SIENNA.

The scarred-faced man's words echoed in my head, his gravelly voice looping like a broken record of how he wanted the fund brought to the choice warehouse, alone. I sat in the back seat, staring out the tinted window. I rested a palm over my stomach that had not stopped churning, triggering a cold sweat at the back of my neck. I wasn't naive enough to believe the dangerous cartel would just take the money and walk away, leaving me and Zane in peace. Trusting them would be the death of me.

Belinda's voice pulled me back to the car. "So, Jason, you ever get tired of playing chauffeur for this one?" She jerked her thumb toward me. "I mean, don't get me wrong, Sienna's great, but all this brooding must get sickening, right?"

Jason's hands tightened on the steering wheel, and he glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his lips twitching in what might have been a smile. "She's my job, not a friend," he said, smartly dodging her questions. "I am used to it."

Belinda laughed, a sound that filled the car, but it barely touched me. I pressed my forehead against the cool glass of the window, my breath fogging it. All I could see was the scarred-faced man's cold eyes, the way they had locked onto mine in the café, sizing me up like I was a puzzle he had already solved. The memory sent a shiver down my spine, causing my heart to beat faster.

"You okay back there, Sienna?" Belinda's voice softened, her head turning slightly to glance at me. Her eyes were sparkling with concern. "You're quieter than usual, and that's saying something."

I forced a smile, my lips stiff. "Just tired. Didn't know that chat would drain me this much."

She raised an eyebrow, "Still don't want to tell me what he wants?"

"No," I said curtly. Belinda shook her head, clearly not buying it, but Jason spoke before she could press me. "You sure you don't want to head straight to the penthouse?" he asked, his eyes flicking to mine in the rearview mirror. "Zane will be expecting you."

The mention of Zane sent a pang through me. I pictured him in his office, leaning back in his chair, his dark eyes tracking my every move.

"Take us to the office instead," I said. "I need to grab some things."

Jason's brow furrowed, but he nodded, merging into the next lane without a word. Belinda turned fully in her seat now, her eyes narrowing as she stared at me. "You've been acting all weird since we left the café."

I shifted, my fingers tightening around the edge of my seat. "Nothing's going on," I said, meeting her gaze. "Just some paperwork I forgot to file."

She snorted, folding her arms. "You're a terrible liar, you know that?"

I touched my nose instinctively, then dropped my hand, heat creeping up my cheeks. "I'm fine," I insisted.

Belinda's lips parted, ready to argue, "But..."

"Can we drop it?" I snapped at her.

She caught the look in my eyes and sighed, turning back to face the front. "Fine. But you're gonna spill eventually, Sienna. I'm not letting you sulk forever."

The car fell quiet, save for the soft hum of the radio and the occasional honk from the street outside. Belinda started up after a few minutes, asking Jason questions about his job, his training, even his taste in music. He answered with short, clipped responses, his eyes flicking to the mirrors in alert.

While they talked, I was grateful for the space to sink back into my thoughts. The idea of walking into that warehouse, surrounded by men who would kill without hesitation, made my stomach lurch. What was to stop them from taking the drive and putting a bullet in my head? Or worse, coming after Zane once they had what they wanted? I wasn't a fool. I had grown up in the shadow of my father's world, even if I hadn't known it at the time. Trusting the cartel was like trusting a wolf not to bite when you dangled meat in front of it.

But what choice did I have? If I told Zane, he would lock me down and take over, maybe even confront the cartel himself. And that would mean war and more blood, bodies and, chaos that had already cost us Noah, still fighting for his life in a hospital bed. I couldn't let that happen. I needed to end this my way, to prove to Zane I could stand with him and not just cower behind him. I needed him to see me as an equal, not a burden. But the fear was there too, knowing that I was probably walking into a trap.

Belinda laughed at something Jason said, but there was an edge to it, like she was trying to keep the mood light for my sake. She glanced back at me. "You sure you're okay, Sienna?"

