Page 65 of Veiled Vengeance

My breathing picks up. “I can’t do this.” This can’t be my life now.

“Just do what they want, and you’ll be fine.”

This can’t be how I live the rest of my life.

I don’t know if anyone is looking for me.

I have to be my own hero.

CHAPTER 27

SPENCER

Saying that I have butterflies in my stomach isn’t accurate. It’s more like my stomach feels as if it wants to fold into a ball of goop and venture outside of my body.

After the seven of us finished scheming, we set about getting everything in order to execute our plan. Gabriel, Mateo, and Diego left to gather their people even though Zane wasn’t too keen on involving other members of the MS-13 because they’ve shown that they can be bought.

We were all tense as we waited through the night and all day. We didn’t talk much, we just existed in the same space together. When it finally comes time to leave, we pile into the mobile bat cave.

Rio and Zane are supposed to wait in the van while Asher and I go inside Euphoria. The note said to come alone, but none of my men were willing to comply with those demands. Asher insisted on being the one in there with me in case bullets start flying.

Gabriel, Mateo, and Diego are supposed to be there already. Their job is to blend into the audience and find out where they’re holding Carmen. Once they know, they’re supposed to let Rio and Zane know. From there, Rio and Zane are to cause sometype of distraction outside the building to draw attention. Then we’re supposed to find an exit. MS-13 members are supposed to be standing by in case we need help.

“Everything’s going to be okay,” Rio tries to reassure me. He pulls me close, and we rest our heads together. We breathe together, basking in our connection.

Rio’s phone vibrates in his pocket, breaking the moment. He pulls out his phone and reads his screen, furrowing his brows. “They found Carmen already,” he apprises us.

“What?”

“How?”

“Where is she?”

“Mierda. She’s on stage.”

Fucking hell. This just got more complicated.

Asher keepsa hand on my back as we walk down the sidewalk in the dark of night. Beads of sweat form at my temples from the summer heat. Rio and Zane dropped us off a block away while they drove closer to the club to park and wait for our signal.

“We got this.”

I peek at Asher. “Are you trying to comfort me or yourself?”

“Both, I guess.” He shrugs.

At least he’s honest.

We’re stopped at the door where one of Anthony and Pierce’s henchmen stands guard. “I need to pat you down.”

“Over my dead body,” Asher maneuvers so his body shields mine.

“No one gets in without being checked.” The guard doesn’t budge.

I place my hand on Asher’s arm. “Hey, big guy, it’s okay.”

He gives me a skeptical look over his shoulder, and I give him a half-smile in return. Stepping forward, Asher goes first. The guard removes Asher’s guns and magazines hidden under his jacket. When it’s my turn, the guard finds the throwing knives, handgun, extra magazines, pocketknife, pepper spray, and the rape whistle.

My guys loaded me up before we left my apartment. I didn’t even try to argue because I knew it made them feel better.

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