down. Out of paranoia, I held the Desert Eagle out to Lucas to take.
"Keep this safe for me," I said quietly. "I feel weird leaving it behind."
He took it gently from my hand, his fingers brushing mine and his gaze serious. "This was his, right?"
I grimaced, remembering the night I'd claimed it as my own, literally taking Chase's power from him and shooting him in the fucking face with it.
"Sure was." I puffed out a breath. "I have a feeling he wants it back, too." I hadn't missed the covert glances he gave my gun whenever we were in close proximity like he couldn't help lusting for it.
Lucas nodded his understanding. "I'll guard it with my life, then."
I smiled. "Maybe not that hard. It's just a gun, and you're far more important to me." I bit back the desire to pounce on him and turned back to my closet to find some shoes and a jacket. When I was ready, I only had twenty minutes to get to dinner, so I kissed Lucas quickly and made my way down to the garage.
Zed was waiting for me there. His furious gaze swept over my body, and his jaw ticked with tension.
"Save it," I snapped, grabbing my helmet and swinging a leg over the Ducati. "Just keep your fucking phone on. As soon as Chase gives up Seph's location, I'll call."
"I'm coming with you," he announced, folding his arms across his chest defiantly.
I arched a brow, my helmet still in my hands. "Like hell you are. You'll stay here and follow up with Cass for a progress report. In case there's any confusion, that's an order, Zed." My voice cracked with authority, and his eyes hardened.
Not hanging around to hear more of his arguments, I gave a nod to Lucas, then jammed my helmet on and kicked my bike to life. Both of them watched me go, neither of them even remotely happy about it, but... too fucking bad.
I spent the entirety of my drive into the city rebuilding the walls Zed had worked tirelessly to break down just two nights earlier. By the time I slowed to a stop directly in front of the trendy downtown restaurant Chase had chosen, I was firmly locked inside a mental iron fortress of my own making. Within those protective shields, I was prepared for anything Chase might throw my way.
Possibilities flashed across my mind in quick succession as I slowly climbed off my bike and removed my helmet. Images of ambush, restraints, torture, sexual assault... no matter what I’d told Zed and Lucas, I knew there was a whole lot Chase could do that wouldn't result in death. I was prepared for all of it, just to get my sister back.
Two nondescript guards stood on either side of the main door, both eyeing me up as I strode past, but neither stopped me. Of course, they worked for Chase and he was expecting me. So long as I’d come alone, there was no need for them to be anything more than a looming threat.
Of course, the one thing I wasn't prepared for... was exactly what he delivered.
Striding into the empty restaurant, I looked around with a frown of confusion. The whole place was vacant except for one table right in the middle of the dining room. That table was set up for two with flickering candles and a Champagne bottle on ice to the side.
I paused, not seeing Chase... or anyone. Then he stepped into view with a sly smile pasted over his lips and a single black rose in his hand. Bruises decorated his face from Zed's fists a few nights ago, and one eyebrow looked like it had a stitch in it. Served him fucking right.
"Darling," he purred, approaching me without a hint of hesitation. "You look..." His gaze raked down my body, then returned to my face with a small frown. "Well. I might have liked to see you in a dress, but I suppose this will do."
Another man stepped into view, his expression blank. Pure business.
Rolling my eyes, I slipped my jacket off and extended my arms to the sides to allow him to pat me down for weapons.
"You scared, Chasey?" I mocked as his man patted me down a bit firmer than really necessary. "You think I’d need weapons to kill you if that's what I wanted to do?"
Chase didn't bite at my mockery, just waited for his guy to give the signal that I wasn't armed before offering