I forced a smile. "I'm fine," I said.

The car slowed as we pulled into the office building's underground garage and Jason parked, the engine cutting off with a soft click.

I reached for the door handle. I smiled at Belinda as we stepped out. I wrapped my arms around myself as we headed for the elevator.

I was terrified of what was waiting for me in that warehouse, but I was more scared of losing Zane. I had to do this to find a way to end it without either of us getting hurt.

The elevator doors slid open, and we stepped inside, my finger hovering over the button for the top floor. My heart pounded, my breath shallow, but I pressed it anyway, the doors closing with a soft thud. Then I straightened, steadying my shaky hands. I was Sienna Ellison, my father's daughter, and I wasn't running anymore.

Z ֍ A ֍ N ֍ E

ZANE

I leaned against my desk with my arms crossed, trying to keep my face blank as Sienna stepped out of the elevator with Belinda and Jason behind her. The sight of her commanding presence hit me like a fist to the chest.

Her dark hair spilling over her shoulders, bouncing with each step she took closer to me. It slightly brushed the curve of her chest in a way that made my pulse spike. Her fitted jacket hugged her body, and the way her jeans clung to her hips sent a jolt through me. As always, my body was reacting lustfully as my eyes settled over the rise and fall of her boobs as she walked. My dick started to grow bigger in a way that was both infuriating and embarrassing.

I shifted my weight, staying behind the desk, grateful for the barrier that hid the evidence of my erection. The last thing I needed was her friend, Belinda's eyes to catch on, and turn this into a joke. I gripped the edge of the desk with my hands as I fought to keep my focus, but Sienna's sexy presence was pulling my thoughts into dangerous territory.

Inside, I was torn between the promise I had made to my brothers, who had demanded I handle Sienna, and the way my blood heated every time she was near. That photo Damian had tossed on my desk, her sitting across from the scarred-faced man in that café, and I kept asking the same questions. Why was she there? What was she hiding?

"I would have expected to see the entire LA up here. Belinda asked, looking around. "Belinda" Sienna started, but Belinda continued,

"This place is like a tomb tonight," she said, her red curls bouncing as she scanned the empty floor. "What's with the lockdown vibe, Zane? Are you hiding state secrets or something?"

I forced a smile, pushing off the desk, but staying behind it, my body was not relaxed enough. "Security protocol," I said, "After the bomb blast, I'm not taking chances. Top floor is off-limits without clearance."

Sienna's eyes met mine, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe. She looked calm, but there was a tightness in her jaw that made my chest ache. I wanted to cross the room, pull her aside and demand answers about the cartel and the drive. I needed her to tell me about all the secrets she was keeping. But I couldn't, not with Belinda watching and Jason standing by the elevator.

Belinda tilted her head, her lips curving into a grin. "Well, Mr. Security, how about a tour? I want to see what makes this place tick."

I glanced at Sienna, expecting her to protest, but she just shook her head, " Perfect, I've got work to do anyway," she said, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. "You two go ahead."

My gut twisted with suspicion, flaring at her words. Was she staying back to hack into my systems? Or was it something else tied to that drive and the cartel? I wanted to ask why she had agreed without argument but Belinda was already moving, her heels clicking as she headed toward the conference room, expecting me to follow. I nodded at Sienna, "Jason's at the door. Don't go anywhere without him."

"Got that already, Sir" She nodded, her eyes darting away, and I turned to follow Belinda. I could feel her gaze lingering on my back, and I fought the urge to turn around, to see if she was watching me or already slipping into my office to do God-knows-what.

Belinda's chatter filled the air as we walked through the conference room while she kept dropping her questions about the company.

I answered absentmindedly since my mind was elsewhere. We reached the server room and Belinda stopped placing her hands on her hips. "Okay, Zane, enough with the tour-guide act," she said. "What's going on with you and Sienna?"

I froze at my spot for a moment, then leaned against the wall, crossing my arms. "What're you talking about?" I asked, hoping I sounded as blank as I wanted.

