Page 113 of Word to the Wise

He didn’t tamper with my car to leave me stranded on the road. It was to ensure that Reed and I couldn’t go far enough to get out of his sights.

I glance at the front door, realizing Reed’s upstairs alone. The gate might be locked, and there might be cameras on every entrance, but if Carter’s been watching, he might have also been figuring out ways around it.

My gut instincts kick in, and I’m overwhelmed by that same feeling I had right after I ignored Sienna’s phone call. I should have listened to it back then, but I didn’t want to hear whatever the universe was trying to tell me. Now, I’ve repeated those same mistakes.

I put my appointment above Reed’s safety when I should have known Carter was just waiting for the perfect moment to make his move.

“Fuck.” I breathe out, storming to the front door. “I’ve gotta go. Cover me?”

“Sure thing.” Crew doesn’t ask questions, and I appreciate it.

I’m still finding my place with the Twisted Roses team, but with Reed’s help, I’ve been opening up more. And in turn, they’ve been even more accepting of me.

Pushing through the front door, I make my way to the gate that sits at the bottom of the stairs leading to our apartment. I snag my phone from my back pocket and dial.

“Reed already called me,” Sage answers on the first ring.

“Figured.” I drop my keys before they find the lock, and I realize I’m shaking.

No—not shaking.

Vibrating.

I’m so on edge I’m going to fucking scream.

Reaching down, I scoop up my keys and sort through them until I find the right one again.

“Carter fucked with my car.” I slam the key into the lock and turn it.

“Yeah, so she said. I’m about to climb on the bike to check it out.”

“That’s the least of our problems.” I storm up the stairs and rush into the apartment, but it’s quiet—too quiet.

“What do you mean?”

“Carter’s been watching the shop.”

“For how long?”

“A week.”

“And you’re just now telling me?”

I walk down the hallway, checking the bedrooms for Reed, but she’s not there either. “I just fucking found out. Okay?”

“Okay.” Sage cools his tone, and at least that is a relief.

“Fuck.” I slam open the bathroom door confirming what I’ve feared—the apartment is empty. “Reed’s gone.”

“What do you mean, she’s gone?” His edge has returned.

“She came upstairs to call you, but she’s not fucking here.” I tip my head back, and that’s when I hear voices. “Wait… the roof.”

I’m hurrying back to the door, and my heart is hammering.

The roof should be safe. It’s where she enjoys spending time and getting fresh air. But nothing is safe anymore, and up there, she’s exposed.

“Fuck, I think I hear them.”