“And then we’re gonna kill the motherfucker!”
Cole nodded. “Yeah. He’s a fucking dead man.”
That night, lying in bed cuddled up to Crash, Shannon spoke her fears. “I’m afraid for her, Crash.” She felt his head move, his chin brushing the top of her head.
“What do you mean? You think he’ll hurt her?”
“Maybe. You don’t know what he’s capable of. He gets his way. Always.”
“Shannon, we’re going to get her back. Mack’s got men from six different chapters scouring the state for this guy. He’s a well-known man who has a multi-billion dollar company to run. He can’t hide forever.”
“I should just go back to him. It would solve everything.”
“Shannon, look at me.” He turned her head up to his. “Let me work this out. You going back isn’t going to solve anything.”
“We have to get Angel back. If I just go back, it’ll all be over. Nicklaus will have what he wants…”
“What about what you want?”
“That doesn’t matter.”
“It matters to me.”
“I just don’t want there to be any violence.”
“You do realize, he’s a dead man anyway, Shannon. Whether you go back or not, Cole’s gonna kill him.”
“Crash, I feel so guilty. This is all my fault.”
“Get that shit out of your head, Shannon. You did nothing wrong. He doesn’t own you. He has no rights over you. And he damn well isn’t going to get his hands on you. Not while I’m breathing.”
“Oh, Crash, don’t you see, it’s just a matter of time. He’ll find me.”
“So I find him first. I never liked playing defense.” He kissed her. “Get some sleep. We’ll figure it out tomorrow. You just have to trust me, okay?”
“Okay.”
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
The next morning, Cole showed up at the loft. He was alone. When he rode up the elevator and stepped off, Crash and Shannon were waiting quietly by the island. Shannon could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she waited to see if Cole had any news.
His eyes fell on her. “I’ve got no clue where she is. Guys checked every place on your list last night. She’s not at any of them.” He paused, studying her. “I’ve got no choice but to make the trade.”
Shannon’s eyes glossed over. “Of course. I’ll get my things.”
Crash stepped forward, grabbing her arm. “Just a damn minute.”
Cole took a step forward. “Crash, I need you to understand. There’s no other way.”
Crash whirled on him. “What are you expecting me to say here? That I’m okay with this?”
“Let me go, Crash,” Shannon insisted.
“Baby, don’t do this.” He ran a hand down his jaw. “Christ, I fucked up.”
“No, you didn’t,” she replied quietly.
He shook his head. “Jesus Christ, I should have married you that night in Reno.”