She sighed. "Don't play dumb. I saw the way you looked at her back there, like you were torn between kissing her and locking her in a vault. She's scared, Zane. Really scared. Whatever she's tangled up in with those cartel guys, it's eating her alive."

My chest tightened, my hands curling into fists in my pockets. "She told you about the cartel?" I asked.

Belinda nodded. "Not everything. She's too stubborn for that. But I was there, Zane. I saw her in that café, talking to that guy with the scar. She was trying to act tough, but I know her. She's terrified. And she's trying to handle it alone because she thinks she has to."

"Why's she doing it?" I asked. "Why's she meeting them behind my back?"

Belinda stepped closer, her voice fierce now. "Because she loves you, you idiot. She's trying to fix whatever mess she's in so you don't have to. She thinks if she can handle it, you'll trust her, see her as more than just a burden. But she's in over her head, Zane. She's always looked after herself, but this time? She might not make it out."

My breath caught, her words slicing through me. Had I hurt her? Had my distance and suspicion pushed her to this?

"You think I don't know she's in danger?" I snapped. "The cartel's coming for us, Belinda, If Sienna's working with them, if she's betraying us..."

"She's not," Belinda cut in. "You don't know her like I do. She's loyal, Zane. To you. To whatever you two have. But she's scared, and she's trying to prove something. You need to talk to her, figure out what she's doing before she gets herself killed."

I ran a hand through my hair. "And if she's lying and playing us all?"

Belinda's eyes softened, but her voice didn't waver. "Then you'll deal with it. But don't assume the worst just because you're scared too. She loves you, Zane even after you laughed it off when she told you."

I felt a wave of guilt wash over me as Belinda continued to talk about Sienna's love for me. I had been cold and distant to her lately, letting my suspicions build a wall between us. Had she gone to Belinda because I had pushed her away? The thought made my chest ache,

"We need to get back," I said, turning toward the office. "Before she starts wondering."

Belinda nodded, falling into step beside me. "Promise me you'll keep an eye on her, Zane. Don't let her do this alone."

I nodded at her. "I will," I said, the words a vow I wasn't sure I could keep. I had promised the brotherhood I would handle her. Time was running out, and I had to choose between keeping her safe and keeping Atlas standing.

SIENNA.

I set my bag down, my hands trembling as I pulled out my laptop and the USB drive. The second, they were gone. Zane's scent lingered in the air, making my breath hitch, the weight of what I was about to do pressing down on me.

I plugged the drive into my laptop, the screen flickering to life as the encrypted files loaded. My hands shook as I typed in the passcode we had cracked days ago. I was not surprised to find the fund there in an offshore account, hidden behind layers of shell companies and fake names. It was the figure that shocked me.

The cartel wanted it, and I could give it to them, but only if I had a plan. My eyes darted to the door every few seconds, half-expecting Jason to barge in or Zane to return too soon. But I pushed it down, focusing on the numbers shifting as I moved the funds into the new account bit by bit.

The process was slow but I couldn't rush it. One slip, and the cartel would know and Zane would find out before I was ready. I couldn't let that happen. The decoy drive was my backup plan. I grabbed a blank USB from the desk drawer, identical to the first one Travis had copied the file into. I needed the blank USB containing the dummy files to hand it over at the warehouse, and buy myself time. If the cartel took the bait, I could disappear with the real funds and keep Zane safe.

"If they didn't..." I swallowed hard, my hands pausing over the keyboard. That would mean I would be dead before dawn.

I exhaled, my fingers moving faster now, the transfers nearly complete. I opened a folder of random documents, copying old spreadsheets, meeting notes, anything that looked official enough to pass a quick glance. My fingers worked in steady glides, but inside, I was scared of what awaited me.

The transfers finished with a soft ping, and I leaned back, taking long breaths. The funds were safe, hidden in an account only I could access. The decoy drive was ready, its files convincing enough to fool the cartel for a few hours, maybe a day. I unplugged both drives, slipping the real one back into my pocket and tucking the decoy into my bag.

