Bound By Blood: (The Betrayed Series Book 2) (28 page)

“Are you all set?” I reiterate.

“Yep, all set boss.” He gives me a thumbs up.

“Everything? Including what you need for the security desk?” I question.

Brighton looks up, meeting my gaze for the first time. “Of course, when am I ever not prepared? That’s Noah.”

Rolling my eyes, I ignore his jab. “All right. It’s go time. Let’s suit up and roll out.” With quick, efficient movements, they all file out of the area, getting what they need.

“Suit up? What are we, superheroes?” Cooper asks.

Noah sidles up to Cooper, clapping him on the shoulder before he speaks. “Think of it this way, Coop, my man. We are superheroes that save the world. Just not ones people can ever know about. And we have to listen to our fearless leader use crap-tastic phrases like ‘suit up’.” Shaking his head, he loudly whispers, “Yeah, he really needs a new phrase. Better yet, a new vocabulary! Maybe we should get him a thesaurus for Christmas?”

Groaning, I have to fight the urge to laugh as I say, “Get a move on, you two. We’ve got a party to crash!”

Thirty minutes later, we roll to a stop around the corner from building 2421. I remember this building vividly; it wasn’t hard to remember before, but now . . . now it’s tainted with her memory, each one rolling around in my mind. Sam’s warning blares brightly, reminding me to lock the princess in her ivory tower. It’s the only way to forge on and find my Goddess. With the princess securely locked away, I nod to Brighton, letting him know it’s time.

With a few strokes of his keys, he’s already accessed their security system.

“We good?” I ask.

“Yeah, it’s all set. I’ll have eyes on you the entire time. Everyone has earpieces so I can communicate if something goes wrong.” Stopping, he makes direct eye contact with the Colonel. “When you go, in you will be able to go right up to the guard. All you have to tell him is that you are all here for a meeting with Sang-Hyun. He should let you right on up. If not, then fall back on phase two, and I will come man the front desk while you take his key card and access the elevator.”

The Colonel nods, showing his understanding.

“Everyone clear on what the mission is?” My voice rings clear, the Alpha back in his rightful place.

Anticipation hums, thrumming in my veins as I make eye contact with each member of my team. With each of them nodding their consent, we exit the vehicle, cross the street and make our journey to the building. Upon entering the lobby, the security guard stands then heads in our direction until he notices Chee and stops in his tracks. The Colonel comes forward, playing the part perfectly.

Looking him straight in the eye, he never misses a beat as he says, “I’m here for the meeting with Sang-Hyun. I brought the gentlemen he requested.”

The guard gives us a once over, holding me in his gaze longer than the others. His brow creases in determination as if he’s trying to work out a puzzle. Still holding my stare, he hesitates for a moment and reaches toward the telephone on the desk. Bypassing the phone, he grabs the key card and walks to the elevator, pressing the button. My heart races as I release the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.

Following his lead, we pile into the elevator as he uses the card to give us access to the penthouse. Stepping out, he looks to the Colonel and says, “Enjoy your evening, Mr. Chee.” With a terse nod in response, the door closes. Brighton’s voice crackles over the COM as the elevator starts its ascension.

“Two potential targets at ten and two the moment your pony ride comes to a stop.”

“Understood,” I reply dryly.

The ping of the elevator signals our arrival as the doors smoothly glide open. Stepping into the expansive foyer, the Colonel takes the lead, coming to the front. The two gorillas guarding the entry converge on us the moment we exit, encroaching on our space and walking right up to Chee.

“What are you doing here?” the guard barks.

“Following orders,” the Colonel replies smoothly.

My eyes roam over the guards as they talk, thinking through all the different scenarios, every possible way we could take them out of commission. Guard two nervously looks up, making eye contact with me. Gulping, he reaches up to adjust the sunglasses perched on his nose with a slight tremor. Gotcha. He’s green. A newbie. If need be, he’ll be the first taken out. My attention flits back to the conversation.

“It’s your head. Sang-Hyun called me an hour ago and asked me to bring them. You know how he gets when things aren’t done, but by all means, turn them away.” The Colonel waves a hand dismissively at the guard.

“I’m sorry, Chee. We have strict orders not to let anyone in,” the guard says, his voice full of steel.

