Page 137 of The Prince of Broken Crowns

A few lights are on inside the building, but many of the windows reveal that darkness blankets most of the interior. It makes me wary to get out, but conclusively, I do.

I close the door and lock the car. I’m not a fan of leaving it out here, but there’s no other option. Also, I’m not exchanging cash for Maddy’s freedom. I’ll use a transfer app, because bringing cash here is way too risky—they could jump us and not follow through on their end of the deal. I mean, they could, anyway, but it’s a risk I have to take.

“Just so you know,” Finn whispers under his breath, “I brought a knife with me.”

I resist a sigh as I lift my hand to knock on the door. “From what Maddy’s told me, I have a feeling these guys aren’t knife sort of people.”

“I know, but I had to bring something.” He stuffs his hands into the back pockets of his jeans.

A light bulb beside the door shines through the night, and it’s bright enough that my retinas sting. But I refuse to look away, keeping my eyes on the door as it opens.

Standing on the other side is a bulky guy with dark hair. He’s wearing worn jeans, a black T-shirt, and a shit-eating grin on his face. He looks familiar, and a moment later, it clicks. Drew. I saw a glimpse of him that day in the city when Finn and I helped Maddy escape him.

I remain composed as he measures Finn and me up. Then he crosses his arms and slants against the doorframe. “So, you two are the idiots willing to buy Maddy from us?”

“We’re buying off her father’s debt in exchange for her freedom,” I correct him. “We’re not really into the business of buying people.”

He rolls his eyes. “Bet Daddy is, though. Most of you rich fucks are.”

Annoyance trickles through me. “Can we just get this done with? And where the hell is Noah?”

“He’s inside.” Another guy steps up beside Drew. He’s tall and thin with light hair, sporting a hoodie with a stain on it. “Once the transaction is made, I’ll let him go.”

“We need to see that he’s okay first,” Finn intervenes, shifting his weight.

The guy’s eyes shift to Finn then back to me. “Which one of you is River? Because that’s the only person I’m dealing with.”

“I am,” I state. “This is my brother, and I’m not about to do this without someone else present. I’m not stupid.” Although, I almost was.

He considers this with wariness, his lips tugging downward.

“It’s nonnegotiable,” I add, trying to keep my composure. Inside, I’m panicking because I’ve noticed this guy has a gun sticking out of the waistband of his pants. Sure, I speculated they’d have them, but seeing it is scary as hell.

“Fine,” he agrees, stepping back and nodding for Drew to do the same. “Come in. I’ll take you to your brother.” He motions for us to come in. “I’m Aiden, by the way.”

I was guessing he was, but I am glad he clarified it. What I’m not happy about, though, is having to go inside this place.

With a subtle inhale and exhale, I step over the threshold with Finn following at my heels.

The air smells like rust and sweat, and like the outside, the walls are made of metal. The carpet floors are stained, and only one of the lights is working. To my right is a shaggy orange sofa, and to my left is a door. Straight ahead is a doorway, and this is where Aiden and Drew lead Finn and me.

The instant I step inside, I spot Noah sitting on a park-like table with his feet propped up on the bench. His arms are resting on his knees, and he’s bouncing his foot up and down. When we get closer, I notice the right side of his face is puffy, and I wonder if someone punched him. Other than that, he appears to be fine.

Relief washes over me. To be honest, I was worried they’d beat the hell out of him.

When his gaze drifts in our direction, he startles—clearly, he thought Maddy was coming.

Relief washes over his features, but tension returns as Aiden and Drew stop in front of him.

“Looks like someone showed up for you after all.” Aiden smirks at him. “As much as this will financially benefit me, I’m a little bummed I didn’t get to see Maddy’s hot ass. Maybe I could’ve worked her into my deal.”

I start to step toward him to do who knows what, but Finn grabs my arm and shakes his head, giving me a what-the-hell-are-you-doing look.

I rein in the rage roaring through me. “Can we get this done?”

“Aw, does the little rich boy need to get home?” Drew mocks with a stupid grin on his face.

He props his foot up on the bench beside where Noah’s feet are and crosses his arms, trying to appear tough.

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