Page 52 of Edge of Desperation

There’s nothing else to say at this point. We’re staying, at least for the time being. I’ll take whatever time I can get with Aurora.

Let’s hope Benson gets somewhere in Russia so we can bury this nightmare for her once and for all.

CHAPTER 18

AURORA

“She bestedme the other day during our hand-to-hand combat drills,” Jaxson admits. “Hell, Aurora could probably be a UFC fighter if she wanted. She has power behind her punches and kicks.”

My dad will probably kill me if he finds out I’m standing here listening to his conversation with Jaxson. How many secrets are they keeping from me? I wouldn’t know what the hell was going on if I hadn’t been coming back inside from taking Lykos out. Jaxson soundsproudof everything that I’ve accomplished.

Why didn’t he ever say it to me?

All this time, they’ve been searching for Dmitri Krukov, and neither of them bothered to inform me. Who the hell does that?Iwas the one taken, raped, beaten, and tortured repeatedly by that man. I have a fucking right to know what the hell is going on. Dad had a team following me and never told me. That explains the feeling of being watched after I returned to Boston, but why didn’t he trust me enough to tell me?

You haven’t exactly been forthcoming, either.

I shake my head and dash up the stairs to my room, Lykos hot on my heels. Unlocking my desk drawer, I pull out the information I’ve gathered on the great Senator of Virginia.Tonight’s the night I’ve been waiting for. Senator Briggs is hosting a fundraiser for his anti-trafficking bill in Richmond. Dad and Vera received invitations to attend, and of course, they R.S.V.P.’d.

I contemplated going, but for my plan to work, I need to blend into the shadows. Wearing a dress and heels will only hinder that. Instead, I’ll wait outside the venue and bide my time, follow the senator home, and rain hell down on him.

A knock at the door startles me, so I throw all the papers back into the drawer and lock it.

“Come in,” I holler.

Dad pushes open the door. “Hey, baby girl. Vera and I have that dinner in Richmond tonight. Do you want the guys to come here and hang out with you?”

I roll my eyes. “Dad, I know you’re worried about me, and that fault is entirely mine. I did that to you, but I’m twenty-seven years old. I’m perfectly capable of entertaining myself.”

Dad’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “I know, baby girl. I’m sorry.”

I walk over and wrap my arms around him, squeezing him tight. “I love you, Daddy. Always and forever. I made a promise to you. Never again.”

Dad tightens his hold and places a kiss on the top of my head. “I believe you. Alright, we’ll be home late. Have fun.”

“You, too.”

I close the door behind him and rush to my closet, pulling out my go-bag, thankful that you can order almost anything you want online and have it delivered right to your door. I double-check the inventory inside, knowing that I’m more than prepared to take on the devil.

Lykos sits patiently in the passenger seat while I lift the binoculars again to watch the rear exit. The dinner started at seven-thirty, but there was no reason to wait in the car for hours for it to end. I parked in a lot a block down, which gives me a great view of the building. Not only can I see the front, but I can also see the back. Right now, I’m keeping my eyes on the back since there are a couple of black government-issued SUVs parked there. My money’s on one of those being Tim’s ride home tonight.

Ping.

I dig in the center console for my phone, and when I find it, the light from the screen illuminates the dark car. I immediately switch my cell to dark mode so as not to alert anyone of our presence. As I read through the texts in the group chat, I chuckle.

Carver: Can I have Willow’s number?

Jaxson: She’s not giving you her number

Carver: Why not?

Bennett: Willow’s too good for you

Carver: WTF Man?!

Hudson: Willow will eat you alive

Carver: That’s what I’m hoping for

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