Brighton’s voice comes through the COM. “If you plan on seeing Sang-Hyun, you better do something. It looks like he’s making a move to leave out the back.” Fuck! Thinking quickly, I say the first thing that comes to mind and hope it doesn’t come back to bite me in the ass.

“Maybe you should let your boss know that if he wants to continue his business with Joon Ra that he will speak with me. North Korea has no problem taking our business elsewhere.”

Colonel Parker’s shoulders go slightly rigid, a mild tension barely noticeable to the eye. Yet, everyone on my team stiffens, catching his immediate reaction. I read his files; he knows I have top secret information that could be potentially dangerous for all of us. Anger and rage fill me as I think of Sang-Hyun trying to escape. I had no choice. I will stop at nothing to find her.

Ice fills me, flooding my gaze as it bores into the guard. Nodding, he says, “Very well, one moment.” Pointing to the other guard, he motions for him to stay while he stomps off in the direction of the parlor.

Casually, the Colonel glares at me from the corner of his eye. Throwing him a wink, I tilt my lips up at the corner with a confident smile and a little shrug. One that says “What was I supposed to do?” If that was supposed to placate him and make him feel any better, I was wrong. All it seemed to do was ruffle his feathers and agitate him further. His ears had a plum hue that was a little worrisome, to tell the truth. Before I could move closer to ask about it, gorilla number one comes back.

Curtly, he nods to the newbie and says, “He will see you. Pat them down to make sure they’re not armed.”

“Do you really think I would be so stupid as to bring men here to meet with the boss armed?” Colonel Parker snaps, anger evident in his voice. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea that he got riled up.

The guard’s irises expand, growing wide at his outburst. Dismissing the second guard, he waves us through. Colonel Parker looks over his shoulder and winks in our direction. Immediately, the tension in my shoulders drains, allowing me some breathing room. I hadn’t realized I’d been worried he’d be really pissed about my name-dropping. But, hell, it got us in the damn door.

The thoughts buzzing around in my brain stop the moment we pass into the parlor. It’s undergone a transformation since the last time we were here. It’s been transformed into a modern-day gentleman’s club. No, that’s not the right word for it. The place looks like a damn strip club. A stage has been set up in the far corner of the room where silver poles extend from the ceiling to the stage.

Black leather chairs with wide sweeping arms and curved backs like devils wings take up the area around the stage. A small cocktail table sits off to the side to break up the space between the chairs. Brightly colored scarlet couches are scattered throughout the space, adding a splash of color to the dimly lit parlor. The hand-tufted leather sofas are elongated with high rolled arms and antique nail-head trim. The bench seats have expansive backs, making it the perfect spot for a lap dance.

Pulsing lights beat around the room as “Pony” by Far plays in the background. Two dancers enter the stage and start a routine. One is adorned in a black studded bikini and clear six-inch heels and the other a gold bikini, fishnet stockings, and black heels with spikes protruding from the back. Sauntering up to the poles, they start spinning and gyrating, gaining the attention of most of the men in the room. Scantily clad women of all shapes and sizes roam around, serving drinks or giving private dances. My eyes continue their perusal, looking for my target.

The Colonel nudges my shoulder. Giving him a sideways glance, I see him nod toward a dark corner. Narrowing my eyes minutely, I can just make out Sang-Hyun in the shadows. Waiting, watching, like a snake ready to strike. The Colonel takes a step. In the cover of the shadows, I reach out and grab his arm, halting him.

He looks back at me questioningly. Slowly, so as not to draw notice to us, I give a small shake of my head, willing him to understand that he cannot be the one to talk to him. He needs to understand it has to be me. He holds my gaze for several tense moments, never budging. Finally blowing out a breath, he gives a curt nod before disappearing into the crowd.

The song changes as I confidently stride over to Sang-Hyun. “Porn Star Dancing” by My Darkest Days comes on, and I watch as the ambiance in the room changes once more. It’s like they’ve never seen a woman before, pawing at them with barely contained lust. What fuels them? Is it the alcohol? Drugs? Sex? The forbidden desire?

