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“Madison Henry was just abducted. They ransomed Barclay.”
“Fuck. What the fuck has he been hiding from us?” Jay growls, flicking a sharp, regretful look at me. I respond to him with a small smile, knowing the penthouse is no longer an option.
“Where are you?”
“Yours, we’re waiting.”
Jay puts his foot down, and before long, we are skidding to a stop at the estate. Ryan is already waiting for Jay who exits the car, slamming the door so hard the glass cracks. I told him I didn't like that car! Growling at the damage, he strides inside. Ryan and I are just behind him as he makes his way straight to Barclay.
“WHAT THE FUCK!”
“Jay, I fucked up.”
“Talk now. All of it!” Barclay eyes me and I walk backwards, exiting the room. I close the door but stay on the other side.
“Your father was blackmailing me. Madison and I, we slept together.”
“She’s nineteen!” Seth shouts.
“I know. Fuck, I know. I know that now. It’s just... I… Fuck!” Barclay fumes. “It should never have happened, and your fucking disease of a father tried to blackmail me. He was watching us all. He had videos. He wanted Charlie Kaser to go free. That's why I disappeared for a few days. I was trying to do everything to get Charlie out. If those videos came out, I’d lose my footing with the major. My career would be over.”
“What the fuck has that low life druggie got to do with any of this?”
“I don't know. I was trying to dig and then Alistair shared that shit with Madison.”
“She slept with him to protect you.” I hear Jamieson rumble as he tries to piece everything together.
“I don’t know,” Barclay spits aggrivated.
“So who the fuck was blackmailing my father and who has taken Madison?”
“She’s pregnant,” Barclay whispers.
“Whose is it?” Ryan’s deep voice sends a ripple of disgust over me.
“I don't know.”
“Does it matter? That baby is Panel property. We’re getting her back,” Seth mutters.
The door flies open and Jamieson’s face twists in anger.
“Naughty Birdie.”
“Jay, I—”
“Avery, not now.”
I grip his hand and hug it to my chest.
“You’ll get them back?” I search his gaze, pleading.
“Yes. This isn't your concern. I loathe you. Now go to bed.” He brushes my mouth with a deep kiss.
“I loathe you too.” He picks up my hand and thumbs my ring, his face turning sour. “I’m safe. Don't let your head take you there,” I whisper, cupping his jaw.
Big hands take my face and lift me up to meet his mouth as his eyes spear me with a thousand emotions. His forehead drops to mine, and his eyes slay me open.
“I do truly love you, you know that, right?”
“Yes,” I squeak. “I love you too.” His shoulders sag and he crushes me to his chest and drops his chin on my head.
“Told you I was selfish, Birdie. Look at what I’ve pulled you into.”
Tilting my head, I smile softly at him. It’s unusual to see him so shaken. I have complete faith he will protect me, but then I don’t know the world like he does.
“Live by The Panel.”
“Die by The Panel,” Jamieson whispers.
The End.
