Page 35

Aries

“Ace. Go there. We need to brief the team.”

Taylor’s voice cuts through the comms system and I signal the team to follow me into the lot.

“Yes, ma’am,” I say, my voice low and heated.

“Ace,” Taylor warns, her voice just as heated as mine.

“Hellhound?”

“Stop.” The entire drive I listened as she and Tombstone went through every viable plan until they found the perfect one.

And I’ll admit, listening to my woman command and take charge was just the distraction I needed before walking into the lion's den.

Killing the engine to my bike, I watch Taylor, Tombstone and Tucker pull into the parking lot. Immediately, I’m at her door, helping her out and placing a heated kiss on her soft lips.

When I pull back, we are both breathless and I don’t waste a second before guiding her to the front of the truck, the entire team forming a semicircle around us.

The longer we take, the chances of Rayne slipping away grow stronger. We need to get a move on, but not before Taylor tells us exactly what we need to do. This may be a mission of life or death, but I will not send my team into open fire without somewhat of a plan of attack.

A lump rises in my throat at the sight of my entire team. Every mission is important, but this one will make or break me.

I couldn’t ask for a better crew to help me bring my daughter home.

Clapping my hands together, “Alright team. Thank you for all coming out here. Once this is all over, I will find a way to thank each and every one of you. But in the meantime—” Pausing, I motion towards Taylor and Tombstone, who are deep in a hushed conversation, not listening to a word I say. Clearing my throat, I can’t help but chuckle at their heads snapping up as if they just got caught. “Take it away, you two.”

Zoro comes to my side, handing me my comms system. I place it in my ear as Tombstone directs the group into teams of three while holding onto Taylor’s laptop.

Taylor’s eyes are locked on a multi camera view of Clay’s warehouse and only glances away when Tombstone finishes.

“Alright. First, Boone, Indy, Rocky?” She calls them and they all step slightly forward into the circle. “You will be team leads. Be my eyes and ears. Narrate everything. Signal from inside the warehouse is spotty and we need all the information you can deliver if we are going to get all of you out of here safely.”

They nod and step back into place. Pride fills my chest at Taylor’s commanding presence and knowing it's for Rayne makes it even better.

“Zoro?”

“Yes, ma’am?” he asks, stepping forward, giving Taylor his full attention.

With the simple point of a finger at me and a knowing look, she doesn’t say a word, and neither does he. He gives her a curt nod and steps back in line beside me.

I give him a questioning glance, and he simply shrugs before leaning against my truck.

“Second. And this is the most important. If you capture this man.” She points to the screen, displaying a photo of Clay. “Do not let him go. And do not kill him. If you come across any unsuspecting individuals, secure them safely. If you come across a woman that looks like this.” Pausing again, she shows a still of Tana. “Do not let her go.” Taking a deep breath, she glances back at me briefly, a look of sympathy on her face. “If you see this little girl, do not scare her, but make sure she is safe. She is the primary objective of this mission and a very important member of this family. If you find her, call Aries, Boone, or Indy immediately. Got it?”

A chorus of 'yes' echoes through the circle before Taylor continues. “Good. Now Tombstone will explain the paths that each team is supposed to take.”

Tombstone immediately jumps in, explaining every pathway and possible dangerous locations.

Taylor watches, hanging on to every word as her body leans into mine. My arm snakes around her waist and she looks up, her eyes fluttering closed as the sun shines on her face.

Placing a brief kiss to her forehead, I listen closely to Tombstone’s instructions. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Tucker inching closer to Taylor, his head on a constant swivel.

While Tombstone is directing the team, Tuck is stepping in to guard Taylor while his counterpart is busy.

I picked the right men for the most precious job.

Tombstone finishes and looks back to Taylor as if he is asking for approval. She gives him a reassuring nod. Gently and practically undetectable, I guide her to stand on her own.

“Thanks, Tombstone. Now, once you’re done checking your comms, start making your way to your indicated post with your teams. Your team leads will give the go ahead.”

Together, Taylor and I walk to the passenger seat of my truck. Tombstone and Tucker move to the driver's side.

Opening her door, I help her inside and place a kiss against her soft lips.

Our eyes lock and I take a deep breath.

We stare at each other wordlessly for a second before I back away. Tapping my hand against my heart, I wait for her to return the gesture before shutting the door and meeting Zoro at the front of the truck.

Let’s go get my girl.

Taylor

“Team A in position.”

“Team B in position.”

“Team C in position.”

One by one, the teams all radio in.

Tombstone, Tucker, and I all look at each other, apprehension written all over our faces.

They wait for me to nod and I send up a wish to the universe that no one gets hurt.

“Go,” Tombstone says, and chaos immediately erupts.

“Two on your left, Rocky!”

Tombstone’s fingers fly on the keyboard as I point at the screen, directing him where we need a better view.

“Got it!” Tombstone exclaims. “Rocky, take a left. You’ll get more coverage and have the upper hand.”

Gunshots, screaming, and yelling fill the truck, but my eyes never leave the screen.

“Do you smell that, Rocky?” Indy asks.

“Yes! Everyone, get the hell out! Someone is trying to create a diversion. I have no idea what the hell it is, but it's not good!” Rocky shouts, cursing under his breath.

“Fuck.” I grunt as my fist hits the console. “There’s too much going on and now there's something fogging up the cameras on the south side. I can’t keep eyes on Aries and search for Tana, Clay, and Rayne.”

Tucker taps my shoulder. “I got eyes on Aries. You look for Clay, Tana, and Rayne.”

As if he can sense my hesitation, he continues, “He trusted me with you. I promise you can trust him with me. He’s with Boone, so I was already watching him anyway.”

Looking to Aries once more, I agree and search for the others.

Madness ensues, and that’s when I see red flames racing down a hallway. In that exact moment, I spot him .

Trying to break out a back window, Clay struggles as the smoke billows into the room.

My hand flies to the mic. “Aries. Take a right! Room at the far end of the hallway!”

In a flash, Aries takes off. Boone’s team follows closely behind him.

A scream pierces through the truck and my eyes dart to the bottom of the screen just as Indy’s team breaks down a door. The view to that room is too grainy for us to see inside.

Gunshots. Screaming. BOOM!

The screen goes black. The only sound coming from the comms system.

“FIRE!! Everyone out now!” Rocky shouts.

“Fancy meeting you here, Aries. Too bad you just signed the death certificate on your entire team, including your daughter.”

“Fuck you. I should have killed you years ago, you dirty rat.” Aries' voice is like venom.

Rustling followed by more gunshots bathes the truck in a sense of uneasiness.

“She’s here! Hi, sweetheart. I promise we are not here to hurt you. Let's get you out of here, okay?” Indy’s voice is soft.

Tucker, Tombstone, and I all look at each other. Our faces shining with relief and fear.

“Get the hell off me, you piece of shit!”

Our heads snap to the dark screen at Aries’ voice coming through the speaker.

“Not a chance. Say goodbye to your butterfly princess and little brat. When I get my hands on Taylor’s tight body, I will be sure to make good on that promise. Letting her know it was all your fault.”

What the—

“Sweetie, stay close, okay? Rocky! Tana is running!”

BOOM!

A plume of black smoke coats the sky, and the truck shakes from the sudden blast.

Tombstone hits the mic. “Aries?”

Nothing.

“Indy!”

Nothing .

“Boone!”

Nothing .

The truck is so silent, the only sound coming from sirens in the distance.

Turning in my seat, I look at Tombstone and Tucker. Both of their stares locked on the blank computer screen.

Tombstone’s gaze slowly turns towards me and the instant our eyes lock, I level him with a glare so stern he visibly winces. “Drive. Now.”