Chapter 23 #2
“I didn’t say anything.”
“Wait, wait, was this a planned kiss? Like…an ‘I’m digging for information’ kiss?”
“What?” Julia shook her head. “No. Luke just kissed me in an attempt to win me back.”
“Oh…right.” Alex knitted his eyebrows as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Just because…Ava actually suggested fake making-up with Chris to get information, and I kind of shot that idea down.”
“Oh, no,” Grant said with a shake of his head. “No, you never let your wife use her feminine wiles to get information. That is a disaster waiting to happen. You made the right move, Alex.”
Alex puffed his chest out at Grant’s approval. “Thanks, G-man.”
“Listen, not that long ago, you gave me some fairly harsh advice, and now I’m going to return the favor. Do not let Ava get involved too deeply with these guys because–”
“Grant!” Julia said with a stamp of her foot.
“What?”
“We were a team.”
“Yeah, I know. I didn’t say don’t involve her at all. But…I took great care for you not to be involved with any meddling men like that one.” He poked a finger at Sebastian.
Julia clicked her tongue. “You two are cavemen.”
“I’m not,” Alex said. “Ava brings a lot to the table. I just…don’t love that Sebastian seems to have a thing for her.”
He frowned at the dance floor, his eyebrows knitting. “Hey, did anyone see where they went?”
Julia flicked her gaze to the dancers, scanning the crowd. “I didn’t. I’m sorry. I’m sure she’ll be back soon, though.”
Alex heaved a sigh as he shook his head, imagining the wealthy and powerful Bancroft son leading Ava to a private gallery for a peek at his latest work before he whispered something daring into her ear.
He twisted, in search of a champagne flute when his heart stopped. He slid his eyes closed as he spotted a couple walk through the front door. “Uh-oh.”
“What is it?” Julia asked, her expression concerned.
Alex nodded toward the door, and Julia followed his gaze. “Is that the guy Kyle decked?”
“That’s him. Crossbeam Chris himself.”
“Oh, I hope he doesn’t make another scene with Ava,” Julia said with a shake of her head.
“Mmm, pretty sure there’s going to be a scene whether we like it or not.”
“Maybe not,” Julia suggested, her typical optimism showing through. “Looks like he’s found a new girlfriend.”
“Uh-huh,” Alex said with a nod. “That’s the problem.”
“You think she’ll be jealous? I mean, maybe. I’m sure it would sting the first time I saw Luke with someone else, but I moved on. I love Grant. And Ava picked you.”
“It’s not that…it’s who he’s with. That is my former CFO. A woman who went out of her way to remove Ava from my life. They got into numerous confrontations during her time with StoneCorp. She’s going to go berserk when she sees her with Chris.”
Julia slid a steadying arm onto Alex’s shoulder.
“That is, if Sebastian hasn’t absconded with Ava.” He rose onto his toes to scan the crowd for them again.
“Why don’t we get a drink, and some of those hors d’oeuvres. They look so good. I’m sure by the time we’re done doing that, Ava will be back.”
“Maybe we should just wait here so she knows where to find us.”
Julia offered him an amused smile. “Ava is very resourceful. I’m sure she’ll find us. Come on, let’s get something to drink.”
She shot Grant a wide-eyed glance, and he clapped Alex on the shoulder. “Julia’s right. Let’s head onto the patio. Maybe we’ll even spot her.”
“Okay,” Alex said with a nod. He hated social settings, and he hated them more without Ava at his side.
With Chris in attendance, anything could happen, and also, their aviary ally was supposed to put in an appearance. Had he nabbed Ava again?
A tight knot formed in Alex’s stomach as they led him from the house onto the patio.
He took the champagne glass Grant offered him as he scanned the partygoers again, still not spotting Ava.
His unease grew, and he took a sip of champagne, hoping it eased his frayed nerves. But a second later, his tension ramped up higher than he could have ever anticipated.
A bevy of masked gunmen appeared out of nowhere, surrounding the crowd and cutting off most exits.
As the deafening sound of gunfire echoed through the air, Alex’s instincts kicked into overdrive. Without hesitation, he dropped to the ground, his heart pounding furiously.
The masked gunmen’s menacing presence sent a shiver down his spine, and the authoritative voice that barked orders only heightened his sense of dread. “Everybody stay where you are. This party is now under the control of the Brotherhood of Liberty. Comply with our demands or face the consequences.”
Alex’s mind raced with a torrent of fear and helplessness. His breath caught in his throat, and his heart pounded so loudly he could barely hear the chaos erupting around him.
In that moment, all he could think about was Ava. The realization that he had no idea where she was sent a surge of panic coursing through him, threatening to overwhelm his senses. He clung to the hope that she was safe, but the nagging fear that he might never see her again gnawed at his soul.