Page 139 of Santiago's Conquest (Four Dark Horsemen 1)

“I just lost a billion-dollar oil deal,” Octavius announces, and since my expression stays blank—why the fuck does he even feel the need to tell us that—he elaborates. “I worked on this deal for a year. And you know who got it?”

Oh, fuck.

“Lachlan.”

He claps several times. “Yes.” A hollow chuckle slips past his lips. “This is a sign of war.”

“I’m aware. He took our dancers and cook too.”

And I foresee more blows in the near future that are more severe than business deals. This is just the beginning.

The war will be bloody and forever shift the dynamics among everyone we know, because they will have to choose sides.

Everyone focuses their attention on Remi, who crosses his arms now, straightening his back, and meets our stares head-on. “What did you do?” This time, Octavius asks, and his tone leaves no doubt he expects an answer now.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I take it out expecting to see Briseis’s name flashing on the screen, but instead an unknown number shows with a video message.

Chills run down my spine for the first time in over a decade, as I slide it open, press on the video, and everything inside me goes still when Andreas’s face comes into view.

Older-looking than twenty years ago, but still the same fucking face I wish to destroy.

The guys notice my expression and come to stand around me as we all watch the screen, and I grit my jaw so hard it’s surprising my teeth don't break.

Andreas winks at the camera before he steps back, pointing at where Briseis lies on the floor while some doctor takes a blood sample. “Look who’s here, Santiago. Your precious wife and my daughter.” He tsks. “You should have paid better attention, but I’m starting to think it’s a family trait. Kidnapping anyone from under a Cortez’s nose is so fucking easy.”

I grip the phone so hard it cracks slightly, and Florian quickly holds it while Octavius and Remi grab my arms from either side so I won’t roar or destroy everything around me without watching the video till the end.

Andreas pats Briseis’s head gently, smiling wickedly. “My daughter. Not much in the looks department, but she managed to get your attention, and that’s all that matters.” He slides his hand to her stomach and places it there. “She will finally give me a strong heir who can withstand anything. Just like his father and mother.” He looks back into the camera, stepping closer. “All I need is proof that she’s pregnant. Her mother got pregnant right away—shouldn't be different here.”

Octavius jumps to my laptop, already clicking frantically, probably hacking the system and trying to track where the video came from while so many emotions wash over me I don't know whether to let fear sink into my bones or throw the phone at the wall.

The doctor finishes taking blood, places it in a box, and bows slightly to Andreas before scuttling away. “This should teach a Cortez to never fuck with me. I always get what I want.” He sighs heavily. “Too bad you aren’t mine, but I’ll settle for your seed.” He is about to press the disconnect, but his finger hovers above the screen before he puts it back and his mouth widens in such a huge grin my hands itch to knock out his teeth. “Oh, and by the way? Your lion must be dead by now. Try finding me, Santiago. I wouldn’t mind finally killing you after you’ve fulfilled your purpose.”

The screen goes blank, and Florian drops the phone onto the table next to Octavius as they both work on it while my entire body shakes. Remi tries to talk reason to me. “Santiago, we will find her.”

I snatch back my elbow, push him away, and go to my changing room, removing the fucking suit and putting on a black sweater and jeans along with boots while my friends search for a location I know they will find.

I don’t allow the feelings to push to the surface. Instead, I box them up in my mind so I can stay cold and rational.

Feelings have no place in revenge; otherwise, I won’t be able to help my woman.

Yes, my woman, because I know for a fact she’s not pregnant.

I would have never endangered my wife and child like this, knowing Andreas was on the loose.

Which means I have very little time to save my Briseis.

When he finds out she doesn't have the heir he so desires, he will kill her.

And under no circumstances will I ever let it happen.

He took everything from me.

He doesn't get to take her too.

Chapter Nineteen

“People say the ugly truth is better than pretty lies.

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