Page 54 of The Silent Note

She didn’t like what I told her tonight, about being my property, but it’s the truth.

For better or for worse, she’s mine now.

Mine to protect.

Mine to fight for.

Mine to hold.

The thing she keeps missing is that I’m hers too.

I ease up and kiss the diamond in her ring, watching her darkly. Then I close my eyes and put dad, Marian, Slavno, tomorrow’s kidnapping, and The Grateful Project all behind me.

I got married today.

I’m freakingmarried.

And tonight, I’ll enjoy my honeymoon with my wife who—despite what anyone in this world says—is right where she freaking belongs.

Chapter Thirteen

ZANE

Loose rocks crunch beneath booted feet and then a voice whispers, “Still can’t get through to her?”

Gritting my teeth, I redial Grey’s number and put the phone to my ear.

You have reached the voicemail of…

“Dammit.”

“Guess that’s a no,” Cadey mumbles.

“Why did you let her leave this morning?” I whirl around, nostrils flaring.

Cadey immediately narrows her eyes and glares right back at me. “I’m sorry. Next time her mom calls and threatens to dial 911 if she doesn’t show her face, I’ll be sure to sucker punch her at the door and tie her up in the basement.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“You bet it wasn’t. I’m not Grey’s parole officer.”

As if he can sense the tension, Dutch approaches, looming over his wife like the Grim Reaper. He could pass for it too with his glaring eyes and all-black get up.

“Stop freaking out,” Dutch orders.

“Huh.” My fingers curl into fists. “Yeah, I never thought of that. Just… stop freaking out? That simple?” I scowl at him and in a harder tone, I warn, “How ‘bout I stop after I punch your freaking face?”

Cadey’s lips twitch.

Sol and Finn join us.

“She’s still not here?” Sol gives me a sympathetic look. I want to punch him too. Just for daring to pity me. “Miss Jamieson’s a little late with the runaway bride thing. Should have done that at the wedding.”

“She’s not going to run away,” Finn says in a bored tone. As if we’re all idiots for even considering it.

I agree with Finn. Grey would never pass up this opportunity. It’s our one shot. Our only chance to get Slavno’s information on The Grateful Project.

Which is why her being a no-show is so concerning.

---