Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Gunner’s expression is solemn. “Be careful, man.”
My heart pounds as I give them a terse nod. “Don’t worry, I’m not going in guns blazing.” Yet, I add silently. If I find even the faintest trace of Briar, I’m not letting anything stop me from getting her back.
Dean steps forward, catching my arm. “Orion,” he says, voice low. “I know you’re feeling guilty, but your head has to be clear. If you rush in half-cocked—”
“I won’t,” I lie. The truth is, my head’s a mess, and the only thing driving me forward is the image of Briar’s face, her laughter, the smell of her hair when she fell asleep against my chest. It’s all I can focus on. “I’ll keep you posted. If something turns up here, you call me.”
Dean’s gaze flicks over me, reading the turmoil I can’t hide. He nods. “Deal.”
I head for the door, the tension in my chest coiled so tight I can barely breathe. Three days. The phrase echoes in my mind, a reminder of how quickly life can change, how easily everything can slip away.
As I stride down the long hallway toward the exit, the overhead lights buzz with artificial life. The hush of the building around me is unnatural, considering the storm raging in my mind. Pushing through the front doors, I step into the crisp evening air, cold enough to sting my lungs. I inhale deeply, letting the chill sharpen my focus.
Sliding behind the wheel of my SUV, I close my eyes for a moment, imagining Briar’s voice, her smile. Anger simmers beneath the surface. I won’t lose you, I vow silently, gripping the steering wheel until my knuckles ache.
Firing up the engine, I pull out of Dean’s security headquarters, my headlights slicing through the darkness. First stop: my place, to pick up Jeb and hand him off to Ranger. Then… I’m on the road, chasing any faint clue that might lead me to Briar. It’s not much, but it’s something, and if there’s even the smallest chance I can bring her back, I’ll travel to the ends of the earth.
The city’s skyline looms, dotted with neon signs and flickering windows. Street lamps blur by as I accelerate, my heart pounding to the same beat: Find her, find her, find her. If it takes everything I have, if I have to confront Yuri Chekov himself, or tear down every last warehouse in this damned state—I’ll do it.
Because three days is already too long. And I swear to God, if Briar endures one more minute of terror, I’ll never forgive myself.
Chapter 25
Orion
“You think Yuri Chekov could be behind this?” Ranger asks, his gaze locked on Jeb like the bird’s some kind of two-headed Pegasus.
“All I know is Dean mentioned the Bratva, and Yuri’s the one in charge of their presence here in Saint Pierce,” I reply, lifting Jeb’s cage higher so it doesn’t bang against the wall.
Ranger nods, leading me further inside his place. “By the way, this is Tory,” he adds, gesturing toward the beautiful, blonde-haired woman sitting on the couch. She offers me a small, shy smile, and I give her a brief nod in return.
I glance at Ranger, arching an eyebrow. “I thought your job was finished?”
He tugs at the back of his neck, his cheeks coloring in a way I’ve never seen before. Ranger, blushing? That’s new. “Yeah… about that. Let’s just say I broke the cardinal rule about protecting an asset.”
A short laugh escapes me. “Really?”
He looks at Tory with a softness in his eyes I’ve never witnessed. “What can I say? When you know, you know.”
I nod, understanding more than I care to admit. Because right now, if there’s one thing carved into my bones, it’s that I can’t lose Briar. She’s… everything.
After I run through Jeb’s basic routine for feeding and care, Ranger pulls me aside near the front door.
“If you really think the Russians are involved,” he says, voice pitched low, “I’ve got a friend over at Club Greed who’s connected to Yuri.”
My pulse ticks up. “Yeah? Who?”
“Name’s Devereaux Huxley. He owns the club.”
I rub my jaw, considering. “I’ve heard the name. Think he has any idea where Yuri’s holed up?”
Ranger shrugs. “Could be. Worth a shot.”
I give him a firm pat on the shoulder, grateful for the lead. “Thanks, man.” Then I shoot Tory a quick wave and head for the door.
“I’ll text you Devereaux’s info,” Ranger calls after me.
I nod and raise a hand in acknowledgment before stepping outside, already scrolling through my phone to call Dean. We just might be onto something.
I stand outside Club Throwdown, the brisk night air cutting through my jacket as neon lights bathe the sidewalk in violent shades of red and purple. The building itself is made of dark brick and neon signs, its entrance guarded by two bouncers who eye me warily every time I shift my weight. This is the place Devereaux Huxley mentioned, a friend of Ranger’s who claims he has leads on Yuri Chekov. Apparently, Yuri’s in town running his latest venture, which is half bar, half underground boxing club.