Page 90 of Rogue

“But . . . Novák . . .”

“I’ll put someone else on him.”

I grind my teeth together.

“Kylie.”

“Hayden.” You bastard.

“Don’t.” The phone disconnects and I’m left with one hell of a decision. Keep to my contract and obey his orders. Return to the Ranch. My heart begins to race.And Jaxson—if he’s there.

Or follow through on the promise made at my mother’s graveside, then return to the Ranch and face the consequences of disobeying Hayden.

I stand a bit straighter, remove my gun, and conceal it beneath the sleeve of my T-shirt, and with my free hand, unlock the bathroom door.

My father’s last breath.

Mama’s passing.

My sister’s pain.

All the time spent away from them, all those Tuesdays hiding in the woods and watching the compound. Hell Camp. Hayden. My forced separation from the man I love.

Jaxson. I’m sorry for what I’m about to do. Disobeying an order, and possibly bringing a hailstorm of trouble down on you.

I wish I could call him. Hear his voice. Confide in him. Tell himI love youone more time.

But time’s ticking by.

Revenge is mine, and mine alone to take.

Except when I arrive at the booth, Veronica is alone. And Novák is nowhere in sight.

“He’s gone.”

“Gone?” No. NO. “Are you positive?”

I’m shaking, literally shaking from head to toe.

She holds up her cell phone to show me a text.Be home later for my call.“He’s possessive, always wants to know where I’m at and who I’m with. Doesn’t like to mix business with pleasure, either. Not like Franco did—always with men hovering around. It’s nice not having an audience. Still, Novák’s a little overwhelming. What I’d really like is a girls’ night out. Soon, okay?”

“Sure.” We’ll sip cosmopolitans at the Prick’s goddamn burial.

“At least he text me good-bye. A gentleman, right? You know, it seems silly to leave like Francis did without saying something.”

I’m so pissed off, I’m barely paying attention to her. “Francis.”

“My text to you said one o’clock, just like he said. But he left just beforehand. What man does that?”

“Does what?” I demand, refocusing. “What exactly did Francis do?”

“Invite a woman to lunch then leave before she arrives.”

24

Paris

Jaxson hates me, and I can’t say that I blame him.