Page 26 of Vicious Deception

There’s no way that when we were in Florida, Ludo and Axel were working together to set this trap. Back then, Ludo tested us, and we passed with flying colors. We earned his trust, and he had no reason to suspect we’d betray him yet.

Is that enough? Is it worth the risk?

Is it worthnottaking the risk?my mind counters.

If I don’t place my trust in Axel, we’re dead—there’s no other option. If I decide to join Axel, we at least have a chance of making it out of that mansion alive.

I have to try. Ihaveto.

“All right,” I say, turning to face Axel. “I’m in—but we’re gonna need some help.”

Chapter nine

Wren

It’salmosttwointhe morning when Finn’s phone rings. He stares at it for a few seconds before answering.

“Hello?”

I turn back to the book in my hands. Neither of us can sleep, but we’re too tired to work, so I’ve been reading, and Finn has been typing away on his laptop.

“Where are you?” Finn’s gaze cuts to me as the color drains from his face.

“What?” I ask, but he turns away, ignoring me.

“How’d you get access to a phone?” he asks quietly.

My heart is in my throat as I watch Finn stiffly run a hand through his hair.Could it be? No, there’s no way.

“Axel?” Finn spits out.“Axel?Have you lost your mind? Elliot, there’s no way he’d help you. This is so obviously a trap.”

“Elliot?” I spring into action, lunging for the phone, but Finn knocks my hands away. “Let me talk to him!”

“He doesn’t have a lot of time,” Finn grits out. “Calm down.”

“Put it on speaker,” I hear Elliot say. “I want to talk to her.”

Thankfully, Finn does so without further protest.

“Love?”

“Ell.” My voice is wobbly, and I have to blink to get rid of my tears. This isn’t the time to cry. We need to stay focused. “Ell, are you okay? Are the others?”

“Yeah, we’re fine for now,” he says. “So are Benny and Andrew. I just don’t know how long that’ll last. Ludo’s made a couple threats, and I don’t want to stick around to see them come to fruition.”

“You think you’ve found a way out?” Finn asks. “With Axel’s help?”

“I know it sounds stupid, but I think we can trust him,” Elliot says. “I still want to be cautious until I’m sure, but like I said, I don’t know how much time we have.”

“Holloway’s right-hand man?” Finn’s frown deepens. “Sounds awfully convenient.”

“It’s the best option we have,” Elliot says.

“Or it’s a ploy to capture Wren,” Finn replies darkly.

Elliot sighs. “I don’t think this is a trap, but just in case, I need her to stay out of this.”

My stomach drops. “What? No!”

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