Page 160 of Ruthless Desires: Vol. Two

“Stuff that looks good for us,” Oliver replies. “It sounds like they still haven’t found their rat, and Axel suggested us.”

Elliot frowns. “That doesn’t look good for us at all.”

“Oh, absolutely not. Except Ludo refused to even consider that we’d betray him. He said he’s tested us enough that he trusts us. Andyou.”Looking back to Wren, Oliver’s smile widens. “He doesn’t think you’re a threat at all, princess. He has no idea just how much of his downfall hinges on you.”

Her smile fades. “What did he say about me?”

Oliver hesitates. “He, um… The specifics don’t matter. Whatdoesmatter is that the night of the wedding, you’ll be almost invisible to his men. Not only because you’re part of the bridal party, but because he’ll specifically tell his men you’renota threat so they can focus on other people.”

Slowly, Elliot lowers himself onto the love seat. His eyes slide shut as he slouches into the cushions.

“Ell?” I ask. “You good?”

“Relieved,” he says on a heavy exhale.

I’m right there with him. Knowing that Wren will be able to fly completely under the radar takes a lot of stress off our shoulders. Unfortunately, if Oliver doesn’t stop putting himself in danger like this, it’s not going to help with Elliot’s anxiety at all.

“So if Ludo is that bought into you three,” Finn says, “then that means he won’t suspect you of helping Aubrey leave.Orof stealing the drive.”

“That’s how it seems,” Elliot replies.

Up until now, we’ve been hoping that Ludo’s trust in us will be enough. It’s not like he’d have much reason to suspect us anyway, other than Wren and Aubrey getting close. But now that we know how Ludo feels about Wren—and about all of us—it means we’re in the clear.

As long as the night of the wedding goes off without a hitch, that is.

“We’re hoping that Holloway will think Aubrey managed to steal the drive,” Elliot says. “Either that or she was working with his rat. And now, even if he comes to a different conclusion, we know he won’t suspect us. Not unless we give him a reason to—which we won’t.”

“Do you think he’ll involve you once he finds her missing?” Finn asks.

“I wasn’t sure,” Elliot says, “but O, after what you just said, I think he will. Holloway trusts us more than we thought. Knowing him, he’ll want Aubrey brought home as soon as possible. I wouldn’t be surprised if he hires us to find her, so we’ll have to play along until she contacts him.”

“Did you overhear anything else?” Finn asks Oliver.

“Just that Ludo thinks he might know who his rat is. Owen Harris? I’ve never heard of him. Axel was in complete disbelief that it could be him.”

“That’s Sparrow’s man.” The color drains from Finn’s face as he yanks his phone from his pocket. He types away furiously before swearing and placing it to his ear. “Sparrow? Ludo is on to Harris.” A pause. “Oliver Moore overheard a conversation.” Another pause, and Finn nods. “Just let me know if you need anything.”

Once he shoves his phone in his pocket, I ask, “Will she be able to get him out in time?”

“Hopefully. I’ll keep you updated.” Finn rubs his face with both hands before turning to Wren. “It’s great news that Ludo doesn’t think of you as a threat, but it’s not going to matter if you’re not prepared.”

“Right.” Oliver glances behind Wren to where the safe is. “You figuring it out okay?”

“Yeah,” Wren says. “But I really should keep practicing. I want to be familiar with the process.”

With a kiss to the tip of her nose, Oliver releases her. “I won’t stop you. Actually, I’ve got some stuff to work on, unless you guys need me down here?”

“Get out,” Finn says as he pulls Wren toward the safe. “The less distractions, the better.”

With a playful roll of his eyes, Oliver heads back out. I turn my attention to Elliot, who’s still sitting quietly with his eyes closed.Dammit.I get what Oliver was trying to do, and the information he got was helpful, but he can’t keep pulling this shit.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes,” I say.

“Pleasetake your time,” Finn replies.

I catch up with Oliver in the upstairs hallway. “Hey. Can we talk?”

“Sure.” He steps into his bedroom. “C’mon.”