Page 135 of Captive Bride

Benny comes over to us and takes a seat.

He says, “Come on, Tristan. You know we weren’t gonna leave you hanging. We always have your back. And remember, I’m always one step ahead of the enemy.”

I smile at him and pour us each a heavy drink.

I raise my glass.

“To taking down our enemies.”

We all clink glasses, but there’s a sort of bitterness behind it. Merc, Benny, and I have been dealing with this Capulet war for as long as we can remember.

I’d like to think it’s finally come to an end and that tonight was the last and final battle.

But in truth, this war might still rage on into the future. As long as there are Capulets still breathing, I know the fighting will continue. But as for me, my part in all this killing may be done.

I want to put Isobel first. And that may mean bowing out of the game, finding a new identity and profession.

“You guys, we’re gonna have to move. We need a new location where we can build a new life.”

“Tristan,” Benny says. “I was thinking that maybe the Montague mansion in Vienna would be a nice place for Isobel to stay. It’s far removed from here, and you can leave the dirty work to us.”

I think about what he’s saying. Vienna is an obvious choice. Why didn’t I think of it?

And I know he’s right. We have to get Isobel out of the city. I’m going to get her as far away from our enemies as possible.

I have to keep my possession, my treasure, safe.

“That sounds like a fucking fantastic idea, Benny. Can you have it arranged?”

“Of course.”

I sit with my guys around the table and look out at the remarkable city view. I realize this is one of the last times I’m going to see it—if all goes well.

I know that tonight has changed things.

I will never live here again.

I will never live so close to Capulet territory.

My main priority from this moment forward is to make sure my princess is free and happy.

Speaking of princess...I think about Isobel and that she might need a drink, too.

I pour her a glass of scotch and take it to the bedroom where she’s likely getting out of her war-torn clothes.

“You guys, I’ll see you later,” I say to Merc and Benny.

They smirk at each other, knowing exactly what’s about to go down.

I need to get to Isobel.

I need to be inside of her.

“Have a good night,” Benny calls after me.

“Yeah, yeah,” I say.

Then, I walk to the master suite to check on her. Inside, I see her standing fully naked.

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