The door swung open, and I flinched, my hand flying to my bag to cover the decoy drive. Zane stepped in, Belinda trailing behind him, her voice bright as she gestured at the office. "This place is insane, Sienna," she said, her eyes wide. "You didn't tell me Zane's got a whole command center up here. It's like something out of a spy movie."

Zane's gaze settled on me and my stomach dropped as I noticed he was acting differently. His eyes flicked to my laptop before meeting mine. "Everything okay?" he asked,

I nodded, my throat tight. "Just finishing up," I said, closing my laptop with a soft click. My fingers brushed the decoy drive in my bag, and I forced a smile, hoping it looked natural. "Got what I needed."

Belinda plopped into a chair, her legs swinging over the armrest. "You're such a workaholic," she teased. "What's so important it couldn't wait till tomorrow?"

I shrugged. "Just tying up loose ends," I said. Zane's eyes lingered on me, and for a moment, I thought he was going to push for answers I wasn't ready to give. But he just nodded.

"Jason's waiting. "You should head out," he said.

I stood, Belinda hopped up, linking her arm with mine as we headed for the door. "Come on, Sienna," she said. "Let's get you home before you turn into a zombie."

"Okay."

Belinda's phone beeped and she pulled it out of her pocket to check it out. "Oh shoot! I have to drop by our place. Need to be at work in the morning." Belinda squealed, reluctantly taking her eyes off the screen.

"Okay. Sure you don't want to just come with us?"

"I will be fine. I trust Zane to keep you fed and safe. Don't worry about me, okay," Belinda said.

I glanced back at Zane, his eyes on me but distant. When it was over, I would tell him everything and pray he would understand and still look at me like I was his.

SIENNA.

I stared out the window to look at Belinda's retracting back, her warm hug still lingered on my skin. I made sure she was safely inside the apartment before turning away from the window.

Zane sat beside me, his hands gripping the steering wheel as he drove us to the penthouse. The air between us was heavy with awkwardness, so thick I could slice a knife through it. My body ached to lean closer, but I clenched my fists instead. After tonight, maybe I could earn Zane's trust, but not at that moment.

Behind us, Jason's car trailed. Zane had insisted on this arrangement, him driving me while Jason followed. I shifted in my seat and stole a glance at Zane. I caught the flicker of his gaze in the rearview mirror, checking on Jason's car.

The radio crackled to life as Zane reached for the dial, his fingers brushing the controls with a casual grace that made my breath hitch. A country song spilled out. I turned my head, pretending to study the passing storefronts, but my pulse thrummed in my ears, betraying me. His fragrance filled the car, wrapping around me until I could barely think. I wanted to hate him for the way he made my body betray my mind, but hating Zane was like trying to hate a storm. It just was.

The country song faded, replaced by a talk show host's overly cheerful voice. "Good evening, folks! It's Tuesday, August 5, and we've got a great show lined up for you this evening..."

The date hit me like a fist to the chest on August 8th. My parents' death anniversary. The air in the car suddenly seemed to thin, making my lungs struggle to pull in a full breath. I pressed my hand to my chest as memories of the tragic night popped up in my head. I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the images away to no avail.

"Are you okay?" Zane asked. I didn't miss the concern in his voice.

I opened my eyes. "Yeah. Just... thinking."

Just then an idea sparked through my grief as we drove near a cathedral. There was a cathedral nearby. Like most cathedral buildings, they always have a back exit that could lead me out, away from Zane and Jason's watchful eyes. If I could get there, I could slip away to meet the Scarred-faced Man. Alone.

"I need to stop somewhere," I said, turning to Zane. "There's a cathedral nearby. St. Peters. Today's... It's the anniversary of my parents' deaths. I want to pray for them."

His eyes flicked to me, making my heart stutter, but I held his gaze, letting my lips quiver just enough to let out my unshed tears.

