Page 99 of Claimed
“I hope you’re right,” she says. “I don’t ever want any of that shit to see daylight, Caine. Not again.”
I wrap my arm around her shoulder and tug her into my side. “The best team for the job is already here. Now we just got to put everyone into action.”
She yawns. “I think I’ve seen enough action to need a nap.”
My eyes roll, but I turn her away from the rail and ease her back into the suite. I urge Lilah down into the only empty chair. She curls up, her dark hair like a chestnut waterfall over the leather. Ruin glances up, his expression the softest I have ever seen it as he watches her.
I cup Onyx’s soft cheek as I pass and join them at the counter. “We good to move?”
Ruin shakes his head while Gage paces feet away, phone to his ear and a sour look on his face. “We aren’t the only ones that know Helios is in town, but we are the only ones after him now thanks to the break in at his home.”
“Problem?” I ask, unease building.
“Jurisdictional red tape,” Ruin mutters coldly.
“Sanchez?” I snap.
His dark eyes glitter. “Would seem so.”
I swear.
“We have twenty-four hours to get out of Miami or risk a shit storm.”
“What the actual fuck?”
Ruin runs his hands over his face. “My sentiments exactly. Markus is currently in deliberations with the Miami colony head. Michél’s father.” He exhales in one frustrated push. “But if we can’t appeal the decision, we need to be out of town by noon.”
I stare at him. “You’re not really considering this, are you?”
“My hands are tied, Caine.”
“Then this whole thing was a fucking waste.”
Ruin looks at me. “Was it?” He jerks his chin behind me and I follow his line of sight to find Onyx’s watching me over the back of the chair. She raises a brow in question.
I turn back around, hands in fists at my side. “Ruin, without those cases, Onyx has another year on her contract with Azz. We have to get them.” I scour his face. “Not to mention the fucking Brightex inside them.”
He reaches and claps a hand on my shoulder. “I am doing everything I can, Caine.” His dark eyes track over me. “I know it’s hard. And I get your frustration. You have no idea how much,” he admits. “But I can’t risk another visit from the council’s enforcers.”
He only just escaped the last one with his life.
And can I really put Lilah through that again?
But Onyx …
I force my hands to loosen and nod. “Then I hope Markus can work his magick.”
Ruin smirks. “Me and you both.”
I turn away and walk to Onyx. She raises up as I near, her expression uncertain. Aware that the others are nearby, I brush her cheek with my knuckles, pleased to see her body has made good use of the energy by speeding her healing.
“Was considering a shower,” I broach playfully. “Want to keep me company?”
Her face flames, but she climbs to her feet. Cinching her against me, I let Tanner’s ridiculous whistle float by as I steer her into our room and shut the door.
She rounds on me as soon as we are inside, her amber eyes very wide. “Caine? Didn’t we just—”
Holding my finger to my lips, I flick my hand and red light seals the door. “Sanchez is forcing us out of Miami,” I say without preamble.
