Page 78 of Brutal Truths

Pauly gives a sharp whistle. Bear stops shaking Drake’s arm, but he doesn’t release him. The low growl vibrating through him makes it clear—one wrong move, it all starts again.

“Slowly reach inside your jacket and place your weapon on the ground.” Lane instructs Mr. Doyle, his voice calm but firm.

“Good boy, Bear. Hold him still.” Pauly keeps his pistol trained on Drake’s head as he pats him down. “Princess, mind checking his legs for a second one.”

“Not at all.” I step in, lifting the fabric of his pant legs, careful not to get too close to Bear’s line of attack. “Nothing.”

“Now kick it to me,” Lane orders his man.

Mr. Doyle kicks the gun, sliding it Lane’s way. Keeping his man in sight, he leans down and picks it up. “Wylan, you good?”

“I got him. He moves. I shoot.”

When I glance over at Aiden’s brother, I notice his hands are shaking. Barely, but enough. His aim is on Mr. Doyle, though.

Guess he’s not used to this. Can’t say I am, either.

Lane doesn’t waver. He keeps his gun trained on the mob boss as he steps closer, lowering it to aim at Mr. Doyle’s crotch. “Move and I’ll shoot your dick off.”

He does a quick pat-down, pulling another weapon from the back of the older man’s waistband.

While he does that, Pauly produces a pair of zip-tie cuffs and presses them into my hands. “His good hand first. Tight. Then loop it over the other one.”

I do as he says. Bear doesn’t ease up on Drake’s arm, which makes it harder, but not impossible. Once I have him secured, I push to my feet, dragging in a steady breath.

The room is tight with tension.

Lane must have handcuffed Mr. Doyle while I was taking care of Drake. He’s back in the chair, restrained, gun still on him. But Lane’s words are meant for me. “You okay?”

“Yep.” I exhale sharply and then remember my grandmother is right behind me.

Or she was. She’s gone.

My gaze flicks toward the doorway, my mind already filling in the gaps. Misty or Kimber must’ve gotten her out. Took her somewhere safe. Far away from this damn mess.

“You wanna tell me what happened,” Lane asks. “How the hell did these fuckers get inside?”

“That I don’t know. When I heard my door close, I thought it was Aiden. I’m just as surprised as you that they’re here.” I drop my arse on the bed. “You going to tell Bear to let him go?”

“Should I?” Pauly’s voice caries a note of irritation. “He seems to be enjoying himself. Serves him right, don’t you agree?”

“Fine by me.” I push myself off the bed and turn to leave.

Once again my feet falter when I notice the man filling the doorway.

Blood stains his clothes. His expression is dark enough to make the air in the room shift. Rage burns in his eyes.

“Aiden,” my breath catches, relief and something else tangling in my chest at the sight of him.

“Somebody better tell me what the fuck is going on,” he growls. “I’ve had a fuck shit day and I’m in no mood.”

Chapter 23

Aiden

After the shitty afternoon I’ve had, walking into this chaos doesn’t help. I’m on edge, ready to hunt and kill Rurik. He’s been sitting at the top of my kill list all week.

Until now.