Chapter 18
No one spoke on the ride to the warehouse.
Words weren’t necessary for Everly to know what they were thinking.
This was the only way to stop Darby, even if it was a bad idea.
She glanced at Matias, who had pulled her aside that morning and spoke to her without Cristian’s knowledge.
He believed she was the only one who could get close enough to Darby, giving them the opportunity that they needed to kill him.
Only Cristian wasn’t aware of their plan.
Everly would go willingly with him, making him believe she wanted to be free of Cristian.
Then, and only then, would Darby let his guard down.
She felt guilty keeping this from him, but she knew Matias was right.
If Cristian knew what she was going to do, he would have left her home.
Darby was a protected man, and killing him would not be easy.
Using herself as a distraction would be the perfect way to separate him from his hired goons—giving Cristian the opening he needed.
Everly watched as they navigated the SUV around to the back of a massive warehouse.
It was broad daylight, yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.
Darby had agreed to meet them here, making her all the more suspicious.
This was their territory. Coming here to their place of business just seemed like suicide.
Everly climbed out of the back seat and laced her fingers with Cristian’s.
Neither had spoken yet, the fear prevalent in his gaze.
She wanted to reach out and touch him, just to remind him everything was going to be ok—but even she didn’t believe it would be.
“Where’s Darby?” Matias asked the men waiting on us inside the warehouse. “He said he would be here.”
“He will be here shortly. Darby wanted to make sure he wasn’t walking into a trap.”
“Fine. Call him. You can see there is no funny business.”
Bastian and Matias walked toward a table and sat down.
Cristian stood closely to Everly, feeling uneasy with the men in their presence.
She knew he was smart to keep her in his sights—Darby wasn’t exactly an honest man.
He could have told his men to snatch her and run, even if it meant risking their lives to do so.
“It’s nice to see you again.” Everly shuttered at the sound of Luis’ voice. He had been Darby’s right-hand man, and on several occasions, tried to take advantage of her.
“I wish I could say the same.” Everly sneered. She wanted to spit in his face, but that would only set him off.
“Ah… don’t be such a bitch. If things go as planned tonight, I’ll finally get a taste of that sweet pussy.”
Cristian growled and started toward him, but Everly placed her hand on his chest. “Don’t. It’s not worth it.”
“Listen to your bitch, Silva. Coming at me would seal your death faster.”
“Enough.” Matias slammed his hands on the counter. “Get your boss in here or leave. We aren’t here to entertain your comments.”
Luis pulled his phone and typed something on the screen. “Darby wants to meet with the girl.”
“No,” Cristian barked as Everly stepped in front of him.
“I’ll go.” She glanced back at Matias, knowing this had been the plan all along. He nodded and stood.
“He will meet with her here on the property.”
“He’s at the docks now. I’ve been instructed to bring her down there alone.”
“That’s not happening.” Cristian grabbed Everly’s arm. “You can’t do this. It’s not safe.”
“I’ll be fine, Cristian. I need to do this. It’s the only way to be done with this monster.”
Matias pressed his hand to Cristian’s shoulder. “We will be watching from the end of the dock. He can have his moment, but not without us seeing what is happening.”
“Fine. Follow me.” Luis grabbed Everly and half drug her out of the room.
“You don’t have to fucking yank on me. I said I would go with you.”
“Shut up.” Luis hurried toward the dock where she could see Darby waiting. “You three wait here.” He pointed at the three brothers who were watching him.
“Don’t fucking try anything or I’ll shoot you.” Bastian flashed his gun. “I’m a dead shot.”
Luis grunted and stormed down the massive boat dock with Everly in tow. As soon as Darby came into view, Everly wondered if she had made a mistake. A speedboat was running against the edge, waiting for a quick escape.
“I see you followed orders. You haven’t changed since being gone.” Darby stepped forward and brushed his hand down her cheek. “Tell me… is it true? Did you give yourself to that fraud?”
“Yes. I belong to him.” Everly flinched beneath his touch. “Why are you here? I can’t bring you top dollar now. I don’t understand what the issue is.”
“He lied to me. Did you know your keeper killed the man who was supposed to come to the auction?” Everly tried to hide her surprise, but Darby saw her expression and snickered. “I see you didn’t know he was a cold-blooded killer.”