Ronan rounded his desk and placed his palm on my lower back. The heat from his hand was oddly reassuring. “Will you be okay here until we return?”

“Yeah.” Although the jackhammering of my heart made me realize I didn’t want to be alone. I wasn’t about to show my weakness though. I’d done enough of that already.

“Keep warm,” Ronan said. “If you need something to eat, I’ll get it. Don’t leave the office.”

My nostrils flared. I wanted to protest that he didn’t need to be so bossy, but he was right. Being here was the safest thing. “I won’t.”

The two men walked out, and I sank to the floor and drew my knees to my chest. Somehow, I’d managed to hold everything together, but now I could freak out in peace. I rested my head on my knee and blew air out through my teeth. What was Tom thinking, getting a loan from a person dangerous enough to kidnap me when he didn’t pay? My brother must have known who he was getting into bed with.

I reached for my phone and sent him a message.

Willow: Someone tried to abduct me. This is serious. The police are involved.

Next, I sent one to Sage.

Willow: Are you okay? Has your ride arrived yet?

I counted the seconds until my phone buzzed again.

Sage: What’s going on? The silent giant won’t tell me anything.

Willow: It’s complicated. Like I said, I’ll explain when you get here.

Finally, half an hour later—at which point Ronan and Zeke were still gone from the room—I caught sight of Sage through the small window set into the office door. I raced out and launched myself into her arms.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.”

Ronan

“The friend is here,” Zeke said, glancing at his computer, where the security footage was displayed.

I followed his gaze and watched the two women embrace. Willow was slim and ethereal, while Sage was shorter, curvier, and brunette.

“Let’s run them through the plan,” I said.

Zeke and I had already decided we’d be putting a protective team on Willow. Even if she hadn’t asked for it, we took care of our own, and whether she liked it or not, she was one of us now. Personally, I didn’t think watching over her was enough. Anytime she was out of sight, my nerves went crazy.

As we approached my office, the women and Kade came into view in the corridor just outside. I immediately noticed that Kade had an unusual expression. Something was off with him, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

Willow was speaking rapidly to Sage. Updating her on the situation, I supposed. She looked up, and her lips curved as she saw us coming. That slight change felt like a punch to my gut. It left me winded and confused, but strangely, I liked it. Her happiness, however minor or fleeting, lit me up.