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I looked at my friends, all of whom wanted to destroy this crime organization. In the beginning, I kept my plan for vengeance separate from eliminating The Trogyn. But now, it seemed like the two were intertwined.

“We need to revise our plan for The Trogyn,” I said.

“What happened?” Remi asked.

The only person who knew about my vendetta was Orion. So I shared my past with Remington and Grayson.

“Fuck, man,” Grayson said. “You should’ve told us sooner.”

“I didn’t want to deter the focus from the group. Besides, it’s my personal matter.”

“We’re all in this together,” Remi said. “And you’re right—your past is linked to the current issues.”

“The severed finger belonged to my high school principal,” I said. “His family is all dead.”

“Ashton Lindor is the only person still missing.” Orion scratched his chin.

“He could hide under a new alias.” Grayson sipped his bottle of water.

“I looked at that angle too, but have found nothing.” I told them about the now-deceased Enzo and Becca, including their association with Milton Kalkounis. “He was my high school classmate and the trainer threatening Emmanuel, who was Vanessa’s ex.”

“Sounds like they’re cleaning house.” Orion leaned back in his chair. “The CIA has been compromised more than we thought. We already got rid of three Trogyn members.”

“There’s probably a lot more we don’t know about.” Grayson stretched his neck from side to side.

“Is that why you agreed to marry her?” Remi asked but held up a hand. “You don’t have to answer. I already know. Women can make us do irrational things. Just look at Grayson. He bought a plane.”

“I don’t see you complaining when you need to use it,” Grayson retorted.

Remi smiled. “I’m not complaining. Just saying we do illogical things for love.”

“He’s right,” Orion agreed. “I discovered a new constellation and named it after her.”

“And you also started a media company for her,” I said.

We all laughed at our ridiculous behavior. I briefed them on why Vanessa needed my help, the video of her killing a man while defending herself, and the release of her real name, which was tied to the video.

“Do you have the video?” Orion asked.

“Not yet. Still looking,” I said. “She hasn’t received any new threats.”

“We got you,” Grayson said.

“I’ll have my team research Milton and his associates.” Orion massaged the back of his neck.

“Thanks. One more thing,” I said. “I need your help to extract Vanessa’s mom from prison.”

“Christ,” Remi said. “What do you have in mind?”

While I described my plan to them, the door to my office slowly opened. I glanced at the time at the bottom of my computer screen. It was already midnight.

Vanessa peeked in, and I wiggled my fingers, signifying for her to enter. She entered, and I lost my breath. She wore a short, silky robe and untied the fabric belt as she approached my desk. I lost my train of thought, and the boys’ voices faded into the background.

“That sounds good to me,” I said as Vanessa slipped off the robe, revealing a lingerie set with open cups.Fuck.I could feast on her breasts without having to remove anything.

I pretended to yawn on the screen. “Can we resume this another day?”

“We’ll update the other guys and schedule another meeting,” Remi said. “Attikus?”