Page 104 of My Everything

“The fuck’s this for?” I asked for her.

Izzy strolled into the room, giving Roni a tight hug before addressing us. “One Muslim woman coming in, one going out.” She nodded toward Kaylie as she said it, and she blinked up at Izzy in confusion.

“Why a Muslim?”

Izzy grinned. “What other dress will hide your whole body without it looking suspicious?”

I scoffed, but couldn’t help but appreciate the idea. It provided extra safety for Kaylie, that was sure. Even if X’s men had eyes on who came and went. They’d never suspect Kaylie hiding under all that black. Not when one with the same fashion already entered. I had to hand it to them, it was fucking brilliant.

“Put it on,” Dominic ordered. “There’s no time to waste.”

Kaylie looked at me, worry flashing through her eyes. Then she did as she was told, and all I could do was watch her transform. If it wasn’t for her ocean-blue eyes shining like two sapphires back at me, I would have had a hard time recognizing her.

“How do I look?” she asked, awkwardness clear in her voice.

“You’re beautiful,” I said, and I meant it. It wasn’t what she hid under that black fabric that made her shine. Her beauty was deeper than her skin.

She snorted. “You can’t even see me.”

I resisted telling her what was in my heart. Now was not the time. If I went soft on her, I’d never be able to let her go. I had to keep up my fucking walls. Even if they were weak and easily penetrable.

“You look perfect,” Roni said, and Izzy backed her, nodding her approval.

“Alex won’t know what hit him.” She grinned. Grabbing Kaylie by her shoulders, she pinned her with her dark eyes. “Do you remember the plan?”

Kaylie nodded. “I do. I’ve got this.”

Dominic handed her a bag, a black thing, a little bigger than a standard woman’s purse, but not too big to draw attention. Kaylie slung it over her shoulder.

Fuck. This was it. She turned to me, lifting her blue gaze to meet my eyes, and I suckled in a deep breath. I wanted to fight this. To grab her and never let her go. To deck anyone who came near. Instead, I clenched my fists and stood tall while pretending this wasn’t killing me.

“I’ll be okay,” she said. “Don’t worry about me, okay?”

I let out a harsh laugh.Don’t worry.Don’t fucking worry? Was she insane? How could I not, when she was putting herself out there, ready to be snatched by the one man we were in refuge from?

“Relax, Maddox,” Dominic sneered. “It’s not the first time we’ve done this.”

Done this?As in what? Smuggling people? Sending innocent people to do their dirty work? Risking their lives?

I took a step forward, fixing him with a hard stare. “If something happens to her, I’ll fucking kill you.”

He lifted a dark brow but didn’t comment. Instead, he turned to Kaylie. “Make sure to activate the mic once you’re dressed. I’ll guide you through.”

She managed a trembling nod. One more look my way, then she turned and stood with her back to me.

Dominic placed a hand on her back, guiding her to the entrance. Another man, dressed in black and sporting a heavy black beard greeted them. Then she disappeared through the door. It shut with a finality that reverberated through me. I looked away, letting my gaze skim over the group of people left in the room. Dominic. Izzy. The redhead, Roni. The two guards posted by the door.

“If she’s not back before—”

Dominic held up a hand, silencing me. “Your girl will be back. You have my word.”

I scoffed. His word meant nothing.

“I protect our people, that includes her.” He eyed me with a sneer. “And you, Maddox.”

“We’re notyourpeople,” I snapped. “The moment it’s—”

Izzy slapped a hand to my mouth, grinning at my annoyed expression.

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