Page 107 of Code of Heart
Aurelia’s dress. Levi had requested it to be tailored with hidden pockets. Big enough to hold small essentials…like a phone.
Fingers moving fast, Owen pulled out his phone and opened a secure tracking app. He rarely used it, but had installed it for situations like this.
That night at Isaac’s house when they all first met, Owen hadn’t left to grab the champagne. He had swiped Aurelia’sphone from her purse and slipped a physical tracking device inside it before returning. He knew it was wrong, but was glad he had the foresight to do it anyway.
He prayed to whatever powers were listening that it would pay off now.
The app loaded. Blips marked everyone’s locations exactly where they should be—except for one.
Aurelia.
Her tracker showed her far from the manor…at a hotel downtown. And she hadn’t moved from that spot for a while.
Dread surged through him as he dialed the hotel’s front desk.
“Thank you for calling Terra Nova Hotel. How may I assist you?”
“Hi, I’m looking for a friend who’s missing. Has anyone come through recently wearing a nude-colored ball gown covered in crystals? Long dark hair with rainbow streaks? You’d definitely remember her.”
The receptionist paused. “Actually, yes. I remember that couple.”
Couple?
“They arrived earlier but didn’t stop at the desk to check in. The gentleman already had a key to their room.”
Shit.
At that moment, Isaac burst into the ballroom, looking disheveled and worried. His eyes found Owen immediately, his pace quickening as he crossed the room.
Owen swore under his breath, still clutching the phone, and Isaac’s worry deepened.
Before Owen could hang up, Levi stormed back into the ballroom with Charles trailing behind him. His face was dark with rage.
Isaac stepped into his path, intercepting him before the man could spiral further.
They needed to get to Aurelia.Fast.
CHAPTER 46
Levi
Levi was struggling to rein in his temper, knowing he was seconds from reaching his breaking point. No matter how hard he tried to stay calm, his worst fear kept replaying in his head, the scratchy echo of a broken record grinding away at the last shred of his defenses.
She left with another man…She left with another man…
He was about to detonate.
Owen’s sharp curse snapped everyone’s attention his way. With his back still turned to them, he shoved his phone into his pocket and straightened, his shoulders squared and his face a mask of pure determination.
“Give me your car keys,” Owen ordered, his hand outstretched toward Levi.
Levi opened his mouth to argue, his fists clenched and ready for a fight, but Owen cut him off with a hard glare. “Now.I’ll explain in the car.”
He cast Charles a cutting look. “I left my contact info with Edwin and gave clear instructions. Check in with him and keep me updated. Be ready for my call.”
Something inside Levi coiled tight, making each breath feel like a task. Owen’s hand remained outstretched, his silent demand dominating his senses.
At last, Levi yanked the keys from his pocket and slapped them into Owen’s palm.
