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"If you must," Cain said. "The only thing Aurora cares about having delivered to her right now is her father's head in a box, and I'll serve that up. But sure. Get her some truffles."
He shooed me off. Bastard.
A courier delivered the chocolate a little while later. I dressed in jeans and a hoodie, sliding my gun into the holster at the back of my waist. We couldn’t take any chances. Then I headed down to the lobby.
The courier was waiting for me. The doorman buzzed him in. I handed him a large tip for humoring rich fucks who needed sweets in the middle of the night–I'd never get entirely used to this, even after those years with Cain–and took the bag of chocolate. It would make Aurora smile, and my girl certainly deserved anything that could make her smile.
As I headed back toward the elevator, the doorman called, "Have a good night, sir!"
"You too, thank you."
I was almost to the elevator when the doorman headed toward it too, pushing a luggage cart. I glanced back at the lobby, which was now left unmanned and empty. The doors were locked at night, which had made us feel better about staying here.
The next thing I knew, something sharp pinched my neck. I reached for the pain as I looked around, simultaneously sprinting for the nearest corner. I turned it quickly–and came face to face with a man holding a rifle.
Tranq dart. My fingers pulled it away and I flung it to the ground, hoping it would take too long to take hold.
I grabbed the rifle, trying to take control of it from the guy since we were in too close of quarters now for me to grab my gun. I got it from him, slammed the butt of it into his temple, and he keeled over. I checked quickly to make sure he was out cold, then dragged him further back into an alcove full of potted plants. I wanted to bring him up with us for interrogation, but I wasn't sure we were alone. Getting back to Aurora mattered most.
My heart was pounding as I stood up and looked out into the lobby. The doorman was nowhere in sight. People were so fucking oblivious, it was unreal.
I took a deep breath and grabbed the man's rifle, slinging it over my shoulder. Then I headed for the elevators.
The elevator doors opened and I stepped inside, hitting the button for the penthouse. As the doors slid shut, I pulled out my phone and dialed Cain's number.
"Yes?" His voice was groggy, but alert.
"Cain, we've got a situation. I was attacked in the lobby." The words came out slurred. In the distance, I could hear Cain burst into motion through the phone, but everything was getting blurry. "I'm on my way up now. But watch out."
The elevator doors slid open on a random floor.
The doorman was there with the luggage cart.
As I slid to the ground, I realized that the tranq dart had finally taken effect. I tried to fight it, but my body felt like lead. I could hear the doorman's voice, but couldn't make out what he was saying.
The world faded black.
10
AURORA
"Get up, we need to move." Cain's voice, soaked in urgency, jolted me awake. Remy, Stellan, and I were moving immediately, sleep fading as we scrambled out of bed.
"What happened?" I asked, my heart racing as I threw on jeans, a sweatshirt, and sneakers.
"Paxton was attacked in the lobby," Cain replied, his eyes scanning the room. "We need to get out of here now."
We followed Cain out of the penthouse and into the hallway, our footsteps echoing off the marble floors. I could feel the fear rising in my chest as we made our way towards the stairs, the guys sandwiching me between them.
As we moved swiftly down the stairs, a change came over my men, and they seemed to move in unison, each of them carrying their guns in a serious, intentional way, covering every avenue.
But when we burst into the lobby, it was empty. My men quickly fanned across the room, searching it. We found a body. Someone else's.
There was no sign of Paxton.
My heart sank as I looked around frantically, panic choking my throat. "Was it your father or mine?"
"I don't know," Cain said bleakly. "But either one will hold him for collateral, so we have time to find him."
