Page 27 of Vicious Deception
“I’ll keep her safe,” Finn says, completely ignoring me. “What do you need from us?”
“I’m running out of time,” Elliot says. “Axel has been taking me out to do jobs Ludo’s assigned to me. We’re heading out again tomorrow night. Finn, if you could meet us at that motel on Old Lincoln Highway just after midnight, we can work out a more detailed plan. I’d prefer it to be in person.”
I clench my fists. “I’m coming, too.”
“No,” they both say at the same time.
“But—”
“No,” Finn practically growls. “You showing up would be the stupidest thing you could do.”
“I’m sorry, love,” Elliot says, and he sounds so tired. So . . . disappointed. “If I was more sure that this isn’t a trap, it’d be a different story, but I can’t risk you getting hurt.”
“But youdon’tthink it’s a trap,” I counter, “or you wouldn’t be going along with it.”
“Yes,” he says hesitantly, “but I could be wrong. And given my recent track record, I think we should play it safe.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. Of course, I’m not surprised. The guys will always prioritize my safety. I mean too much to them. But how can Inotgo? I have a chance to see him again, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Hopefully teaming up with Axel works, but what if it doesn’t?
Finn and Elliot work out a few more details. A second voice comes through the speaker, but I can’t make out any words.
“I have two minutes,” Elliot says. “Finn, can you give the phone to Wren?”
Silently, Finn takes it off speaker and hands it to me. I snatch the phone and hold it to my ear immediately.
“Ell?”
“Hey, love.” His voice is softer now, although I don’t miss the sadness. “I know you’re upset, and I’m sorry, but we have to be careful. There’s no point in endangering you.”
Even as disappointment settles over me, heavy and dark, warmth spreads through my chest. I was so scared I’d never get to hear his voice again.
“I love you,” he tells me. “And god, Wren, I miss you so much. I wish I could see you—I promise, I do. But I need to know you’re safe.”
My heart is breaking, but I smile. Even now, whenhe’sthe one who could be killed at any moment, he’s thinking of me. At this point, I shouldn’t expect anything else. It’s how he’s always been.
“I love you, too,” I whisper, barely able to keep my voice from breaking. I want to tell him about what I found—about how it might help—but I don’t want to mess things up more than I already have.
“Are you doing okay?” he asks. “Are you eating?”
My laugh is hollow. “I think my eating habits should be the least of your worries right now.”
“I need to know you’re all right,” he says, his voice quiet. Strained.
Right.If I can put him at ease even a little, of course I will. “I’m eating,” I lie. “Promise.”
Thankfully, it seems that Finn left the room to give us some privacy, so he’s not here to give me one of his pointed glares. I think he’ll understand, though, if he overhears. While my appetite is all but gone, that’s not something either of us want Ell worrying about right now.
“Good,” Elliot says on a relieved sigh. “And you’re staying safe?”
“Mmhmm. Finn took me to his—”
“Don’t,” he blurts. “Love, don’t. Axel can hear everything you say.”
“Right,” I mumble. “I forgot.”
“It’s okay,” Elliot says gently. “Just as long as you’re safe.”
“I am. I’ve barely left the place we’re hiding. We both figure me going out isn’t worth the risk, plus we’ve been trying to find a way to save you guys.” I pause, and the ache in my chest intensifies. “I wish you were here.”