Page 38 of Vicious Deception

“Not if we send out Ludo’s books to the rest of the people he’s cheating,” Axel says. “Doing that would ruin him completely.”

“You don’t think you’ll catch any blow back?” Elliot’s tone is doubtful, his brows furrowed.

“Not if I’m the one who sends out the documents,” Axel replies. “I can start with the ones that need to go to King and Burbank.”

“Absolutely not,” Finn says. “I’ll do it.”

Axel rolls his eyes. “Just send me copies. I’m perfectly capable.”

“No. I’ll send them from your email myself.”

“What? No! That’s stupid.”

“You can either give me the login information, or I’ll hack into your account myself.” Finn shrugs and crosses his arms. “The choice is yours.”

Axel looks to me and Elliot for help, but we both shrug.

“You’re not doing it,” Finn says. “It’s too important. Sure, you want out, whatever.Iwant to make sure my friends stay alive, and there’s no way I’m trusting a stranger with such an integral part of this plan.”

“Fine,” Axel grits out.

“So we empty out the storage containers,” I say, not wanting to get too off topic. “And then what?”

“We wait at one of them until they show up. There’s one in particular that’s part of a smaller facility—less likely for other people to be around. I’d say that one is our best shot.”

“And we kill King and Burbank, take Ludo hostage, and then send out the rest of his books to his other allies,” Finn says—as if it’s that simple.

“Effectively ruining his reputation,” Axel adds. “And I’ll look like the good guy for letting everyone know.”

Everyone is silent as we mull over the plan. My arms tighten around Elliot as I realize we’re almost done. Axel said we have an hour, and it hasn’t been nearly that long, but he said the sooner we finish, the better.

No.I’m not ready to say goodbye yet.

“What do you think?” Finn asks Elliot.

“I think it could work.”

“We’ll need the addresses of the storage facilities, along with the unit numbers,” Finn says. “Plus your email login information and a general timeline.”

There’s a notepad on the small desk in the corner, and Axel starts scribbling away on it.

“Love,” Elliot whispers. He’s watching me with a pained expression.

A dozen pleas fill my mind, but I bite my tongue before I voice them. He can’t stay here, nor can he come back with us. There’s no other way to get everyone else out.

But how am I supposed to say goodbye?

Axel hands Finn the piece of paper before turning to us. His hardened features soften at the tears in my eyes. Just as I’m expecting him to tell Elliot they have to go, he sighs. “You have twenty minutes.”

Twenty minutes.Considering I didn’t think we had any time left, that feels like an eternity.

With a wary glance, Finn steps outside with Axel. I’m glad he’s still being careful. Without him, I don’t think Elliot would be able to fully let his guard down.

When the door closes behind them, I frame Elliot’s face with my hands. He closes his eyes, but not before I see the tears he’s trying to hold back.

“I’ve missed you,” he croaks out softly,“so much,love.”

“I know,” I whisper. My lips brush against his, a feather-light touch, and he grabs my head and deepens the kiss.