Page 55 of Edge of Desperation

“Fucking cunt.” His movements are jerky, and with his injuries, it takes him almost five minutes to do what I say.

I chuckle when his mangled dick comes into view, courtesy of Lykos’ handiwork.

“Put your arms around the beam,” I order.

He does as instructed, and I lock the handcuffs in place around his wrists. He hisses when the metal digs into his cut. “You’re going to pay for this,” he snarls.

“It’ll be worth it. Now, get on your hands and knees.” I lean close to his ear. “Tell me,Senator, has anyone ever takenyourass?”

His eyes grow wide as saucers, and before he can protest, I shove the blade of my knife directly into his asshole. Thick red liquid gushes out like a geyser, and a blood-curdling scream echoes off the warehouse walls. Briggs’ body gives out, and he slumps to the floor.

I shift from foot to foot, waiting for him to come to. Finally tired of waiting, I kick him. There’s no response. The last thing I want to do is touch him, but I put my fingers on his neck to check for a pulse.

Fuck! It was just getting good.

I survey the room. I have two dead bodies, a girl still passed out in the corner, and no clue what to do. I blow out a breath,knowing I’m going to be in hot water over this mess. I tug my cell phone out of my pocket and hit the one name I was hoping I wouldn’t have to call tonight.

Jaxson needs to add body disposal to our training.

CHAPTER 19

JAXSON

“I need help,”Aurora begs.

When my phone rang and I saw Aurora’s name flash across the screen, I stepped away from the game ofCall of Dutythe guys and I were playing. As I answered, I couldn’t help but silently pray that she would ask if we’d come hang out with her or vice versa, but my prayers weren’t answered. At the panic in her tone, everyone whips their head in my direction.

Dread fills my insides at how scared she sounds. “What’s wrong?”

“I-I-I can’t talk, but I need your help,” she whispers. “I’ll send you my location. Please hurry.”

She disconnects the call before I can ask anything else. A second later, my phone pings with her location.

Richmond, Virginia. What the fuck is she doing there?

I stare at my phone, dumbstruck, while my men jump into action.

Thomas snaps his fingers in front of my face. “You gonna stare at her location all night, or can we get the fuck outta here?”

All of them are checking their guns, and Bennett grabs extra magazines out of my hall closet before tossing us each a couple. Carver races out of my apartment and returns a few minuteslater with his knives strapped to his leg. We have no idea what’s going on, and as a Marine, we’re taught to always be prepared.

“Roll out!” I holler.

“Oorah.”

Hudson, Carver, and I take one vehicle while Bennett and Thomas follow closely behind in another. Before tearing out of the parking lot, I text Aurora’s coordinates to Bennett in case we get separated on the way to Richmond.

My knuckles turn white from gripping the steering wheel so hard. “She better not be hurt, or so help me God…”

“She didn’t ask for me,” Hudson points out. “She asked foryou. I don’t think she’s hurt.”

“Hey,” Carver interjects. “Isn’t the general in Richmond tonight for a fundraiser?”

“Yeah,” Hudson confirms. “Maybe you should call him. He’s closer.”

I shake my head. “She called me for a reason. If she wanted her dad’s help, she would’ve called him.”

Hoping I’m making the right decision, I push my foot down on the gas pedal until it hits the floorboard. A million thoughts race through my head as I wonder what we’re about to walk into.

---