. She has no money. No phone. No identification. And your brother doesn’t seem to give a shit.”

“He gives a shit, you ignorant prick. We all do. Cole walked out of here as soon as he knew the jet was ready. He’s already on his way to Denver.”

“Has he brought a body bag? Or is he stupid enough to expect her to still be alive in a few hours?”

“Fuck,” Bishop mutters under his breath. “Bees and honey, champ. Bees and fucking honey.”

I close my eyes. Breathe deep. Force a patient swallow. “Look, I’m beside myself trying to get to her before they do, but I’ve got no clue where to start looking. Do you know where she is or not?”

The quiet returns.

I’m forced to stalk the display screen again. “Keira?”

“A hotel.” She sighs. “I don’t know which one or where exactly. Cole told Hunter it’s on the outskirts of the city. She was advised to stay there until he arrives.”

“Can you get me a name?”

“No. I already stole your number and am blindly trusting that my sister saw something in you that was real… At least, real enough to save her life. You’re going to have to do the rest on your own.”

“We’ll find the hotel,” Bishop mouths.

“Okay. Fine.” I wipe a hand down my face. “I’ll figure it out.”

“Good,” Keira responds. “Because if you don’t, I’m sure you know what will happen.”

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