Page 20 of Kade

“Because I met him a few days after she started working there. Fucker thought he was going to keep her there all hours. I explained to him if he didn’t fuck off, I’d buy the damn company and then let’s see what might happen.”

“Did you tell Lily you spoke to him?”

“Shit, no. Do you think I have a death wish?” His onyx eyes widened, horrified at the thought.

“He might tell her, though.”

Nikoli cracked his knuckles, a Cheshire Cat grin overtaking his face. “I thought of that. Fucker knows if he says one word to my girl, I will buy the company and toss him out on his assandget him blacklisted in the industry.”

“You’re a video game mogul. How do you plan on blacklisting him in an industry you know nothing about?”

“The literary agency she’s at is one of the oldest and most prestigious in New York. They know the right people. I’d have them do it.”

“You’re an evil motherfucker, you know that?”

“Yup.”

Kade resumed his pacing, and Nikoli went back to hacking. Why was this taking so damn long? He needed information.

“Wearing the stain off the floors isn’t going to make this go faster.”

“I can’t help it.” He stopped and slouched against the wall, the pent-up frustration urging him to hit the wall instead. “If he has my kid…”

“If he has my fucking nephew, God won’t be able to hide him. I’ll spend every dime I have hunting the fucker down.” The fury rolling out of his brother matched his own. “When do we get the DNA results back?”

“Dylan promised they’d be couriered over this evening, no later than eight.” The hours were ticking by slower than molasses, as Angel would say.

Max Sheridon, the firm’s tracking expert, knocked then poked his head through the door. “Why aren’t you answering your phone?”

“My phone?” He pulled it out and found the battery dead. He forgot to charge it last night. “What’s going on?”

“Jasper called. There’s a problem. He said to get your ass to Angel’s new bar like your life depended on it.”

“Why?” Fear knotted in his belly, every scenario running like a herd of wild horses through his mind. He’d worked with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit for too long.

“He didn’t say. He just said to git there.” Max’s Texan drawl came out thicker whenever he was upset. Now was one of those times. Max liked and respected Angel. Jasper had to have used a tone to get Max riled up.

He didn’t waste another second, just flew out of the room, aware both men were right behind him.

“It has to be the cartel.” Kade knew it in his gut. “Can’t you drive faster?” Nik had slid into the driver’s seat before he could. Kade hadn’t argued, figuring he wasn’t in any condition to drive in midday traffic in his enraged condition.

“I’m already over the speed limit. We’ll be there as soon as we can.”

“Jasper, this is Max. We’re on our way. Boss wants to talk to you.” Max handed his cell over to Kade without him having to ask for it.

“What the fuck happened?”

“Someone left pictures for her.” Jasper took a deep, steadying breath. “They’re pictures of her in the hospital. She looks younger.”

“Motherfucking bastards.” He slammed his fist into the dashboard so hard it cracked. “Where is she?”

“In my lap.”

“What the fuck…”

“Calm down. She passed out, and the floor is filthy. If I can’t get her to wake up in a few minutes, I’m calling an ambulance. She hit the floor hard.”

“Don’t fucking wait. Call 9-1-1 now. We’ll be there in five minutes.”

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