Page 67 of High Stakes

Tobias shakes his head in disgust. “That’s the part that has me annoyed. Who is behind this? Why can’t we find them? I’ve got eyes and ears in and around every criminal organization that matters. There should be more useful information out there by now. The only thing I can come up with is that someone from Bellamy’s family is in on the attack.”

I frown. That thought only briefly crossed my mind before I dismissed it. They were so insistent on the wedding happening. Everyone in the family seemed on board with the union.

“I’ll look into that angle once we get out. My sources say we’ve got twenty-four hours.”

“And who is this source of yours?”

“Don’t go there. I won’t tell you. If it helps, they can’t actually identify who the chatter is coming from. They’re just hearing things and from reliable sources of their own.” I leave out the information about a Las Vegas number. Erick is sending it to me, so I can track it down myself.

Tobias is not satisfied. I wouldn’t be either if I were in his position. But right now, he knows he doesn’t have much of a choice. So, he’s going to deal with it and follow my lead because deep down he’s a smart man and he wants Bellamy to be safe just as much as I do. That much I trust.

“The show should be over by now. Go tell her what’s going on while I make travel arrangements. Quietly.”

“Isn’t it better to stay here and fight? Going to the yacht seems like running away.”

“Victor, Luke, and Matteo can handle things here. And they will. They care about me and Bellamy, and now that includes you. I’m not saying you’re going to be their best friend overnight, but they’ll accept you and fight for you like one of us. They can track these assholes down while we keep her safe and give her more of what she wants from us.”

“Fine. We’ll go.” With that, he makes a quick exit back to Bellamy.

I take a half hour to sort out a way for us to get to Tobias’s yacht. When I’m done, I go in search of Bellamy and Tobias. We have two hours to get to an airfield that’s an hour away. I’ve already dispatched employees of mine to pack up our suite, and a car is heading for us now. In these situations, I’m grateful for my money. Sometimes I don’t care for it because of the blood and carnage it’s tied to, but it definitely comes in handy.

I find Tobias and Bellamy at a table in the bar area. Bellamy is frowning at him, and I approach in time to hear a part of what she’s saying. “So, you’re telling me we’re just leaving in the middle of a party to go sailing on your yacht? In the middle of the night? And you expect me to believe nothing is wrong?”

Christ. I should have given Tobias better direction for how to tell her. I interject myself into the conversation, putting a hand on her shoulder while I look Tobias in the eye. “Bellamy isn’t someone you need to hide the truth from, mate. It’s easier if you just tell her what’s up.”

He holds his hands up in surrender. “I’m learning that.”

To Bellamy he says, “But it would be nice if you could just go along with it when I’m trying to spare you stress.”

She laughs. “That’s not really my style, Tobias.”

It seems like they could use some more time to talk, so I squeeze her shoulder and step back. “While we’re waiting for the car, I’m going to update the others.”

Bellamy stops me with a hand on mine. “You’re sure this is the best way?”

“It is, love. Don’t question me. Not about your safety.”

She gives me a shy smile and squeezes my hand. “I don’t mean to question you. This is unfamiliar territory. I want us to all be safe, but I don’t want to cause you more trouble, either. And I’m frustrated that it feels like I’m not being told everything.”

“Taking care of you is never trouble.” I bend and kiss her cheek. “I love you, Bellamy. And I’ll always take care of you. Tobias is still learning, but he’s going to take care of you, too. But cut him some slack, because neither of us know a lot right now. He’ll fill you in while I’m talking to the others.”

She kisses me gently and whispers a barely audible, “yes, Sir,” before she turns her attention back to Tobias whose gaze has not left me since I approached the table.

When he nods, I leave to gather my partners and give them what little intel I have.

“So, what do you want us to do?” Luke asks, when I’m finished breaking everything down.

“Put people on my house, the hotel, Bellamy’s old place. Basically, anywhere someone might look for her. Keep the fact that we left town to the three of you. And if you find someone coming after her, interrogate them, and figure out who the fuck they are and why they’re doing this.”

Victor perks up at that. Interrogate to him means torture. I stay out of that part of the game when I can. But if I find the bastards who are trying to hurt Bellamy, I’ll gladly join Victor in his glee.

By the time we finish our conversation, the car is waiting for us. I hug my brothers and go back to Tobias and Bellamy.

They stand when I approach, and together we walk out of the club.

“Why does this feel like I’m leaving forever?” Bellamy asks, her voice tight with emotion.

We both engulf her in a hug that has us hugging each other, letting her soak up our warmth. “It won’t be forever, love. I promise. We’re going to figure this out and get back here as soon as possible. Trust me on that.”

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