Page 177 of Beautifully Damaged Boxset

“No. I didn’t know until it was already done. Logan didn’t either. We were completely surprised, the same as you.”

I barked out a laugh. “You make it sound like it was a fucking party instead of a kidnapping.”

Tim released a weary sigh. “Best advice I can give you, son … forget about River. She’s gone. You’re never going to see her again. You have a bright future ahead of you. There will always be a hot piece of ass available to you.”

My fist slammed into his nose, a satisfying crunch ringing in my ears. “Why won’t you tell me who has her? If you don’t want to tell me, then fine. At least report it to the police.”

Crimson red liquid dripped from his nose and soaked into his light blue dress shirt. He attempted to wipe the blood off with his hand but only managed to smear it across his face. “You stupid, stupid boy. Don’t you understand? The people who have her are way more powerful than I am. They’ll destroy me, you, and anyone I’m associated with. So, when it came down to me protecting you or her, I chose you.” He spat onto the smooth concrete floor. “I chose you, Holden.”

Was Tim afraid of someone? The man who dealt with some of the most powerful and terrifying men in the world … I didn’t understand.

In a final, desperate attempt, I pleaded with him. “Who has her, Dad? If you can’t outright tell me, then give me a goddamned hint.”

Tim’s shoulders sagged, and his eyes narrowed. “If this ever comes back to me, I’ll kill you myself. I don’t care if you’re my fucking kid or not.”

My heart pounded against my chest while I waited for him to continue.

“I can’t say who, but I’ll tell you where. As of this morning, she was in California. She won’t be there long, though.”

Zayne stepped over to me and faced Tim. “California is a big fucking state.” An intimidating sneer eased across Zayne’s features. “Motherfucker, I can kill you with my bare hands. I don’t need a gun or any other men to help me. If you want to continue breathing, I suggest you start by giving us everything you know. Then I’ll decide if you live or not.”

For the first time in my life, I cheered at the idea of Tim’s measly life-ending. And I was lucky enough to have a front-row seat.

I glanced around the garage since Zayne wasn’t keeping a lookout. Honestly, I’d much rather see his torture skills put into practice than stand guard.

“Northern. There’s a house with over twenty acres about thirty miles away from Mount Shasta. Follow Highway 97 until you see a little grocery store on the left,” he sputtered, blood streaming over his lip and into his mouth.

“What’s the name of it?” Zayne asked, closing the gap between them.

I was pretty sure Tim was about to piss his fucking pants. What shocked me was that Tim hadn’t pulled a gun on us. I began to question his intelligence level. He either assumed I wasn’t a threat, or he wasn’t carrying. Both were stupid. I knew for a fact Zayne had a gun, but I didn’t even think a show of his piece was necessary. Tim was singing like a little bitch.

“I don’t remember,” Tim squeaked. “It’s the only one. You can’t miss it.”

“What else?” Zayne’s hand twitched as if he were trying not to kill Tim before he provided us with more information.

“It’s heavily guarded. The house is large and contemporary, but that’s not what you’re looking for. It’s …” Tim glanced at me, fear flickering in his expression. “There are hidden bunkers under the ground and cells in another area. If she’s still there, she’s probably in one of them.”

Fuck. Cell. Basement. Jesus. Fuck no. I nearly dropped to my knees as the images of the little girl assaulted my senses. An eerie feeling of deja vu clouded my mind.

Zayne wrapped his fingers around Tim’s throat and lifted him off the ground. Tim’s feet kicked as his face turned beet red. He clawed at Zayne’s hand, but Zayne didn’t even flinch. Zayne let him go with a quick release, and Tim fell to the ground, gasping for air. Zayne stepped away from him and smoothed his black polo shirt as though what he’d just done was a part of his everyday life. It probably was.

Tim crawled forward a few paces. “They’re dangerous, Holden. If you go up against them, you won’t survive.” He coughed between each word.

“If you were an actual human being instead of a disgusting monster, you would have told me this as soon as you found out.” I closed part of the gap between Tim and me, then swung my leg back and landed a kick to his gut. He grabbed his stomach and toppled over.

Whimpers escaped him, and I glanced at Zayne. “What now?”

“Go see Brynn. Let me handle this, and I’ll join you when I can.”

Questions burned to be answered, but I understood that I needed to leave. The reason Zayne was my bodyguard was to protect me from Tim or any other dangers. A few minutes apart wouldn’t hurt anything. I just had to stay aware in case Logan or one of Tim’s colleagues showed up.

I walked casually to the elevator as if I’d simply parked my car and had every right to be here. Several people filed out before I could slip in and punch the button to Brynn’s floor. I shoved my hands in my pockets, my body beginning to tremble uncontrollably. River. Oh, God. We have to get her. Tim’s words rang in my ears,

If she’s still there …

My stomach clenched, and I ground my teeth together, scared that I was going to hurl.

A soft ding alerted me I’d arrived, and as soon as the doors whooshed open, I bolted into the hallway. I looked both ways and tried to get my bearings. After several heartbeats, I recognized where I was and hurried to Brynn’s room. I poked my head in through the crack in the door and cleared my throat.

---