Disgust unfurls in my gut, and I quickly place my emotions in check as I step into the shadows with Sang-Hyun. Suspicion is bright in his gaze as he looks me up and down. He’s at war with himself on whether he should trust me or not. Inwardly, I smile. Tipping his head in my direction, he points to the chair in front of him. Sitting, I wait silently, willing him to be the first to bend.

I’ve not long to wait for a few seconds later he speaks. “I understand you work with Joon Ra.”

Silently, I nod.

“How did I not know this before?” he asks, skeptically.

“It was of no consequence before. A need to know basis, if you will . . . and you didn’t need to know.” I wave my hand in the air dismissively.

His eyebrows scrunch up, irritation unmistakable from the clenching of his fists. Clearing his throat, he says, “Yes, well, as you can imagine, I was a bit . . . surprised to find you worked for him.”

“Hmm. Yes, I’m sure that was a surprise. Nonetheless, I do work for him, and if you wish to do business with him, you go through me. Therefore, if you want to make him happy, you must make me happy . . .” I let the rest of my words remain unsaid.

His fists cinch tighter, turning white around his knuckles. Gnashing his teeth, he grits out, “And just how am I supposed to make you happy, Mr. Devereaux?”

Thrusting my chest out, a smug smile pulls across my mouth. I’ve got him exactly where I want him. Warmth radiates through my body as adrenaline floods my system.

Leaning forward, my voice projects the fact that I have the upper hand when I say, “The girl, the one who was taken . . . I want her.”

All of the color drains from Sang-Hyun’s face. His eyes bulge slightly as his mouth falls open. A moment later, he regains control of himself. Sitting back, he smoothly replies, “I’ve no idea what you speak of.”

Fire fills my veins as I shoot daggers at him with my eyes. Coming to a stand, I bark, “Very well, if that’s how you want to play this. We’re done. I’ll be sure to tell Joon Ra you were less than cooperative.” Huffing, I march in the opposite direction, rage guiding me. Two steps are about as far as I make it when his ironclad grasp lands on my arm. With lightning reflexes, I grasp his hand, twisting it upward, causing him to yelp in pain.

“Do not ever make the mistake of laying a hand on me.” My voice is low and menacing.

His guards surround us in the shadows. Gorilla one from the entryway has a gun aimed at my head, causing me to snarl in his direction.

“You can try it, Sunglasses, but you’ll be dead before you ever fire off a shot,” I growl.

“Back off. We are fine. It was my mistake,” Sang-Hyun hisses to his guards.

Reluctantly, each of them holsters their weapons before slinking back to their posts, never taking me out of their sights. Surprisingly, no one witnessed our little interaction. Well, no one except my team, who is inching closer and closer by the moment, all of who have weapons currently drawn and at the ready. With a shake of my head, they disarm.

Releasing Sang-Hyun, I watch with amusement as he sucks in a breath of relief, rubbing his wrist.

“Come,” he says, gesturing toward the chairs.

“I think I’ll stand.” My defiant tone leaves no room for argument.

“As you wish.” He sighs.

“What do you want? I don’t have all night,” I snap.

“The girl.”

“What about her?” My heart races, drumming ferociously in my chest.

He lets out a heavy sigh. “It will be difficult. She is with someone who will not wish to part with her.”

“It is of no consequence to me. I will pay handsomely.” The frantic pulse thrumming in my ears makes it almost impossible to think straight. I’m so close to finding my Goddess I can taste it.

Sang-Hyun’s eyes light up. “I will need some time. As I said, the other party will not wish to part with her. It will take some convincing.”

My gaze grows hard; looming over him, I stare deeply into his eyes. My voice is dangerously low and menacing as I utter, “You have twenty-four hours to produce her or a location. In that time, if you do not, we will be taking our business elsewhere. You know how to contact me.”

I pause, inhaling a deep breath before adding. “I don’t think I have to tell you what happens when Joon Ra decides a partner is no longer worthy . . .”

Sang-Hyun swallows hard. It’s audible as the tension rolls off of him in waves. He nods his understanding before turning and disappearing into the shadows. My head spins with the possibility of having a location to find my girl within the next twenty-four hours. Rounding up the guys, we exit the penthouse and head for Brighton. The entire way back, my body hums, anticipation coursing through me. My thoughts are abuzz with the possibility of having my Goddess in my arms once again.