No resistance. No struggle. Nothing.
Luca’s face is enraged.
“What the hell is he doing?” He grunts as he takes out another operative.
I take two down with precise shots, but more keep coming. They’re trained and well-coordinated.
Kellan growls through the comm, “Jace is protecting the supplier. Noah, he took off with him. I’m going after them.”
The truth hits me like a gut punch. Hard enough that I nearly drop my gun.
Because I can’t tell if we’re saving Jace, or if we’re attacking him.
23 FROM THE INSIDE
Jace
Alexei’s grip on my arm is firm, guiding me past crates stacked too high to see over. Every step is precise. I know where the gaps are, the blind spots. The angles that keep us just out of reach.
I saw the worry in Noah’s eyes as Alexei dragged me away. That’s fine, let him think I’m exposed. It keeps him off-balance.
We hit the edge of another dock. Water lapping against the hull of the ship, dark and waiting. Alexei gestures toward the small boat tied alongside. Our exit. A silent, sleek motorboat.
I let him pull me along. I know what’s coming.
Alexei glances at me, his accent thick. “Did you know those boys?”
I don’t look at him. I know he’s testing me.
“Yes. They’re a part of the Guild.”
“I see.” Alexei steps into the boat, tossing the metal case in the center. I keep my hands free.
The engine starts, and we’re pulling away. The night air bites at my skin. The spray pricks my face like needles. I let the wake carry us away, letting the chaos of the dock dissolve behind us.
But my eyes don’t leave Alexei, not for a second.
Luca and Noah, hell, probably Maeve too. They don’t understand. They think I’ve betrayed them. That I’ve chosen the enemy, that I’ve gone over to Gideon.
Let them.
Because right now, I’m exactly where I need to be.
Alexei smirks, glancing behind us. Thinking he’s gotten away from the danger. The port is shrinking, swallowed by darkness and distance.
He should be more worried about me.
The motor hums steadily beneath us as we cut across the water. Alexei cracks his neck, loosening his shoulders, finally relaxing.Mistake number one.We’re pulling up to a much larger ship. I’m guessing this was Alexei’s backup plan, too.
He nudges the metal case with his boot. “We made it,” he says, smug as ever. “Your father will be pleased?—”
“My father rarely is.”
Alexei laughs, like we’re sharing some private joke.Mistake number two.I shift my wrist, checking the time, the smooth face of the disguised detonator catching a sliver of moonlight.Right on schedule.
“Where exactly are we going?” I ask, like I don’t already know.
“This is my home away from home.” He gestures to the large luxury vessel. “Why don’t you come and enjoy a drink with me? We have beautiful ladies on board.” He chuckles.
