Page 128 of Ruthless Redemption

“Andhowwill we get there?” Remy looks at me with hostility. “You’re making snap changes to a plan we don’t even know about and expecting us to sit here without complaint.”

“I never asked you to remain silent. You could’ve asked questions.”

He points at me in accusation. “You made it clear yesterday that you weren’t going to tell us what the fuck was going on. And when it’s my fucking future on the line, forgive me for not daring to push.”

I release my belt and raise a placating hand. “Everyone needs to calm down. We’ve got this under control. Bishop can take care of Abri. We’re going to speak to Lorenzo, and we’ll catch his jet to Denver as soon as we’re done.”

“Can you tell us what we’re going there to talk about?” Salvo asks.

“You’ll find out in twenty minutes if you don’t hightail it out of here.” I’m not ready to give them full transparency. They need more time to calm down before the storm. “But it will mean a future where Abri can have freedom and nobody will be able to use her again.”

Remy glances away, his jaw clenched, his eyes narrow slits.

“I don’t think we have a fucking choice.” Salvatore rakes a hand through his hair. “Running back to Abri is a temporary solution to an escalating problem. We can’t keep letting Emmanuel win.”

“Well, you all better pray this fucker can look after her.” Remy stalks toward the staircase. “Because if he doesn’t, I’ll hack his fucking face off with a crowbar.” He disappears outside as the jet engines whir to a stop.

“I’m a little disappointed nobody scolded him for stepping over the line,” Bishop drawls. “Surely that threat was worse than me promising to skull fuck his sister.”

I glare.

“What?” He screws up his face. “I’m just sayin’ what Layla’s thinkin’.”

She clears her throat beside me. “I assure you, you’re not.”

“I better go after him.” Salvo holds my gaze. “Can I call Abri back?”

“Yeah. Just don’t tell her where we’re going.” I push to my feet. “The driver should already be out there waiting. We’ll follow in a minute.”

Layla moves to stand behind me as he walks hunched through the cabin, her hands resting on my hips while I turn to Bishop. “Are you sure you’re willing to go on your own?”

He shrugs. No fucks given. “I was willing to do whatever it took to get those two fuckers to stop whining. That shit drives me insane.”

Layla snickers under her breath.

“You need to be careful.” I clasp his shoulder. “Keep a low profile. Don’t do anything reckless.”

“I don’t appreciate a lecture from an asshole who doesn’t carry a gun.”

“Touché,” Layla murmurs.

I pat the blade in my pocket. “I have all I need. It’s never failed me before. But you need to keep your head on straight,” I warn Bishop. “Don’t mess around. Emmanuel will have men everywhere.”

“You heard Abri. His posse are out looking for you. If anyone is in danger here, it’s not me.”

“Don’t make assumptions.” I drop my hold on his shoulder and start for the stairs. “And stay on your toes with my sister. If memory serves, she’s feisty when blindsided.”

He scoffs. “I have a feeling she’s feisty regardless.”

24

MATTHEW

Layla isrigid beside me as we drive toward Lorenzo’s Keeling Cove property. Salvatore sits up front with my usual driver while Remy meets my gaze with trepidation whenever I look to him in the row of seats behind us.

Abri hasn’t answered her cell despite the calls we’ve made, and all Layla can do is stare at hers.

“What is it?” I peer down at her phone, only to have her lock the screen.

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