Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 129980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Azelie had declared numerous times that she didn’t go along with corporal punishment. She didn’t believe it was right. She wasn’t into pain. What had she said to him?
It would be hard enough knowing I disappointed you without you treating me like a child, incapable of making my own decisions.
He scrubbed his hand down his face. His hand shook. “You scared the holy hell out of me, Azelie. Don’t like the feeling.”
She pressed her lips together and brought her knees up, tucking her feet onto the cushion of the chair. Protecting herself. She thought he was going to yank her across his lap. Strangely, he’d lost all desire to punish her. That look she had on her face was testament to him that she knew she’d fucked up and she detested that she’d disappointed him, just as she’d told him would happen. He had no idea what to do or say.
“I’m sorry, Andrii. Really, really sorry. My temper got the best of me. Temper and fear for my friends. My brain short-circuited for a few minutes, and by the time I could think straight, it was too late.”
“Has Billows reached out to you?” His tone was harsher than he intended, and she winced, but she didn’t look away.
She shook her head. “I texted him at the time, demanding to know what some of the things McGrady said to me meant. He didn’t answer me.” She rubbed the pad of her finger across one eyebrow. “I’m terrified to see him. He knows I spoke with the cops. I really made a mess of things.”
Maestro made up his mind. The team had decided they were going to raid Billows’ building and look for any signs of abducted women. At the same time, they intended to interrogate Billows.
“You’re going to stay home tonight and tomorrow. Not leave this apartment. And you’re going to tell me where you keep the key to the underground rooms,” Andrii declared. “I know you have one. You keep it in a charm that looks like an envelope. It’s nowhere in this apartment.”
There was silence. She remained huddled in the chair, knees drawn up protectively, her eyes large, watching his every move. He couldn’t imagine what was going through her mind. Doubtless nothing good. He’d just made his demands and hadn’t given her an explanation. His anger was still roiling in his belly, and he didn’t know where to put it.
“Don’t you fucking look at me like that. We’re a team. You signed up for this shit when you took me on. Clearly, I signed up for a rough ride when you lose it and don’t think about your safety. I need to know where the key is.”
He didn’t take his gaze from hers. He needed to see every expression crossing her face. Everything. Did she trust him? Was she going to give him what he needed even though she had to have a million legitimate questions?
She pressed her lips together and then they parted. He found himself holding his breath, waiting for condemnation.
“When I exit the club, there’s a small knot that’s hollow in the hall panel just as you reach the door. I place it there. I don’t want any reminders on me anywhere.”
Her voice was very soft, but she didn’t falter. She just gave him the information, no questions asked.
“You’re to stay in this apartment for the rest of the night and all day tomorrow. Wait for me to come to you. I don’t care if you have important classes. We’ll find a way to make them up. Just be safe. Lock yourself in.”
She nodded.
“I have to go, but I’ll be coming back to you.”
She nodded again.
Maestro stood, towering over her where she sat, knees drawn up, her blue eyes fixed on his face. “I’m coming back,” he said again and leaned down to brush a kiss along her temple. He didn’t dare do anything else. She looked forlorn. Abandoned. Frightened. He didn’t have the time to reassure her. His team was going in for a rescue mission and to take Billows alive in order to interrogate him. It was extremely important for them to get the names of those higher up in the ring.
“Don’t forget there are bombs under the floor,” she murmured.
“I’m aware. I’ll be safe. You don’t forget that I’m in love with you. Stay safe.”
He turned and left her there. His heart ached, but he did it. Time was a huge factor, and his brothers and sisters were waiting to make their raid.
EIGHTEEN
“We need to find McGrady,” Maestro announced to the Torpedo Ink members gathered around the large table where they had carefully planned their mission. Steele was team leader, and he never left anything to chance. Not the slightest detail. They had plans for anything that could go wrong and then more plans just in case those steps went awry as well.