Page 112 of Ravaged Soul

“This investigation has moved beyond a business transaction. If remaining at a distance is what she wants, then I’ll do it. But don’t think for a second that I’m staying here because I want to.”

A myriad of expressions crosses his face, ranging from primitive jealousy to something almost resembling thoughtfulness. To be honest, I didn’t know the caveman was capable of such emotional range.

“I’d be very interested to know what you do want.” He folds his arms, jaw set tight. “The whole team would be.”

I stand tall, unflinching and unafraid, while delivering my answer. “Her.”

Hyland curses under his breath, glancing up at the vaulted ceiling like it will provide him with an alternative response. It’s almost amusing. If I weren’t knee-deep in this fiasco, I’d laugh.

“She wants you to return,” he reveals unhappily. “I’ve been sent to bring you home.”

“Is that so?”

“You’re part of this team, however temporarily. Warner’s actions were a one-off. Return with me, and help us track down Gracie Livingstone.”

“Last we spoke, you had no desire to find the girl and risk your team.”

“That isn’t true.” He rapidly shakes his head. “I just don’t want us waltzing into another one of Gael’s elaborate traps. We almost didn’t escape the last one.”

“I doubt Ember sees your reluctance that way. You know what that girl means to her.”

“I know,” he snarls.

“Yet I’m the problem?” I smirk good-humouredly. “You treat Ember like she’s made of glass. She’s far from that, and it’s high time the lot of you realised her strength and value to your operation.”

“Are you seriously lecturing me? You of all people?”

“Somebody has to.”

“How gracious of you,” he huffs. “Anything else to say?”

“As a matter of fact, I do.”

Hyland warily watches me saunter up to him, ensuring there’s no mistaking my words and every speck of humiliating derision I want him to feel.

“If Warner is insistent on keeping me from Ember, that’s his prerogative. Let him try. But don’t for a second think that you’re good enough for her either. She deserves far better than any of you will ever be able to give her, and I hope you beg on your knees for her attention every single day because she owes you nothing.”

His face flushes red, staining a delightful shade of downright humiliated. How wonderful. These Sabre assholes needed taking down a peg or two.

I clap the dick’s broad shoulder and unveil a grin. “Now that we’ve got that cleared up, let’s go. I’m not giving Warner a chance to change his mind about my expulsion.”

Hyland splutters for a comeback while I gather my valuables and shrug on my leather jacket. Truthfully, I had intended to break into their apartment to check on Ember sooner rather than later anyway. I’m ready to go.

“Coming?” I gesture for him to go ahead.

Hyland turns a dark glower on me. “I don’t like you, Blaine Madden.”

“Fantastic. The feeling’s mutual.”

“The minute you step out of line, I’ll be right here to toss your worthless hide back in prison where you belong. Whether it breaks Ember’s heart or not.”

“Then you won’t mind me saying that the minute she changes her mind about you, I’ll take great pleasure in placing a bounty on your head and denying all knowledge when you’re shot between the eyes.”

His smile is all teeth and lethal threat.

“It seems we’re on the same page.”

I nod for him to exit. “After you.”