Page 49 of Crave

“Answer the goddamn question, Theo. Where are you?”

Now he sounded concerned. “I’m just pulling up at home.”

“Good, stay there. I’m on my way home.”

“What’s going on?”

I wanted to tell him, but it wasn’t something he needed to hear over the phone. “I’ll explain as soon as I’m there.”

I pulled in around cars and trucks, pushing the bike hard. Red and blue lights illuminated as cop cars headed the other way. Still, I didn’t slow, tearing past the traffic as though it stood still until I finally hit the off-ramp and sped along the quiet, upper class residential streets. I lifted my head, searching the streets ahead through my visor. A memory nagged me. St. James turned up on our doorstep the day he moved into the neighborhood.

Dad didn’t trust him.

Going so far as to get Sloane to add him to the watch list. Which made him a target. Was he behind this attack? I didn’t know. Right now, everyone was a goddamn suspect. I pulled the bike into the cul-de-sac and slowed at the entrance to the driveway. An armed guard stepped aside, nodding as I passed.

I pulled in, killed the engine, glancing at Theo’s Audi parked almost sideways and shook my head. Cool air rushed in as I pulled my helmet off and placed it on the bike. It was time fora lot of things. For them to know the truth…and for me to get answers. One way or another.

I strode in, locking the door behind me and headed for my room, the musky scent of desire still lingered. I ignored it, tossing my keys onto my desk and walked out, striding to Theo’s room.

One hard knock and I pushed the door open finding him tugging on a cotton t-shirt with what looked like the beginning of a bruise on his cheek. I pointed to my own. “What happened there?”

“Nothing.” He muttered sullenly. “Going to tell me what the fuck is going on?”

I jerked my head. “In a minute, come with me.”

I headed along the hallway finding Jude sitting against the wall, his head leaning back and his eyes closed. I kicked his foot gently. “In the study, now.”

He opened his eyes, finding mine a second before I left him behind and made for the study. They needed to know, but not Gabe…not yet.

The moment Jude stepped inside he closed the door.

“We have a problem.” I said carefully. “There was a breach at the office. A rather large one. But the most important thing for us is that the police and the investigators reports were taken. Now, it could be anyone. Sloane is working on an ID now. I plan on having a name by morning. You can bet blood will be spilled. But we need to keep Gabe off the internet. The things in that report no one wants to see, let alone our goddamn brother.”

“And Angelica.” Theo asked instantly. “What are we going to do with her?”

“I have an idea.” I answered, and that slow heavy thud in my chest hit a little harder. “But, I’m pretty sure she’s not going to like it. In fact…she’s going to fight me all the way.” Thud. Thud. Thud. That deafening boom filled my head. “Either way, we’re going to find out exactly what she knows.”

“When?” Theo urged.

“Tomorrow.” I answered coldly. “Then, this will all be over.”

Chapter Thirteen

ANGELICA

“Wake up.”

The snarl came before a weight pressed over my face. I jerked my eyes open, finding the darkened blur looming over me. A blur that looked a lot like my brother.

“No.” I shoved backwards as shadows moved in behind him. Still I knew it was Silas as he reached for me. His heavy hand pushed harder, smashing my lips against my teeth.

“Quiet.” He commanded, then. “Get her arms.”

The others kicked into action, yanking me from the bed and forced me to my feet. I fought them, wrenching my arms from their hold and dug my feet hard against the floor. But my pathetic attempts at fighting were useless against their strength. They dragged me toward the door before one turned and picked me up, throwing me over his shoulder with a low snarl.

It was Theo.

I knew him anywhere.