"Sienna... I am sorry about that." His voice softened, but there was an edge to it. "It's not safe out there. Can you do it at the house?"

"I need it to be at the cathedral, Zane. It's their anniversary" I insisted, leaning forward, letting my hand brush his arm. The contact sent a jolt through me, and I saw his jaw tighten. "Please, Zane. It's just a church. I'll be quick. Jason can come with me."

He exhaled sharply through his nose, his fingers flexing on the wheel. For a moment, I thought he could see through the flimsy excuse. But then he nodded. "Fine. But you stay close to Jason. No wandering off. Understand?"

I nodded. "Crystal, thank you."

Zane pulled into the parking lot, the gravel crunching under the tires, with Jason's headlights behind us. Zane cut the engine, then turned to me, his eyes locking onto mine, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe well.

"Don't do anything stupid, Sienna," he said, "I'll be expecting you out here in twenty minutes."

I nodded, not trusting my voice, and pushed the door open. I stepped out, making my way toward the cathedral's towering doors. Jason's heavy footsteps trailed me, but I kept my steps steady. I couldn't let him see the plan taking shape in my mind.

Inside the cathedral, the air was thick with the scent of wax and incense. I moved toward the front pew and knelt at one near the altar. I bowed my head, pretending to pray. My lips moved, forming silent words, but my mind was mapping the cathedral's layout. The ladies' room was to the left, down a narrow hallway lined with confessionals. Beyond it was a side exit that led to an alley. If I could get there without Jason noticing, I could make it to the meeting point.

I stole a glance over my shoulder. Jason stood near the entrance, his eyes scanning the pews. When his attention drifted, he turned to check the doors. I rose and walked toward the hallway.

I passed a confessional and the ladies' room was just ahead. I glanced back at Jason, who was still at the entrance, his back to me, checking his phone. I slipped into the ladies' room and swung the door shut behind me with a soft thud. I moved quickly as I pushed open the faucet while I pushed the window above the sink. I hoisted myself up.

The alley outside was dark. I landed softly, my heels sinking into the gravel, and froze, listening for footsteps and shouts. Nothing. Clearly, Jason hadn't noticed yet. I forced myself to move, sticking to the shadows as I hurried down the alley. The meeting point was the warehouse by the river. The Scarred-faced Man would be there, waiting.

The Scarred Face Man had been to come alone, or the deal was off. I couldn't risk Jason or Zane finding me. Not now, when I was so close.

֍

The cathedral's spires faded behind me as I turned a corner. My heels clicked too loudly against the pavement. The warehouse was three blocks away, if I could just get there without Jason or Zane catching up. The alley opened onto a lone street, and I slowed down as I approached the door to the warehouse. Its metal surface felt slick under my fingers. The hinges made a funny sound as I pushed it open, the sound echoing in the cavernous space inside. Dust hung thick in the air, catching the faint light of a single bulb swinging from the ceiling. I stepped inside let the door creak shut behind me.

The silence in the warehouse was broken only by the drip of a leak somewhere in the shadows. I moved deeper into the warehouse, my eyes darting to every corner for any movement.

A soft scrape broke the silence, like a boot scuffing against concrete. I stood, as my body tensed up. A figure emerged in the dim light. My breath caught with relief when I recognized him. He was here. The Scarred Face Man. He stepped closer like a predator sizing up its prey.

"Sienna," he said. "You came alone?"

I nodded, my throat tight. "Yes. Just like you said."

His lips twitched, and he tilted his head, studying me. "Good. You're smarter than I thought." He stepped closer, and I fought the urge to back away. I held my ground.

He opened his mouth to speak, but before the words could form, the door behind him groaned open. My heart stopped. The Scarred Face Man's eyes narrowed, his hand dropping to his side, and I turned, dread pooling in my stomach.

A figure stepped into the light, his silhouette was a presence that filled the room.

Zane.

Fury erupted in my chest. He had followed me. Of course, he had. He had ruined everything. Everything I had risked was shattered in an instant.

