Page 58 of The Bounty

I don’t have time for this.

I slam my hand on the table, my palm burning against the polished wood, and they all turn to look at me.

“Actually, it’smyplan,” I correct Brock, my voice low. “So, there’s no need to argue.”

He has the sense to look chastised as Dylan clears his throat. “How are you going to get them? I’ll help you guys do whatever, but I thought all of them were destroyed a while ago. Not even celebrities can get their hands on them.”

My stomach churns with anxiety.

“There’s a pharmacy in North Hollywood, back where I was staying. And last I checked; they still had a safe where they kept the suppressants. It’s my only shot to get them. Or else…”

Both Brock and Dylanblush, and the sight would be adorable if my sanity and well-being weren’t at stake.

“Wait. So, you need us to help youcrack a safe?” Brock asks incredulously.

“The last one I saw was a small digital one,” I say. “Like the ones you could buy online. I don’t think it should be too hard, but I’m not sure until we get there.”

“I’ll probably have to pop off the control panel and pick the lock underneath,” Killian says. “But we need a lookout and a ride there.”

“We?” Dylan asks. “She’s going?”

He looks at me incredulously, his green eyes wide with concern. I can’t help but smile at him.

“Yes,” I nod. “I know exactly where to lead him.”

“This plan is ridiculous,” Brock spits. “And incredibly dangerous. You’re not going.”

I turn to look at him. “Excuseme?” I ask quietly.

“Oh yeah, I tried that,” Killian adds. “It doesn’t work. She’s going.”

“It’s an insane idea, Olive!” He hisses. “Are you serious? It takes one drone overhead, one police car—”

“This doesn’tworkwithout me,” I spit. “And yes, I’m going.”

“Your foot hasn’t healed.”

“I don’t care.”

“No.”

His tone is final, as if he believes I’ll listen to him.

The air has changed. His scent is spicy, a cinnamon to pair with his rich chocolate, and I snap.

“And who the fuck areyou,to tell me anything?” I turn to him. “I don’t belong to you. I don’t belong toanyof you.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Killian flinch.

“It’s. Not. Safe.” Brock counters, refusing to budge. His deep eyes burn into mine, and I see the faintest hint of hurt behind them.

He’s not angry, as much as he is scared for me.

I can work with that.

“Look,” I breathe. “Idecide what is safe and not safe for me. And if you respect me at all, you’ll understand that.”

“I believe you, Olive,” Dylan adds. “I’ll help you and Killian.”