Page 33 of Brutal Truths

“Stop!” Trent barks. It’s an order. “What came up? You and I have unfinished business. What the fuck is more important than that?”

I bite back the urge to draw my gun and put a bullet in him.

“Isabel Lopez Reyes.” The name lands hard. “She’s more important right now. Why? She was taken last night because I chose your request over her safety.”

With a sigh, I open my Jaguar’s door. The scent of leather hitting as I rest my hands on the roof, watching him.

“Found some very interesting items in the gallery. Not just what you sent me to find, either.” I tilt my head. “Like… where the fuck did all of Alma’s precious art go? You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

“Are you accusing me of something, Aiden?” His posture stiffens, trying for intimidation. It doesn’t land. “And what do you mean? Where did the art go? Wasn’t it inside?”

“Poof. Gone.” I flick my hands like a magician. “Everything but the portraits. Those told me plenty. Didn’t realize Sofia and you were so close.”

He blinks once, then shakes his head like that settles it. “We weren’t.”

“So, you let just anyone wear a family heirloom?” I don’t know why I’m bringing this up now, when I really need to get going. “You can explain that to me later, along with why the Botticelli matters so damn much to you. That, and why you didn’t want Silas involved. Was it because you knew he’d talk?”

He doesn’t answer. Just circles back to our initial conversation. “I didn’t realize you and Isabel were involved. When did this happen?”

“We met in Oxford, after the fire at the school. Crossed paths again at Bailamos. Your son reintroduced us. He was trying to get her and her friend to join him for drinks after our meeting with Cort.” I catch the way Trent cringes, but I don’t have time to question why.

“The universe has been throwing us together ever since.” I shift, ready to climb into the car and get the fuck out of here. “Now can I go? I’ve got a lead I need to follow before she disappears again.”

“Who took her?” He’s already pulling out his phone, thumbs moving fast.

“You were at the top of my list. Not anymore.” My phone buzzes insistently in my pocket, its frantic vibration prompting me to pull it out. “Now I’m leaning more toward a man named Cygan. You know him?”

The sheer venom in his eyes, sharp and immediate, is all the answer I need.

“I’ve heard of him. If he’s involved, you’d better find her fast. Rumor is, if you see his face, you won’t live to tell anyone about it. You shouldn’t go alone.”

Right then, Drakes steps out of the main house.

I shake my head. “I don’t need help. My team and I can handle this.”

“Team?” With a tilt of his head, he narrows his eyes, distrust written all over his face. “What team?”

I hold my phone up and give him the answer he’s looking for. “A couple of my former military buddies. Isabel needed extra eyes on her since her guards are useless. I called in a few favors. Good thing I did. While I’ve been stuck here, they’ve been hunting for her. Now, if you don’t mind, time’s running out.”

Another vehicle pulls up, and I pay it no attention. Cars have been arriving like this for the last hour. Then, I hear a familiar voice and know there’s no way I’m getting out of here without unwanted company.

“So, you’ve finally seen the light and realize Aiden’s an untrustworthy fucker?” He strolls over with that smug look. “Don’t sweat it, boss, I’ll keep an eye on him.”

His grin, while resting his arms on the hood of my Jag, makes me want to knock his teeth out. “So, where we going, pretty boy?”

“Fine. Zander can come.” I unlock the door for him. “But don’t be surprised if he comes back missing a few teeth.”

“Bring her back here,” Trent demands, his voice sharp and insistent. “We’ll talk more, then. And Aiden…”

I glance over the bonnet while the other arsehole buckles up.

“Don’t disappoint me and don’t kill Zander.”

“I make no promises where Zander is concerned.” I climb in.

The Jag’s engine roars as we speed off, leaving a trail of dust in our wake. “Fucking arsehole.”

“You’ve got balls, man.” Zander chuckles as we tear down the driveway toward the front gate. “Where are we headed?”