"You traitor!" The Scarred Face Man's voice cut as He stepped back, his scar twisting as his face contorted with rage. "You brought him here? You think you can play me?" His hand moved, and I caught the glint of his gun. My stomach lurched, but I couldn't tear my eyes from Zane.

"I didn't..." I started, but the Scarred Face Man cut me off.

"You'll pay for this, Sienna. You'll feel our wrath. We don't forget." He backed toward the door, his eyes darting between me and Zane. "This isn't over." With a final glare, he turned and bolted, his footsteps echoing as he disappeared into the warehouse.

He was gone, my chance slipping through my fingers, and Zane stood there, silent, and that only fueled my anger. I spun on him, my fists flying before I could stop myself. They connected with his chest, hard and unyielding, the impact jarring my wrists. I hit him again and again.

"How could you?" I screamed, "You ruined everything! Everything!" My fists pounded against him. He didn't move or flinch. He just stood there, letting me rage.

"Why?" I whispered. "Why couldn't you just let me go?"

He opened his mouth, but before he could speak, a sound cut through the silence. Zane's eyes snapped toward the noise, his hand moving to his side. Someone else was there with us.

ZANE.

Sienna had charged at me before I could speak, her small fists slamming into my chest with a force that surprised me. Each hit landed with a dull thud, her knuckles grazing the leather of my jacket. I stood still, letting her rage, letting her pour every ounce of her frustration into me. A laugh bubbled up in my throat, not because I thought her anger was funny, but because she had no idea how close she had come to dying that night.

Her mischievous plan to sneak out of the cathedral, meeting that scar-faced bastard in this rotting warehouse, was so reckless it bordered on suicide, yet I had allowed her to carry on like I didn't know. Jason had informed me the second she strolled out, and I had given him the order to step down, just to see how deep she was going to go. If my brothers hadn't walked in when they did, if I hadn't followed her, she would be a body on the floor, not a fury throwing punches.

"Zane, you ruined everything!" She yelled while her fists continued to land on my chest. Her hair fell loose from its knot, strands sticking to her sweat-dampened forehead, and her eyes glistened with tears she refused to let fall. I wanted to grab her wrists and shake some sense into her, but I stayed rooted, my arms at my sides. She needed this, needed to burn through the anger before she could hear me enough to understand the danger she was in.

The door behind me creaked, and my hand twitched toward the gun at my hip, but I let it drop as I recognized our company. Damian, Liam, Ethan, and Noah quietly made their way in, my brothers. Relief flickered in my chest, but I kept my eyes on Sienna. She froze mid-swing, her breath hitching as she registered their presence too, her gaze darting past me to the four figures stepping into the light.

They had come because I had called them, partly because I wanted them to see she was not hiding anything that could threaten our empire. She was merely playing with her cards in a very foolish way. Mostly because I knew Sienna's stunt would land her in deeper shit than she could handle. And I was right. Just like Belinda had hinted, she was headed on a deadly path, and I needed the rest to see her for what she was and not misjudge her.

Sienna's fists dropped, but the fire in her eyes didn't dim. "What are they doing here?" She was trembling with something that wasn't just anger anymore. She stepped back, her gaze flicking between me and my brothers.

I couldn't help it, as she acted like our prisoner, caught in the act of trying to escape. I laughed again, the sound echoed in the space.

"What is funny?" She yelled at me.

"You think this was about me ruining your plan?" I said, "You think you were outsmarting everyone, sneaking out to meet that bastard?" I pulled the tablet from my jacket, the screen already glowing with the images I had been sent minutes ago. My thumb swiped across it, pulling up the first photo, and I held it out to her.

Her eyes narrowed, then widened as she took in the image. It was a body sprawled in an alley, blood pooling beneath a shaved head, a rifle lying just out of reach. "See that? He's a hired sniper. One of the three my brothers had taken out around the warehouse before I had even stepped inside." I swiped again, showing her the second, then the third, all positioned to take her out. The second she showed her face after their deal.

