Page 125 of Ruthless Redemption

His only response is the tic in his jaw.

“It’s going to be all right.” Remy wipes a rough hand down his face. “I’ll call Phillip and get him to tag along.”

“Phillip isn’t answering his cell. None of them are. I think Dad already gave up on you finding Matthew and sent them your way. The entire team is gone.”

“Do you know where he sent them exactly?”

“No idea. I booked into the Four Seasons yesterday. I can’t stay at the house with him any longer.”

Layla’s hand slides over mine.

“It’s okay.” I squeeze her fingers, my eyes remaining on Remy. “We got out in time. We’ll be safe here.”

“Please come back,” Abri begs. “I don’t think I can get through today without you.”

“We can’t right now, Bri. But we’re working on a way out. You just need to hold on for a few more days.”

“A way out of what?” she asks. “What do you mean?”

“I mean—he can’t keep controlling us. We’re going to set up a new life. He won’t be able to use us anymore.”

She doesn’t respond. There’s silence. Thick and foreboding.

“It’s going to be okay,” Remy repeats. “Just get through the gala and—”

“No. Whatever the hell you’re doing, you need to stop.” She’s angry now. A fucking kaleidoscope of emotion. “I can’t believe you haven’t discussed this with me first. And where the hell is Salvo?”

“I’m right here,” Salvatore answers. “We’ve got everything under control. Tell me about the gala. What’s he got you doing that requires more security?”

“You know what the hell he’s got me doing, you selfish fucking asshole. But forget that shit. You’ve successfully switched my panic to whatever the hell you two have planned. Why was I kept in the dark?”

“You weren’t. We haven’t done anything.”

“No?” She raises her voice. “That’s not what you said a few seconds ago. You told me you were working on something to get us out. Something I haven’t been informed about,Salvatore.”

Both brothers look at me. For guidance. For permission.

They want to tell her what we’re doing but that’s not a fucking option.

“Not over the phone,” I warn. “If you want to tell her, it gets done in person.”

“Who was that?” she asks. “Someone else is with you?”

They keep staring at me. Glaring.

I unclasp my belt and lean forward to snatch the cell. “Abri?”

“Dante?” she asks.

I ignore the offense. “Is this a safe connection?”

“What are you doing with Remy and Salvo? Where are you?”

“I need to know if this connection is secure first.”

“Yes. The phone is new. Salvo gave it to me the day you showed up with Torian’s sister. As far as I’m aware, Dad doesn’t know I have it.”

Salvatore inclines his head in confirmation.

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