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“Not at all. You needed rest. I wasn’t expecting you to go home and cook a five-course meal.”
There was a pause. She hesitated before she spoke. “Sebastien?”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Thank you,” she said breathlessly.
“For what?”
“For helping me…for treating me kindly these past few days. It means a lot.”
I tone softened. “You’re welcome, sweetheart. I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay.”
We hung up.
I left the office and slipped into my Porsche, my security detail in front and behind. I was hoping to call Delilah on the way home and wanted privacy to do that.
Suddenly, an ear-splitting crash filled the air as a bulldozer rammed the SUV ahead, tossing it aside like it were a plastic toy. Before I could react, another crash came from behind. I glanced in the rearview mirror and a bulldozer did the exact same thing to the SUV behind me.
My car screeched to a halt. I was boxed in.
Instinctively, I reached for my gun strapped in my boot.
“Siri, call Vega!”
Just then, bullets rained through the back glass. As glass shattered over the seats, I ducked, shielding my head.
“Mr. Quantum, what’s going on? Talk to me! Shit!” Vega’s voice came through the speakers.
It wasn’t long before the locks on my back door burst apart from gunfire. The moment the back door yanked open, I fired. A masked man stumbled back, clutching his shoulder, but before I could fire another shot, hands grabbed me and dragged me from the car.
Fists crashed into my face. A steel-toed boot slammed into my ribs, knocking the air out of me. At least a dozen masked men surrounded me; I was at a disadvantage, but I staggered tomy feet and swung at the nearest man. I wasn’t about to go down without a fight.
Two men grabbed my arm while another grabbed my hair at the scalp, yanking my head back. Sharp blows landed against my ribs. I tried to wiggle out from their grip and kick at them, but something smashed into my leg, and I crumpled to the ground just as someone landed a punch squarely in my nose.
The beating continued, and the last thing that crossed my mind when my vision blurred, right before I passed out, was if I’d ever see Delilah again.
Chapter 18 - Delilah
I paced the living room, glancing at the clock. It was nine p.m.; Sebastien had called at six p.m. and said he was on his way home. He should’ve been here by now.
Worried, I called Emily. We’d kept in touch after the dinner at their place. She answered on the second ring.
“Hey Emily, it’s Delilah. I’m sorry to call so late. Is Sebastien at your place?” I tried to keep the panic out of my voice.
Emilly sounded more alert now.
“Delilah, is something wrong?” Emily asked, concerned.
I sighed. “He called three hours ago to say he was on his way, and he isn’t here yet. I’m sorry if it sounds silly and I’m panicking, I just—”
Emily cut me off gently, “Delilah, it’s okay. He hasn’t been here. Dominic isn’t at home, but let me give him a call and see if the others have heard from him. I’m sure it’s nothing. He probably got a last-minute call or something. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear something.”
“Thanks, Emily.”
“No, problem.”