Her breath hitched, her hand flew to her mouth, and for the first time, I saw the realization hit her. She knew she had been played. "The Scarred Face Man hadn't come to give you answers; he had come to end you. You trusted them. You thought you could walk into their trap and walk out with secrets."

I stepped closer, close enough to feel the heat of her, to see the way her lips trembled, the way her eyes flickered with shame and fear. "If I hadn't followed you, and we were not here, you would be dead."

She shook her head, her hands balling into fists again, but she didn't swing this time. Her gaze dropped to the tablet, then back to me, and I saw the fight drain out of her. "I... I didn't know," she whispered.

Damian stepped forward. "You're in deep, Sienna," he said, "Deeper than you can realize. The cartel you're tangled with doesn't play trivia games. You're either with us, or you're with them. Pick a side. Now."

Her eyes flicked to him, then to Liam, Ethan, Noah, and back to me. I could see the gears turning in her mind.

"I..." She swallowed, then pulled out a flash drive from her bag. She held it out, her fingers shaking while her eyes locked on mine. "This is everything I have been keeping. Names, dates, locations. The cartel's plans. I thought... I thought I could use it to get out and be free."

"You're not free yet, but you're with us now. That's a start." Liam snorted,

Damian pushed off the crate. "About time she picked a side," he muttered, but there was no real venom in it anymore. Ethan and Noah nodded.

"We need to move," Noah said, glancing at the door. "This place isn't safe. They will know she didn't die, and they will come for her again."

I nodded, my hand resting on Sienna's arm, guiding her toward the door. She didn't resist, but I felt the tension in her, the way her muscles coiled under my touch. She was scared, maybe even ashamed, but she was with us now. That was enough. For now.

I kept my hand on her arm, not tight, but firm enough to let her know I wasn't letting her out of my sight again.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see that the screen showed an unknown number. The text was short, but the content was all I needed.

My grip tightened on Sienna's arm, and she looked up at me, questioning, "What is it?"

"Belinda's in trouble. They know you betrayed them."

"Oh my God!" Sienna screamed, clasping a palm over her mouth.

֍ ֍ ֍

ZANE.

My body reverted to Sienna's tantrum, her fists pounded the headrest in front of her, each was a dull thud that echoed in the vehicle. Her screams pierced through the silence nonstop.

"You're just going to keep sitting there, Zane. You don't care that they have got Belinda?" Her voice cracked as she twisted in her seat.

I gripped the armrest, speeding through the streets. Sienna didn't understand and despite how hard I wanted to explain, she couldn't. The cartel wasn't some street gang we could storm with guns blazing. They were a calculated group whose every move played was designed to draw blood. Rushing into their hideout would be like walking into their plan. Belinda was alive, for now. That was the only leverage we had, and I wasn't about to squander it on Sienna's impulsive rage.

"Zane, say something. I hate this unbothered silence." Sienna's voice hit a new pitch, loud enough to make my ears ring. She slammed her palm against the seat, "We need to go now! She's my sister!"

Damian, who was behind the wheel, let out a low whistle, hunching his broad shoulders. His eyes flicked to mine in the rearview mirror, but he didn't say a word. He didn't have to; I knew that look. He was one frayed nerve away from snapping. "This chick's going to make me crash," he muttered, barely audible over Sienna's yelling.

I didn't respond since my gaze was fixed back on her, whose face Sienna was flushed, with fury out of fear for Belinda's fate. Her hands trembled as they balled into fists. I wanted to pull her close to tame that wildness. But that was a dangerous thought. Not when she was out of comprehension of what the danger was.

I needed to focus on the cartel's method of operation, which was always the same. They bait, trap, then eliminate. They had taken Belinda to lure us into making a mistake. I could see it unfolding in my mind, their hideout, which was always a nondescript warehouse on the edge of the city with snipers. Men who would kill without blinking. I had made the same call enough to know the playbook. They wanted us emotional and reckless. Sienna was giving them exactly what they needed.

