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I took a threatening step toward him, and Vaughn jumped in the middle of us, placing his hand on my chest. “Z-man, don’t fucking do it. I know you’re a live wire right now, but Pierce isn’t responsible. Giselle is in there spilling her guts to Sutton. Get your head out of your ass and screw it on straight. Once everyone is safe, we can plan how to take care of Donovan and Ander. I’m so fucking in.”
That got my attention, and my gaze drifted to Vaughn. “I can’t allow you to be a part of it. You have a baby on the way.” My blinding rage simmered to a boil. “Pierce, too. I have to take care of them myself.”
“Sorry, man. That’s not how it works, and you know it.” Pierce stepped around Vaughn. “I understand that you’re fucking livid. I am too. You’re welcome to take it out on me later, but I think we need to fuel that anger into justice after the family is safe. We’ll be in and out for those motherfuckers. The ladies never have to know.” Sincerity flashed in Pierce’s brown eyes.
I snorted. “The ladies will find out even if we don’t clue them in up front. If the FBI wants them, how are we going to work around that pesky detail?” I rubbed my clean-shaven jawline.
“We’ll figure it out. One thing I’m very clear on is that under no circumstances are you to touch Giselle. She’s fragile, and I know you, Wilson. You’ll want to protect and take care of her. She isoff-limits.” Pierce stabbed the air with his finger for emphasis.
Our gazes locked, and I met his intense stare straight on. “Got it.”
Thank God the sound of the front door closing pulled our attention away from each other. I felt like shit for lying to my boss and friend, but it would all be revealed soon enough. I suddenly had a new appreciation for what Vaughn and Claire had gone through.
“Hey, guys.” Sutton offered us a sad smile. “We’ve got one hell of a situation to take care of, but I need a few minutes first. My heart was just shattered into a million pieces, then rolled over by an eighteen-wheeler.” Tears welled in her eyes as she walked toward Pierce and fisted her husband’s shirt.
Pierce wrapped his arms around her as Sutton softly sobbed against his chest.
Fuck.This was way worse than I’d heard or imagined. Sutton rarely cried.
“We’ll get her out, Sutton. I promise.” Pierce said, rubbing her back.
Vaughn slapped my shoulder with the back of his hand, his mismatched eyes speaking volumes.
“Later,” I muttered.
Vaughn stepped away, giving me some space, but his attention never left me. I wasn’t sure what he was thinking, but I had a good fucking guess, and I wasn’t going to like it one goddamn bit.
After a minute, Sutton released her husband and wiped her tears away. “I don’t want Giselle to know I lost my shit.”
“It might be good for her,” I said. “She needs to realize she’s not alone.”
“You’re probably right, but I needed a space to process.” She snuggled into Pierce’s side, and he placed a kiss on top of her head. Jealousy ignited in my gut. I wanted to do the same for Giselle, but I was stuck outside while she struggled after what she’d just shared.This shit sucks.
Sutton sighed. “Let me share what I’ve learned, then we’ll plan everything.”
I stood in silence, rooted to the ground while I listened to the words that tumbled out of Sutton’s mouth. My thoughts were discombobulated, and I struggled to find even footing as the reality of Giselle’s life crushed me like a two-ton brick on my chest.
Once she finished, I laced my fingers behind my head and paced, trying to keep my shit together. No wonder Sutton fell apart.
When Sutton was finished updating us, my gaze locked with Pierce’s, then Vaughn’s. In those brief seconds of silent communication, I knew there was no talking Pierce and Vaughn out of helping me destroy Ander and Donovan. My brain swam with possibilities of how to end their pathetic lives.
“Sutton and I will discuss details of how to get the family to safety, then I’ll update you two. For now, keep your shit together … And Zayne, fucking protect her. Donotblow your cover for the FBI. This is way bigger than we are.”
“I know.” I blew out a heavy sigh, pain splintering my soul with what she’d lived through. I’d saved her only to return her to a horrible life.
“I’ll call later.” Pierce slid his arm around Sutton’s waist, and they headed to their company Mercedes.
I watched as they climbed in the car and drove away, then I turned to Vaughn. “I want to see if she’s okay after talking to Sutton.” I eyed him cautiously, waiting for him to say something. Instead, he silently walked with me back into the house.
“Pretty sure they’re in the dance studio.” Vaughn led the way, his shoulders slumped. I suspected what Sutton had shared was messing with him, too.
Laughter floated down the hallway and reached my ears. They must have had the door open because the room was soundproofed so the music and noise wouldn’t bother anyone.
“No way!” Claire giggled.
“Leave it to Claire to lighten the mood,” Vaughn said before entering the studio.
Giselle was in the middle of the floor, showing Claire some steps. I wasn’t sure if it was jazz or what, but it definitely wasn’t ballet.
