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It’s dark outside by the time we arrive at the address we were given, a lofty hotel located downtown.
“He lives here?” Daniel asks from the back seat of the Escalade.
“No, douchebag.” Renzo smacks him upside the head. “He’s not going to actually invite us to his house. He probably doesn’t even live in Boston.”
“Do you think those men are Gideon’s?” I ask, peering ahead toward the grand entrance at three guys dressed all in black, looking far too stiff even for this place.
“They could be secret service,” Daniel offers. “Look at those earpieces.”
Papá shakes his head. “They’re his. Are you ready with your offer?”
I swallow down my nerves. “Yes. Ready enough.”
“Then let’s hope it’s good enough.” He exits the car and hands the keys the valet while another gentleman lets my brothers and me out. The other vehicle, the one carrying six of our guys, including Axle and Phil, remains parked a few blocks away.
Arturo, Renzo, and Daniel stop ahead of the entrance. Papá pauses in front of them. “Remember,muchachos. Only if our lives are in danger. Otherwise, you will get us killed.”
“Yes, sir,” Art says in his most serious tone.
My brothers will stay here, listening in on the conversation through a mic on Papá’s phone. If anything goes wrong, it’s their job to get us out.
Gideon’s right hand, a woman named Scarlet, is waiting for us in the foyer, dressed in a tight pencil skirt and turtleneck. Anyone who sees her would assume she’s a sexy secretary or assistant.
She’s definitely an assistant, the kind that assists people to the other side.
Even if Declan hadn’t told me she’s an assassin, one of the deadliest he’s heard of, I would have pegged her as one. There’s just something about her that screams stealth and deviousness. A huntress that always hits the target.
Standing beside her is an impeccably dressed Asian man, tall and as handsome as she is beautiful. I’m sure just as dangerous too.
“Don Fernando, welcome. I’m Scarlet, and this is Itsuki.” She inclines her head toward him, but her red-lipped smile is all for me as she focuses on my bruised eye. “Miss Kane, nice to see you again. This way, please.”
We follow her inside, through the grand lobby full of rich guests. But I don’t spend much time admiring the gleaming marble or crystal chandeliers. Instead, I watch her ass as it sways almost hypnotically, not because I’m interested in it, but because I need something to focus on while I think.
Over the last hour, I’ve exhausted myself mentally trying to come up with anything that a man like Gideon would consider an even exchange for Rowan’s life. I have money of my own, funds I’ve acquired through my “side hustle.” It would be chump change to Gideon, though. My father would let me borrow whatever I needed. But even he doesn’t have enough.
Besides, I don’t believe any amount of money would entice the Ferryman.
It’s the moniker that finally gives me the answer. The Ferryman doesn’t mean death to everyone. The insanely handsome man is quite charming, in fact. He wanted nothing to do with Declan or me, only Rowan. And he wanted him because he’s a part of the Sinacore Alliance.
I step into the elevator behind the deadly duo, Papá by my side. Itsuki slides a key card over the scanner and presses thePbutton.
The elevator ascends along with my heart rate. It’s been a long time since I’ve prayed. Not since that night at the church where I waited for Rowan, afraid something had happened to him, have I lifted my gaze to Heaven and asked for anything. That day, I begged God to keep Rowan safe.
Back then, I believed he’d been okay but didn’t love me. Now I know he’d almost lost his life for me. I stopped praying after that day because I thought God had forsaken me, when he’d actually abandoned Rowan. There’s a part of me that wants to be angry at that.
However, another part of me can’t help but want to cry out to him and plead,Don’t leave us, dear God. Save him. I’ll give anything. Don’t leave him alone. Punish me, not him. Let him live or I will die.
My throat tightens as I repeat those words in my mind, praying out of desperation.
“Louisa,” Papá whispers.
I give him a side-glance and stiffen my spine. There’s no room for weakness here, not with these people who can smell it a mile away.
Even as I think that, Scarlet arches a brow at me. “Everything all right?”
“Yes, of course.” I smooth my blouse and lift my chin. “So we’re going to the penthouse?”
