Chapter 25
twenty-four
Damon
I’ve called my PI, and he’s currently searching for a signal for Lily’s phone. Xavier alerted our crews and even our fathers. Though the higher-ups were pissed that I had a secret life and love affair taking place right under their noses, they did agree to jump into action to help me.
That’s what family does. I may have to deal with the consequences later, but right now, all that matters is finding Lily.
“Damon, her phone is showing a signal at 115 Lee Avenue,” my PI explains.
“Thanks,” I say, hanging up and giving Warren the address.
We pull up behind the building where Lily works, and I spot her car in an now-empty parking lot.
I jump out of the car before Warren even puts it in park. I race across the lot, but I don’t see any signs of Lily. I look inside her car, but it’s empty, too.
“Where the fuck is she?” I yell out into the night.
Warren and Xavier walk around the lot, as I spin in circles, hoping we are missing something.
Then, I hear Xavier yell. “Is this her phone?” he shouts, holding up a device.
I grab it from him, and when the screen unlocks, I feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach as a picture of Lily and me cuddled up on my couch is displayed. She’s smiling at me while my face is nestled into her neck. I can still hear the sweet sound of her laughter as I tickled her.
“She’s gone. Who would take her?” I cry.
My voice shakes and my temper flares. I’ve never felt so scared and helpless in my entire life.
Xavier makes a call. “I want you and Pierce to find out where Lily is. Do whatever you have to do to Alex until he talks.” Xavier turns to me. “I’ve got Beau and the guys working on Alex.”
Warren lifts his phone. “I’ll get everyone else to search every inch of the city.”
Dropping to my knees, I struggle to breathe. This can’t be happening. I swore that I would keep her safe, and now she’s gone.
What have I done?
I’ve been driving for hours—or possibly days.
I have no fucking clue. But I refuse to rest until I have Lily back with me.
Despite my family's warnings, I stop by Lily’s condo and find her friend Mel outside, talking to the police. I want to stop, but I don’t.
“Maybe we need to get you some food,” Warren suggests. He sits in the passenger seat, and concern is etched across his face.
“No. I won’t stop until I have her back,” I say through gritted teeth.
Warren just nods. He knows better than to argue with me right now. Xavier watches us from the backseat. Neither has left my side, and I am forever grateful for their loyalty.
Xavier’s phone rings, and I pull over along the side of the road. When he answers, I swear my heart stops.
“He said what?” Xavier barks. He nods his head some more, and I want to strangle him to get the words out of him. “Ok, that’s good news. Yes, I understand. Call me back shortly.” He ends the call and sighs.
“What did he say?” I beg.
“Alex finally revealed that Vincent's men were sent to kidnap Lily. They’ve been following us for months and realized she was the weakness that lured us to them,” he pauses and shakes his head.
I know he’s pissed, but it doesn’t matter right now.
“He said that one of their men is helping Lily. He’s actually a nark.
I don’t know his identity, and honestly, I don’t care to know.
Keeps us all safe. Anyway, they are trying to get Lily to tell them where you live and more about Shadow and our other businesses. She’s refusing to talk.”
I let out a sigh of relief. She’s still alive and being loyal. That’s the woman I fell in love with.
“Is she ok?” I ask.
“He didn’t say. All I know is that she’s alive for now. But we need to hurry. He gave us three possible locations where they could be keeping her. But Damon, you need to be prepared. If she’s dead…”
I don’t let him finish that thought.
“If she’s dead, then I will kill every fucking one of them,” I grit out.
Xavier gives me the first address, and I punch the accelerator. I don’t care what I have to do, but I will get Lily back. The monster lurking inside of me is ready to escape, and no amount of fear will stop me from destroying anyone who gets in my way.