Page 28 of Vicious Deception
“I wish I was, too,” he says.
“You think joining forces with Axel will work? What does he want, exactly?”
“He wants out of the business,” Elliot replies. “And he doesn’t want anyone coming after him when he leaves, especially Holloway. I know trusting him seems like the last thing we should do, but I’m pretty sure he’s telling the truth. We were just at the Garden Grille—you’ll probably hear about it tomorrow.”
“Hear about what, exactly?”
“The place burning down. Axel is slowly trying to strip Ludo of his power and wealth. This is one step of many, as was revealing Aubrey’s location to Huxley when they were in Florida.”
“What?” I screech. “She could’ve died!”
“I’m not sure that’s true,” Elliot says. “But that’s why I need you to stay out of this. I know you don’t want to, love, but I can’t watch him hurt you. Please.”
I bite my tongue. How am I supposed to let this chance slip through my fingers? Even if it’s a trap, at least I’ll get to see him again. The same can’t be said otherwise. We’ve gone up against Ludo before and failed.
“Wren.”Elliot sounds desperate and so, so tired.
“I just want to hold you,” I tell him softly. “I’m scared I won’t get another chance to.”
“I know,” he says, and I realize he’s holding back tears. “I want that, too. But I need youalivemore.”
My eyes slide closed as I do my best not to shut down. There’s too much pain in my heart to speak.
“I have to go,” Elliot says. “Wren—god, Wren, I love you. Please promise me you won’t come. Please.”
“I love you, too,” I whisper.
“Wren,please—Axel, no, wait—”
After that, the line goes dead. I stare at the screen as guilt fills my lungs, making it hard to breathe. There aren’t words to describe how much I need to see Ell, but he sounded so worried. I just didn’t want to lie to him twice in one conversation.
Finn comes back into the room and takes the phone from me. “You’re not coming with me.”
“I have to go! I need to see him.”
He shakes his head. “It’s a trap, Wren.Iwill go, just in case, because Holloway wantsyou,not me.”
“But—”
“I know you want to see him,” Finn tells me gently. “But Axel thought you and the guys were Ludo’s rat, remember? He almost uncovered that you broke into the safe. Why’d he help you now? It’s atrick.They’re holding something over Elliot—something that has him so scared that he’s willing to lure me out, probably so they can follow me home to you.”
“No. No, he’d never do that.”
“Think of how much pressure he’s under! We can’t be sure, and my main priority here is keeping you safe. You’re staying here.”
Without another word, I snatch up my book and storm upstairs. Only once I’m locked in my room do I let my tears run down my face. With my back to the door, I sink to the floor.
Don’t,I tell myself.Don’t listen to him.
My hands curl into fists. I take a few deep, determined breaths until the ache in my chest has eased enough that I can think clearly.
I’m going to this damn meeting, andno onecan stop me.
Chapter ten
Oliver
We’reallgoingtodie. We’re all going to die. We’re all going to die.