KELLAN WARD
"Sir, I've reached the direct line of Mr. Thorne."
Kellan stopped reading the report on his desk and looked up at Jingyu. Kellan held out his hand and his assistant gave him the cell.
"Mr. Ward," said Thorne. "What can I do for you?"
"My wife was taken to the hospital on your compound. I would like to retrieve her."
"Who is the lucky woman married to Mr. Ward?"
"I'm the lucky one. Her name is Aurora Moon."
The pause on the other end of the line was heavy enough that even Kellan could feel its weight. "I see," said Devon. "Right now, Miss Moon is under my protection. I will not release her."
"Will you at least allow me to accompany her?" asked Kellan.
"Unfortunately, Mr. Ward, my promise to protect Miss Moon as she recuperates includes not letting you near her."
"So you must be in debt to Ryder Hamilton. I admit he looks a lot like Aurora. I did DNA tests and they are, indeed, brother and sister. Twins, in fact."
Kellan waited for Devon to think about his statement. He finally came to the conclusion that Kellan intended. "Mr. Hamilton is in your care?" he asked.
"Yes, and he has company, too. I think he and Annabeth Saint are getting along particularly well."
"Touch a single hair on her head and I'll kill Aurora Moon."
"Do you think anyone you remotely like will survive annihilation if you harm my wife?"
"I suggest you don't use the nuclear option then, Mr. Ward. Unless you want mutually assured destruction."
"I just want my wife," said Kellan.
A wisp of desperation clung to Kellan's tone. If Thorne felt even a fourth of what Kellan harbored for Aurora, then the man understood perfectly what tormented Kellan in this moment.
"Let me speak to Ryder."
Kellan's gaze met the man's sitting on the couch. He was trussed up like a Thanksgiving Day turkey and his mouth was taped. Kellan gave Jingyu the phone and his assistant took it to their hostage. He put on the speaker, peeled the tape off halfway, and nodded at Ryder to talk.
"Devon," said Ryder casually as though he wasn't being held hostage. "How's Aurora?"
"Safe. Recovering from the wounds she inflicted on herself. She's been sedated. I owe you, Ryder. And I will return the favor."
"But you're giving my sister to this psycho," said Ryder with a sigh.
"Yes. I will not risk Annabeth for anyone. Not even myself. She's too precious."
"You sound like him."
"We are alike," said Devon. "But Kellan has less of a conscience than I do. He is motivated by what gets him the most benefit. His only weakness is Aurora Moon."
"I understand."
A couple seconds later, Kellan returned to the call. "I will bring Annabeth to exchange for Aurora. But I will not release her until Aurora and I are clear of the compound."
"I want Ryder Hamilton, too."
"No. Aurora decides what happens to her brother."
Kellan waited patiently for Devon's response. What else could he do? Ryder was his brother-in-arms, but Annabeth was his soulmate. It was an easy choice.
"I agree to your terms," said Devon.
"I know you're a man of your word, Mr. Thorne. I trust nothing will go awry during our transaction."
"It will not."
"An hour, then."
"Understood."
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BONUS SCENE #1
DEVON THORNE
The moment Annabeth Saint passed through the villa's garden gate, Devon swept her into his arms and nearly squeezed the breath out of her.
"What's happening right now?" she asked. He breathed in her scent and tried to get his racing heart to calm the hell down. She was all right.
She awkwardly returned his hug, her purse bumping into his back. "Are you okay?"
"Am I okay?" asked Devon. He pulled back and looked her over, his face a mixture of anger and concern. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she said. "It took forever for them to fix the elevator."
"The ... elevator?"
"I've been stuck at the Northside Mall with Van and Mace. It was the strangest thing. None of our cell phones worked. It took four hours for them to fix the problem."
"You ... you were stuck in a mall elevator with your bodyguards?"
Annabeth met his gaze. "Yes, and when we finally got out, Mr. Ward was there, apologizing for the trouble. He insisted on driving me home. Van and Mace took the car. Have they returned?"
"Let's go inside." Devon kissed her lightly on the lips. "I need to make a call."
She smiled. "Okay."
After Annabeth entered the villa, Devon looked at Gibson. "Release Van and Mace. Compensate them for misunderstanding their roles in Annabeth's disappearance."
"Yes, sir."
"Northside Mall is a Ward property," said Devon. "Kellan Ward kidnapped my fiancee without her ever knowing it."
"It seems so, sir."
"What an asshole."
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BONUS SCENE #2
AIDEN CROSS
Aiden's wounds were healing slowly. He faded in and out of consciousness. When he was awake, which never lasted more than a few minutes, Ivy Crane was by his side.
"Where am I?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
"I took you abroad for treatment. When you're fully recovered, we'll figure out what to do about my bitch sister." She snorted. "Did you know Kellan Ward gave her his entire fortune? She's officially richer than God."
Aiden coughed and Ivy helped him drink some warm water.
"Are they married?" he asked.
"They got the certificate, so yes, they're a legal couple. It'll be harder to get to Aurora now." She pulled the covers up to his chin. "Rest. Take your medicine. Get healthy. Revenge will be ours, I promise."
Exhausted, Aiden closed his eyes. During his periods of unconsciousness, he'd been having nightmares. Every time he woke up, these dark dreams took on a hazy quality. He could remember the feelings invoked, but not the actual reveries.
For some reason, Ivy's presence unnerved him. Something wasn't right. Before Aurora tried to beat him to death, all he could think about was being with Ivy and living the good life on Aurora's dime. He wanted her money. And he wanted to give the Moonlight fashion company to Ivy.
After all, he owed her for saving his life when he was just a kid. While Aurora pursued him, he pursued Ivy. And Ivy was fixated on making her half-sister suffer. Before, Aiden never cared why.
But now ... a headache throbbed in his temples. Even with the pain pulsating in his head, Aiden slipped back into unconsciousness.
And into the nightmares...
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