"Zane!" Her scream snapped me back. She lunged across the seat, her fingers touching my jacket. "Why aren't you listening? We have to save her."

I caught her wrists. "Sienna, stop for a minute. You're not thinking straight. If we go in now, we're dead. Belinda's dead. You want that?"

Her eyes widened, a flash of hurt cutting through the anger. She yanked her hands free. "Don't you dare put that on me," she hissed. "You're the one who's stalling. You're supposed to call the shots, right? So why are you acting like a spineless..."

"Enough!" Damian's voice cut her off. He jerked the wheel slightly, the SUV swerving just enough to make us sway. "I'm done with this noise." His hand dipped into the console, and before I could react, he pulled out a sleek tranquilizer gun. The move was practiced like he had done it repeatedly. He caught my eye in the mirror again. He had a single raised brow asking for permission.

Sienna was too caught up in her fury to notice. I gave Damian a subtle nod quickly. He didn't hesitate as he pressed on the tranquilizer gun, it hissed off a soft puff of air, and a dart buried itself in Sienna's thigh.

She froze, her mouth half-open, "What the-" she managed to say before her eyes fluttered. Her body slumped, and I caught her just as her head dropped forward. Her head fell on my shoulder. I adjusted her carefully, cradling her neck so it wouldn't strain. The silence that followed was rewarding for our despicable action.

Damian let out a long, exaggerated sigh as he relaxed his shoulders. "Thank Christ," he muttered, tossing the tranquilizer gun back onto the console. "Women are always a damn mess. Screaming, crying, making everything harder than it needs to be."

I didn't answer. I brushed my fingers through Sienna's hair, the strands felt silky under my touch. She looked peaceful now since her features had softened. The angry fire in her eyes was now hidden behind her closed lids.

My chest tightened in a pull I couldn't ignore. She was beautiful, even in her chaos, and that was the problem. She made me feel things I couldn't afford to feel. Not now. Not when the cartel was waiting for us to slip.

The thought didn't stop me from tracing the curve of her jaw with my eyes. I memorized the way her lips parted slightly as she slept. She was a damsel, sure, but not the kind who waited quietly for rescue. She was a fighter and I was her anchor whether I liked it or not.

Damian kept talking, his voice distracting me from my vain thoughts. "You gotta admit, she's got guts. Stupid, but gutsy. Charging into a cartel hideout? Your girl's got a death wish." He chuckled, shaking his head. "You sure you can handle her, man?"

I ignored him, my focus back on Sienna. Her snore grew softer, and I shifted to keep her steady as the SUV hit a bump. My hand lingered in her hair, and I let myself imagine, just for a second, what it would be like to wake up to that sound every morning.

I shoved the thought down, locking it away. The cartel didn't care about my feelings, and neither could I.

My mind drifted back to the problem at hand. Belinda. The cartel had her, and they weren't playing for small stakes. They had taken her to send a message that we couldn't double-cross them without a reaction. One wrong step, and we'd all be dead.

The city became flooded with sensory light as we reached the penthouse. Damian pulled into the underground garage, the SUV's tires squealing faintly on the polished concrete. Sienna stirred, letting a soft murmur escape her lips, but she didn't wake. I lifted her carefully, her body felt light in my arms, and carried her toward the elevator. Damian followed silently.

The elevator hummed as it climbed, the numbers ticking up too slowly. Sienna's head rested against my chest, her breath warmed through my shirt. I caught myself watching her again.

The elevator dinged, the doors sliding open to the penthouse entrance. I carried Sienna to the leather couch just inside, laying her down gently. Her hair fanned across the cushion, and I resisted the urge to brush it back. Damian leaned against the wall, watching me with a smirk. "You're in deep, brother," he said. "Hope you know what you're doing."

"Shut up," I muttered when Sienna stirred. She shouldn't be up until we have a plan ready. That was the only way she would forgive us for sending her to sleep without her consent.