He joins me, and when we finish getting dressed he comes up behind me and places his head on my shoulder.
“I can’t be without you, Erica. I need you to make it back to me.” I give him a small smile. There are no more words to be said, because I honestly don’t even know if I’ll make it out alive this time.
Let’s Do This
We drive to the bar in a hurry. Jared’s fists are clenched on his steering wheel. He has been driving this truck more and more. I miss riding his motorcycle with him.
His hand falls from the wheel and grabs my hand to kiss my palm. Warmth rushes through my veins, and I love that just the simplest gesture can make me swoon for this man.
We walk hand and hand into the bar. We see Sean, and he’s fuming with rage. You can actually feel the anger pouring off him.
Jared whispers in my ear, “He knows everything. I had to tell him.”
“This information could have been helpful in the car, you know.” Sean is on the phone, yelling at someone. When he hangs up he glares at me.
“Watch it,” Jared grunts.
“I’m so sorry; I promise we will get her back. I swear it.” I plead with him, because the last thing I need to be is on Sean’s bad side. I care about Shannon, too.
“You better get her back.” He passes by me and my face heats. I’m embarrassed that Antonio is my father and capable of such horrid acts.
“Ignore him, babe,” Jared tells me, but I just shake my head back and forth.
“You were in his shoes not too long ago, Jared. Give him a break.” I walk outside to get some fresh air.
Tears threaten to fall but I push them back. I need to stay strong for them, for Shannon. The door opens and closes and I hear footsteps behind me.
“The plan is simple. We will take you to Antonio and request an exchange. When that exchange is done my men will be hidden, as will his, but we are stronger and smarter. I refuse to lose any more people. Over the years we have established relationships with many others and I have more people than they do. Deadly people, Erica; Antonio will not get away with this, I can assure you.”
“Stop blaming yourself, darlin’; you are family. Jared loves you, and so that makes you our family, too.” Grady’s statement makes my chest fill with pride, knowing they have my back.
I smile at him. He is very handsome and deadly, all mixed into one with his shaved head and tattoos on his neck and arms.
“You care about her, don’t you?” I say, staring straight ahead, waiting for his answer.
“You’re very perceptive, Erica.” That’s all he says, and walks away.
Jared comes out next.
“Babe, I promise you will not be going with him. We are not exactly going to trade you. You just have to be there so he can see you,” Jared explains.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice sounding scratchy because I will do whatever I can to get my friend back. Even if that means going back into that hell.
We pull up to the location. Sean is still fuming and I feel like an asshole right now. Again I put Shannon in danger. My life is not meant to have friends.
“Sean, I promise I will get her back to you safe and sound. He just wants me,” I state, and he nods.
“I don’t want anything to happen to you, either.” Sean is genuine in his admission, but I can’t help but feel responsible for this. I nod at him in acknowledgment.
“You will get out of there the second we give you the signal. The plan is set and we will get her out of there, and you will escape when we give you the signal. Let us handle the rest.” Jared’s tone sends shivers through my body.
I’m afraid for this to backfire and someone get hurt. I will never forgive myself if that’s the case.
We pull up to a secluded location. There are two black trucks parked to the side. My stomach is in knots.
We all get out of our trucks. Jared has men on every perimeter of this location. We are ready to fire if necessary.
Jared is holding my hand as we exit the truck, and he then shuffles me behind him.