Page 158 of Barinov

Bella plops down and leans back on the window frame.

“I got word to Knox when Luca had me retrieve this.” I point at the ruby, glowing around her neck.

“What kind of word?” she asks, fingers gripping the heart.

“Sent him all he needs on the updated collars.”

“And Knox? What did he say when you gave it to him?” she prods.

“Well, I didn’t exactly give it to Knox.”

Her brow creases. “Then who exactly did you give it to?”

I shrug. “Ellie.”

Bella’s breath hitches. “Ellie? You… you saw her?”

I nod. “And Lex.”

“What?! W-w-well is he… is he okay? D-did you see Cade? Wait…” she rambles. “Where did you even see them?”

“Look, sis,” I continue, framing her face with my palms. “I want to tell you everything in detail but he only gave me a few minutes in here before I have to go back to the basement.”

She gasps. “The basement?”

“I’m alright. I promise,” I shoot in before she can spiral.

She gives a faint nod as she reaches up to interlock our fingers.

“But I saw Lex. He’s pissed and nearly shot my ass, but he looked okay,” I confirm, rubbing circles on the back of her hand with my thumb. “Never saw Cade, but I’m sure he’s fine. He’s only been doing art, remember?”

Bella sniffles, nodding fast.

“I got your mother’s ruby necklace from Ellie and gave her a letter to give to Knox. It’ll show him how to get these off,” I say, tapping the metal around my neck.

She sighs as tears spill down her cheeks. “That’s good.”

“And,” I continue, a wicked grin spreading. “I sent word for Briggs to crash your engagement party.”

“Briggs?”

“Briggs is the one we want doin’ this, trust me,” I explain, my eyes locking with hers. “Pretty please.”

Chapter 40

LEX

The Reznikov’s - Alpine, NJ

Prepping for The Blackout.

60 days since Bella’s kidnapping.

“Boys, I don’t like this. Not one bit,” Aunt Anna says while tapping her fingers on the granite countertop. “Do none of you remember the last time?”

“It’s fine, mom,” Rez says, already filling the syringe.

“Darling, talk some sense into your son and nephew,” she pleads to Rez’s dad.