Page 170 of The Elusive Billionaire
“Get back here. Firefly’s missing. I repeat, Firefly is missing.” Roman climbs to the top of the van, which startles Clover, who then begins rocking in place.
This is a nightmare.
“Where is she, Roman?” I can’t breathe. My pulse pounds violently in my ears.
This is my fault.
Why didn’t I listen to Roman?
Fuck.
He warned me, and I didn’t listen.
He stands on top of the van, scanning the dark street with a pair of binoculars that appear to glow as he spins in a circle.
Feet pound on the pavement as Valen steps into view and three of their guys race toward us.
“Monroe!” Her name is ripped from my lungs as though it has spikes and talons attached to every syllable.
I race to the end of the street.
Look both ways.
Run back.
Whatever has happened to her is on me.
“Where is she?”
Madi stays with Clover while Braxton backtracks to the concession stand.
Her name is called over and over again.
Savvy?
Sav?
Savannah?
“Monroe!” My knees tremble. I’m stumbling through the empty street.
Where the hell is she?
What have I done?
“We were all right here,” I say, returning to the van. “Right here. Right. Here!” My voice echoes off the metal walls of the van.
I didn’t listen. Roman’s right—I am an arrogant prick. Me and my fucking need to do things myself might have just cost me another life I couldn’t afford to lose.
It’s my sister all over again, except this time I had the help. I had them right here, and I sent them away.
I double over with my hands on my knees and vomit. It’s an exorcism of guilt that’s building like a tidal wave.
Reaching into the van, I wipe my mouth with the corner of a sheet.
Someone moved Clover. Madi’s no longer here either.
How long has it been?
