Page 239 of Intense

The only thing I’ve ingested was that champagne. This is no coincidence.

Theo hesitates, then nods once. “Consider it done. Our plan is still in motion; it’s going to be okay.”

He turns to leave, and I drag another mouthful of water down, forcing my body to obey me. My chest burns, my vision tunnels, but the rage steadies me.

“Finn. Arthur is parking up now at the front of the building. Two guards. Arthur is in the passenger seat,” Enzo confirms in my ear.

I tap my earpiece. We try not to talk back to Enzo often so we don’t clog the feeds. But, I can’t rely on anyone else, not when Stephanie is here.

“Theo, wait!” I call out.

Fuck, I feel awful.

He stands in the doorway as I talk back to Enzo.

“I’ve been drugged, Enzo. Help Kane and Ryder find the cunt who did this. Theo is going to bring Arthur to me now. Get Conan and Declan to me.”

“Copy that,” Enzo replies.

I look to Theo, who nods.

“I’ll bring you Arthur,” he confirms and storms out.

Where is Stephanie? Fuck. I need her by my side. Out of harm’s way.

I don’t like how Theo faltered. What if this isn’t just about Arthur? What if it’s something bigger than this?

The Preacher has tried to let me rot in jail. Blackmailed my wife. What if this is more than just the Bowen war?

What if I really did bring my wife into a fucking war?

I’m going to be sick again.

Chapter 86

STEPHANIE

“Wait. I’m unlocking the car back here,” Rowan orders as we step outside.

“Uh. Okay.”

He clicks the button and the soft chirp of the Rolls Royce makes my chest tighten even further.

Rowan positions himself behind me, his gun angled low and discreet, his eyes sweeping left and right like we’re already under fire. “Stay close.”

He guides me to the trunk and I pop it open. The cool night air hits me with the faint scent of oil and metal, and there it is—the little black bag Finn insisted on packing himself. Seeing it now feels like a lifeline.

I grab the handle, clutching it to my chest. “Got it.”

Rowan’s jaw clenches as he takes the gun out and shoves my purse in the back of the trunk before shutting it quietly.

“Take this. Keep it discreet.” Rowan grunts.

As I take it, I take a deep breath. Fuck.

The parking lot looks empty, but it doesn’t feel empty. My skin prickles with the sense of being watched, like eyes are on us from every corner.

Someone tried to hurt Finn.