Page 29 of Braxton

It’s amazing what drug money can buy, she thought dryly.

It didn’t take long to reach the second-floor master bedroom which boasted a large outdoor veranda overlooking the back property, a luxurious sitting room and, of course, she couldn’t miss the king-size bed. It sat on a raised platform in the center of the room and a mirror hung on the ceiling above it. Quinn’s stomach turned in revulsion.

“Have a seat,” he said, motioning to the fancy sofa with antique gold finish. While he poured them each a glass of champagne, she sat down on the soft upholstery and slid her handbag behind her, keeping it within reach.

Biding her time, Quinn pretended to look around the elegant quarters, but her mind was racing, playing out differentscenarios of how she could kill him and escape with the least amount of problems.

Since she’d ditched the earpiece, she had no idea what Braxton and his team were currently doing. It didn’t matter, though. As usual, she only had herself to rely on.

Mesa walked over and handed her a crystal-etched glass. She wasn’t stupid enough to drink it, but she pretended to take a sip. It didn’t take long before Mesa pounced.Dammit.She felt her handbag against her back, but she hesitated, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Stifling a sigh, she tried not to appear as disgusted as she felt. The infamous cartel leader’s breath reeked of onions and alcohol, and his fat fingers were currently tugging her dress up while his other hand grabbed her breast.

Enough.

Right as she pulled her elbow back to slam her palm up against his double chin, a loud knock sounded at the door. Quinn jumped back and shoved her skirt down while Mesa cursed under his breath.

He heaved himself off the couch and stalked over, throwing the door open. “What?” he demanded.

“I’m sorry to bother you,el Escorpión. But intruders have been spotted on the island.”

Quinn’s mouth edged up.

Brax had come for her.

Chapter Twelve

Afull moon lit their way as Braxton and Gray crept through the thick underbrush. Lush tropical plants and flowers flourished on the island, and he could hear the occasional slither or squawk of a creature. But he was too focused on finding Quinn to care.

Pausing at the edge of a netted enclosure, he frowned. “What the hell is this?”

Beside him, Gray tugged on a woven section, testing its strength. “Better question is what the hell is lurking inside it? Don’t forget, Mesa likes his exotic animals.”

“Remind me to call animal control on the fucker,” Saint grumbled through their comms.

Yeah, Brax recalled Gray and Saint’s run-in with a couple of deadly creepy-crawlies when they’d been at Mesa’s other island compound and blown up his drug warehouse. While Brax had been setting explosives, Gray and Saint had barely escaped a poison dart frog and the deadly Mercier twins.

Moving past a dark building, they peered around the corner. They had a decent view of the back of the house and the sweeping rear yard. Brax’s attention zeroed in on a large second floor balcony where light poured out. The doors were open and he pointed to them.

“We go in there,” he murmured, and Gray nodded. “C’mon.”

They took two steps forward then abruptly halted when Quinn appeared on the balcony. She saw them and motioned for them with a wave of her hand. They jogged over and Brax looked up.

“Mesa knows you’re here!” she hissed. “He just left with a guard.”

“Banshee, I thought you shut down security cams,” Brax growled. Hell, maybe someone had spotted the helo.

“Yeah, me, too,” Zane responded. “Let me see what’s going on.”

“Quinn, get down here before—”

Brax’s words got cut off by Quinn’s shout of surprise. She whirled around, moving out of view, and he couldn’t see what was happening up on the veranda.

“Dammit,” Brax swore, stepping back. Once again, a bad feeling swept over him. As he was deciding the fastest way to get to her, she let out a sharp scream. His body tensed and his heart froze.

“Shit, Pharaoh,” Gray ground out as they both looked up to see Quinn struggling with a large guard. The asshole slammed her against the railing and a glass panel cracked. Bent backwards, half her body hung out over the empty air as she clawed at him.

Unable to do anything, but ready to spring into action, Brax helplessly watched as she wrapped her legs around him andtried to fight him off. She managed to use her weight to knock him off balance and, at the same time, break his hold.

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