Lexi’s voice keeps replaying in my head. Over and over.
He’s not my boyfriend.
Maybe not.
But she’s still mine.
I get in the Charger. The leather’s cold against my back, making me hiss.
Oxy climbs into the passenger seat, quiet now. He knows better than to push when I’m like this.
“Gas?” I ask.
“Full tank this time.”
“Good.” I start the engine. The rumble fills the silence, vibrating through my bones.
The hum of the motor is the only sound as we pull out of the lot. I check the rearview mirror once, seeing the faces of my men fading behind us.
This isn’t business anymore.
It’s personal.
And if the Reapers think they can keep her, they’re already dead.
“What’s the first step?” Oxy asks.
“Going to get her brother before they do.”
His eyebrows rise. “You serious?”
“They took Lexi because of who her father is. You think they won’t go after Axel next?”
He’s quiet for a moment. “Shit. You’re right.”
The rehab facility is on the north side of town. Quiet. Private. Expensive enough that most people can’t afford it.
I park in the visitor lot and walk in like I own the place.
The woman at the front desk looks up, starts to smile, then sees my face. The smile falters.
“I’m here for Axel Kane,” I say.
“Are you family?”
“Close enough.” I lean on the counter, ignoring the way my ribs scream. “He’s checking out. Now.”
“Sir, we can’t just—”
“I checked him into this place. Look up his record. I have the rights to his coming and going. Now do it.”
She checks her computer, trying to keep a professional face on. Then she picks up the phone and dials.
Ten minutes later, Axel walks out looking clear-eyed. I realize that I’ve never seen him like this before. The dark circles under his eyes are gone. He looks healthy and also confused.
“Koa? What—”
“We’re leaving.”
