Page 137 of Boulder's Weight

"Got him," his voice comes through, tight with emotion. "Python's alive. Beaten but stable. Still searching for Lashes."

Relief floods through me at the news about Python.

But, where the fuck did they take Lashes?

But that relief is short-lived when my phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number.

I check it, dread pooling in my stomach as I open an image.

It's Craig, or what's left of him.

His body lies crumpled in what looks like a basement, his face beaten beyond recognition, fingers missing.

The accompanying message is brief:

I guess this is what they do to traitors.

I quickly pocket the phone before Kelsey can see it, but Sam catches my expression.

"What is it?" he asks, moving closer.

I hesitate, then meet his eyes. "They found Craig's body," I say quietly, watching his face crumple with grief. "And Benji's got some explaining to do."

Sam's expression hardens as he turns to look at his older brother. "He was trying to help us, wasn't he?" he asks, voice trembling with rage. "Craigwasworking against you."

Benji's smile is cold and empty. "Working against family is a death sentence. He knew that when he made his choice."

In that moment, looking at Benji's empty eyes and smug expression, I know what I'll do to him when we're alone.

This isn't over. Not by a long shot.

I pull Kelsey closer against my side, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Let's get you home," I murmur against her hair. "The rest can wait."

CHAPTERNINETEEN

Kelsey

The world moves in slow motion as Boulder guides me through the warehouse, his arm around me like a shield.

I'm dimly aware of the men securing the area, of Sam's pale face as he follows us, of Benji being dragged along, zip-tied and bleeding.

But all I can really feel is Boulder's presence beside me, the gentle pressure of his hand at my waist, the soft words he murmurs against my hair.

"You're safe now. I've got you. No one's going to hurt you again."

The words blur together, but they wrap around me like a blanket, keeping me anchored when I feel like I might float away.

The adrenaline that kept me fighting is fading, leaving behind exhaustion and the sharp sting of pain from Benji's "attention."

Outside, the night air hits my face, cool and fresh compared to the stale warehouse.

Boulder helps me into an SUV, climbing in beside me, never breaking contact.

The cartel men load Benji into another vehicle, Sam joining them.

I catch his eye before the door closes, see the pain there, and feel a surge of gratitude for my baby brother.

"You okay?" Boulder asks, his voice low as the engine starts.

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