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Luca glances at me through the rearview mirror of his SUV. “What is it?”
“It appears Gideon just learned my father was moved out of Maxton House.” I turn to look out at the passing scenery. “Fuck!” I slam a fist against the door.
After Carina informed us that Skye did in fact go to Gideon, armed with the knowledge of where Father is, I chided myself for forgetting how smart she is. How those big gray eyes aren’t haunting at all. They’re cunning.
The entire time she was with me, she was on high alert for any sign of his whereabouts like a good little spy. But not good enough.
Father has been moved to a location provided by Luca. A random place that will keep him out of Gideon’s grasp long enough for us to pick him up and bring him back to Briar House. He’s safe.
She’s not.I shut off the voice in my head. Block out the image of her on the bed this morning.
“I want to tell you something, but I’m afraid,” she’d said.
Was she going to tell me she was a spy? Was she going to ask for help but changed her mind because you don’t beg the enemy for mercy?
The enemy who swore to protect her.
Ignoring that thought, I ask, “What is this place?” when we arrive at a building in Queens.
Luca tugs his gun from the center console and pulls back on the slide, checking the chamber. He hands it to me. “Gunn and I used to live here. I still own the building, but it’s unlikely Gideon would think of this place.”
I inspect the Glock. Usually, I’m surrounded by an armed entourage. And when I’m alone, I depend on my knife for self-protection. Firearms aren’t my weapon of choice, but with Gideon around, I may need it.
Gunn and I step out of the first SUV, the one driven by Luca. Rowan and Noah are in the vehicle behind us. The plan is to get Father from Ruslan, who’s meeting us at this address.
Should something have gone wrong and this is all a trap, we have men located at several street corners, all facing the building.
Gunn leads the way through the back door, and we ascend via a stairwell, quickly and quietly, to the fifth floor.
“Welcome to the penthouse.” Gunn grins as he raps on the door.
Ruslan greets us, letting us pass only after he’s peeked down the hall to make sure we weren’t followed. “Boss.”
“How was it?” I ask, looking over his shoulder at my father.
“He’s not happy. But he’s alive.”
While I’d hardly call it a penthouse, it is a nice enough space. Clean pine floors, white kitchenette, and a few furnishings. Like the couch Father is sitting on, sulking, with a sour-faced Martha by his side.
She cocks her head when she sees me. “You know I’m not getting paid enough for this shit.”
“Tomorrow I’ll double your pay.”
Her expression smooths a bit. “Fine. Okay.”
“Will you wait for us outside?” I ask her.
She nods and is taken to the waiting vehicles by Gunn.
I go to crouch in front of my father so that I’m not towering over him threateningly and take his fragile hand in mine. “Father, how are you feeling?”
“Why am I here?!” he demands without paying any mind to the other men in the room. “Do you have any idea how many times you’ve moved me now?”
“Doyou?” I rebuke.
“Eight.”
“Ah shit, heiskeeping track.” Ruslan whistles.
