Page 114 of Romancing His Heart

“She …” I struggle to get the next words out. “She’s planning to go to Vermont to stay with Lexi tomorrow. Keep her away from fuckwad Stephen, whoever that is, but it will be a good distraction for her. Just make sure she gets there,” I order. Hauling myself off the floor, I place my palms on the door one last time. As if I can feel her on the other side, my body shivers.

“I’ll take care of her, Loki. I promise. End this shit, then come get your girl. In the meantime, I promise you we’ll take good care of her.” Preston stands and slams into me with a Westbrook special.

“You Westbrooks and these fucking hugs. If Sloane hadn’t turned me soft, you fuckers would have.”

He gives me a playful pat on the back, and I swallow the emotion threatening to drown me. With superhuman strength, I turn and walk to the elevator bank. Sloane’s gut-wrenching sobs are branding my soul with each step.

I’m so sorry, Red. I’ll make it up to you. I’m so sorry.

“Dexter is going to have his work cut out for him this time,” Ash mutters next to me.

“What?”

“His plan won Lanie. His plan helped Trevor win Julia back, and then he did it again with Preston and Emory. He will have to go epic Prince Charming for you to fix this, though.”

“Fuck you. That’s not helpful, you know that, right?”

Chuckling, he steps into the elevator before me. “That girl was made for you, Loki. This whole family will burn the city to the ground before we let you lose her. Let’s take care of business, and then we’ll figure out how to make Sloane yours.”

“We?” I ask over my shoulder.

“Yeah, we. We’re a team, man. Professionally, and personally, you’re stuck with me.”

Sucking air deep into my lungs, I put on my game face. “Let’s end this fucker.”

Ashton nods and presses the parking garage button. As the doors slide closed, I’m forced to leave Sloane behind. For now.

* * *

Three days later

Loki:How is she?

Ashton: Her team said she drove north for an hour and turned around.

Loki: Where the fuck did she go? That was three days ago? Why didn’t anyone tell me?

Ashton: I’m not giving you daily updates because you need to keep your head on straight. She’s at her father’s house in Camden Crossing. She hasn’t left the house since she got there. Do your job and let me take care of Sloane.

Asshole.

* * *

Loki:Did you know Sloane isn’t in Vermont?

Preston: Yes.

Loki: Is she okay?

Preston: She isn’t answering anyone’s calls.

Loki: …

Preston: Let us handle it.

* * *

Two weeks later